Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry which focuses on correction and alignment of misaligned teeth. In Turkey, orthodontics goes beyond this, as it equally addresses bite and mastication issues.
Orthodontic treatments come in different forms and applications, each fashioned for a precise purpose. In the following paragraphs, we will detail the different orthodontic treatments offered in Turkey, and their functions.
Fixed Braces
Fixed braces are little square brackets placed upon the teeth with a wire running through them. This appliance is aimed at straightening your teeth through pressure from the wire to the brackets. They are “fixed” because patients can’t take them off themselves, they’ll need dentists’ assistance.
It takes approximately 18-24 weeks to see final results with fixed braces. During this period, the patient will constantly keep them on, and contact the dentist if it loosens or breaks.
Movable Braces
For minor misalignment cases, movable braces are an excellent treatment choice. These braces come in the form of plastic trays which can be snapped on and off the teeth. The said trays come in different pressure densities for each treatment step till final results are seen.
Made of stainless steel and acrylic, these braces make use of disintegrated stainless steel springs. These springs when moving back to their original positions, pull your teeth into alignment.
Treatment with removable braces is estimated between 12-18 months, after which you should’ve reached expected results.
Functional Appliances
Functional braces or appliances are devices which help reduce front teeth protrusion and overbite. They achieve this by adapting themselves to jaw muscles and encouraging them to grow together.
Orthodontic Headgear
Popularly used in pediatric dentistry, headgears are worn partly in and out of the mouth. This design is aimed at correcting and controlling dental and facial evolution and growth.
Braces Options
Dental Braces
Braces make use of bracket-shaped squares linked by a wire to align your teeth through pressure applied. Depending on the state of your teeth, you might have to go either with traditional, lingual or porcelain bracket braces.
Invisalign/ Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are great alternatives to braces when it comes to teeth alignment. With this method, patients are given a set of trays to snap onto their teeth. These trays will take about a week or two to shift the teeth, then will be swapped for another one. The tray swapping will go on till your teeth finally reach the desired alignment.
Retainers
After straightening your teeth, you’ll want to make sure they stay right there. Retainers are meant to be worn after final results, to help maintain the latter. They could either be fixed or removable, but their aim remains preventing teeth from shifting.
Straight Teeth
Crooked teeth are unappealing, more prone to accumulating bacteria and tartar, and most likely to contract tooth decay. Aligned teeth are aesthetic, and are less likely to attract and conserve food particles. They are also easier to brush and floss, thus reducing chances of accumulating tartar and bacteria.
Self Confidence
Who doesn’t want a smile worth flaunting? Through orthodontics, your smile gets corrected, and your self esteem when smiling, or talking will be out the roof.
Wider Range of Activities
Being deprived of activities because of your teeth is quite unfair. After your orthodontic treatment, you will be able to play the flute and do everything your teeth didn’t let you.
Better Oral Hygiene
By straightening your teeth, orthodontics makes oral hygiene recommendations easier to respect. Brushing and flossing becomes easier, less food gets trapped within teeth and accumulation of tartar and bacteria becomes less probable.
Improved Facial Shape
Misaligned teeth can ruin facial structure. Orthodontic appliances like headgears correct the shape and growth of the teeth, as well as face bone structure.
Better Speech
Suffering from overbite and crooked teeth will put you through hell trying to communicate. Patients suffering from these face difficulties pronouncing some sounds, and some sputter when speaking. Orthodontics put this nightmare to an end and give you normal speaking abilities.
The panoply of services and appliances offered by orthodontics is super vast and wide. This makes fixing standard prices for them difficult, as it equally depends on your oral health state.
Nevertheless, we got your back! Our orthodontists are available for you 24/7, and are willing to grant you a free consultation. By the end of your exchange with them, you will be fixed on what needs to be done for your teeth, as well as its cost.
FAQ
The length of treatment depends on the individual case, but on average, it can take between 18 to 24 months for traditional braces and 12 to 18 months for clear aligners.
Orthodontic treatment may cause some mild discomfort or soreness, especially during the first few days after the braces or aligners are adjusted. But it is not considered painful.
The frequency of appointments varies depending on the individual case, but typically, patients will need to visit the orthodontist every 4-8 weeks for adjustments and check-ups.
Yes, most patients will need to wear a retainer after treatment to ensure that the teeth stay in their new position and to prevent relapse.
Yes, orthodontic treatment can prevent or treat other oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw problems. A proper bite and aligned teeth can help make brushing and flossing easier and reduce the risk of developing these issues.