Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is a method used to eliminate abnormalities in the upper and lower jaws. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that includes the diagnosis of poorly positioned teeth and jaws, the prevention and treatment of malocclusions, and the modification of facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics.

Dental and Jaw Anomalies

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about half of the world’s population has malocclusions severe enough to require orthodontic treatment. While there is no definitive scientific evidence that orthodontic treatment is beneficial for health, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment tend to have a higher quality of life compared to others. Orthodontic treatment can take several years. In cases of severe malocclusion, such as crowding and misalignment of the jaws, jaw surgery may be included in the treatment plan. Orthodontic treatment usually begins before adulthood, often during adolescence. Especially in cases of Class II malocclusion (where the lower jaw is behind) and Class III malocclusion (where the upper jaw is behind), the patient’s skeletal structure can be treated with mild forces without resorting to jaw surgery. Missing the pre-adolescent period in these orthopedic treatments makes the treatment more difficult and prolonged. Therefore, it is essential for parents to ensure that treatment begins at the right time for their adolescent children.

Various factors can cause dental anomalies, whether congenital or acquired. These anomalies can be treated using methods such as braces. Previously used solely for aesthetic purposes, orthodontic treatment is now vital for oral and jaw health.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

1. Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Misaligned teeth can lead to rapid tooth decay and gum inflammation due to poor oral hygiene. Straightened teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and plaque formation.
2. Closes Gaps Between Teeth: Reduces the risk of food accumulation between teeth.
3. Improves Aesthetics: Corrects crowded teeth, enhancing facial aesthetics.
4. Improves Speech: Corrects functional disorders such as mispronunciation of certain letters due to misalignment of front teeth.
5. Enhances Chewing Efficiency: Treating open bite or misalignment between teeth and jaws improves the ability to chew food effectively.

How is Orthodontic Treatment Performed?

The doctor prepares a treatment plan considering the patient’s expectations, the position of the lower jaw, and the patient’s age. The first step in orthodontic treatment involves cleaning tartar and filling cavities. Necessary teeth are extracted, and root canal treatments and fillings are performed. If there are problems with the gums, these are resolved. After these steps, the degree of orthodontic anomalies is determined, and appropriate braces are chosen. Treatment tools such as clear aligners, metal, porcelain braces, expanders, lingual braces, space maintainers, and face masks are selected, and braces are applied.

What to Pay Attention to During Orthodontic Treatment?

• First Day: Prefer soft foods like soup and bread.
• Avoid:
  • Popcorn
  • Sticky foods: Turkish delight, candies
  • Hard foods: nuts, hard candies, raw vegetables, packaged chips
  • Hard bakery products: pretzels, sticks, pizza crust
  • Foods that are bitten with the front teeth: corn, apples, ribs
  • Nail-biting, pencil-biting
  • Acidic beverages: soda, cola, Fanta, which cause enamel discoloration and cavities

Eating these foods can dislodge brackets and bend wires, extending the treatment duration.

• Allowed Foods:
  • Cut foods like apples and carrots into small pieces.
  • Remove seeds from foods like green almonds, olives, and plums outside the mouth.
  • Chew soft dragee gum sparingly to increase saliva flow and keep teeth clean.
  • Consume room-temperature softened chocolate wafers.

Use common sense to decide what to eat and what to avoid.

• Brushing Teeth:

  • Brushing and using an interdental brush are more critical than ever. Insufficient oral hygiene can lead to gum problems and cavities during treatment. Plaque buildup around brackets weakens tooth enamel, causing unattractive white spot lesions.
  • Brush your teeth at least three times a day for at least five minutes each time.
  • Brush your teeth after eating or snacking for at least five minutes using an interdental brush.
  • Use a dry toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Wetting the toothbrush makes the bristles soft, reducing cleaning efficiency.
  • Use orthodontic brushes designed with inward-facing bristles for effective horizontal brushing.

• General Discomfort:

  • You may feel general discomfort in your teeth about four hours after your braces are fitted. Your teeth may become sensitive to chewing forces within three days. Chewing gum or rinsing with cold water can alleviate this.
  • If the sensitivity is severe, you can use a pain reliever with paracetamol.
  • You may feel discomfort in your lips, cheeks, and tongue for a week or two until they get used to the new bracket surfaces.
  • Use orthodontic wax to reduce discomfort from brackets and wires. Avoid sleeping face down to prevent sores. Use mouthwash for any sores that develop.
  • Monthly appointments are typical, and discomfort may start a few hours after the appointment, lasting from three days to a week.

• Tooth Mobility:

  • Tooth mobility during treatment is expected and normal. Teeth will become stable in their new positions after treatment.