What Is Orthodontics or Braces Treatment?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating structural disorders of the jaws, teeth, and facial region. Orthodontic treatment helps guide jaw and tooth development during childhood, ensuring teeth grow into the correct positions. In adults, it corrects existing structural issues such as bite problems, improper tooth contact, and dental crowding.

Who Should Perform Orthodontic Treatment?

This treatment must be performed by specialists who have completed a five-year dentistry program followed by an additional four years of orthodontic training. Dentists who are qualified to diagnose and treat orthodontic conditions are called orthodontists.

Orthodontists complete a rigorous academic and clinical training process, including specialty education, doctoral-level coursework, and professional examinations. It is a medical field requiring extensive practice and long-term expertise.

How Is Orthodontic Treatment Performed?

Orthodontic treatment is performed using appliances that are fixed to the tooth surfaces or jawbone. Depending on the patient's needs, these appliances may be removable or fixed. The duration and method of treatment are determined by the orthodontic specialist.

What Are the Orthodontic Appliances (Brackets) Used in Treatment?

Removable Appliances:

Applied from age seven and above, these are primarily used in growing children to guide jaw development during active growth phases.

Fixed Appliances:

Fixed appliances are categorized into metal, clear, and lingual brackets.

1. Metal Brackets:
2. Bonded to the front surface of the teeth using a special adhesive. Wires placed through the brackets create controlled tooth movement. These are the most commonly used brackets.
3. Clear Brackets:
4. Made of tooth-colored, transparent material, offering a more aesthetic solution, especially preferred by adults.
5. Lingual Brackets:
6. Attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth, making them invisible from the outside. They are aesthetically preferred but generally require a longer treatment period compared to traditional brackets.

When Should You Consult an Orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatment can begin once permanent teeth start erupting—typically between ages 6–7 and continuing until age 12. This period is crucial as jaw and facial growth is active. Early diagnosis and intervention are highly beneficial for correcting structural problems.

For adults, orthodontic treatment is possible at any age. However, tolerance to treatment may decrease slightly with age.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

The duration varies depending on the patient’s needs but generally lasts between 6 and 24 months. During this period, patients must avoid certain foods recommended by the orthodontist and maintain proper oral hygiene to ensure a successful and efficient treatment process.

For more detailed information, you can read our article titled “What Is Braces Treatment and How Is It Applied?”

What Is Invisalign (Clear Aligner Treatment)?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment performed without traditional braces, using 3D printer technology. These transparent aligners are made of a special material and fully cover the teeth. They do not cause pain and can be removed easily, offering excellent hygiene. Unlike traditional braces, foods such as nuts or corn do not get stuck, allowing patients to eat comfortably.

Their invisible appearance, comfort, easy cleaning, and freedom while eating are among the greatest advantages of this treatment.

Who Is Suitable for Invisalign Treatment?

For Invisalign treatment, patients must first be examined by a specialist. It can be applied to both children and adults; however:

1. In children, jaw and dental development must be complete, and all permanent teeth must have erupted.
2. In adults, there should be no severe skeletal or bite disorders.
3. If tooth extraction is required as part of treatment, Invisalign may not be the best option.

How Should Invisalign Aligners Be Cleaned?

Cleaning the aligners is very easy. They should be brushed gently with toothpaste using a soft toothbrush. Oral hygiene must always be completed before wearing the aligners.

How Are Invisalign Aligners Prepared?

The aligners are entirely personalized. First, the patient undergoes dental and oral examinations; any cavities are treated. Then, digital or physical impressions are taken. A computer system analyzes all jaw movements and predicts tooth movement in a full simulation. Production of the aligners begins after this planning stage.

How Often Should Patients Visit the Dentist?

A monthly check-up is sufficient. Patients receive two aligners each month, and these must be changed every 15 days.

With advancing technology, it will become possible to treat even more complex dental cases with Invisalign in the future.

Dr. Dt. Begüm Ulaşan

Orthodontics Specialist