Orthodontics - Braces Applications
Orthodontic Treatment - Braces Applications
Orthodontics, an important branch of dentistry, applies treatments that will ensure the correct and functional placement of teeth on the jawbone. It is mostly known for the treatment that allows the teeth to be placed where they should be with the help of brackets, which is popularly called braces treatment.
Orthodontic applications can be performed in many different ways. The duration of the treatment, determined according to the structure of the teeth and the scope of the treatment, may vary from patient to patient.
Dental Braces Applications
Orthodontic treatment, called braces, is performed with brackets fixed to the front or back surface of the teeth and wires passed between them. The duration and scope of treatment are determined by the specialist physician according to the patient's condition.
There are different materials that can be used in braces applications. These are metal brackets, ceramic brackets and transparent aligners.
There are many alternatives for metal brackets. The most prominent among these alternatives are ceramic brackets and lingual brackets.
Ceramic brackets are frequently preferred because they are almost the same color as the tooth surface. It is especially common to use brackets to be placed on the front of the tooth surface for aesthetic purposes. Ceramic brackets are equivalent to metal brackets in durability and performance. When choosing a bracket, how it will perform is evaluated rather than how it will look on the tooth surface. However, when using front surfaces, adult patients generally prefer to use ceramics on the front teeth that are visible when smiling.
Brackets applied to the back surface of the teeth are called lingual brackets. This treatment, also known as hidden braces, ensures that the patient receives the treatment he needs without affecting the external appearance. However, in order for this treatment to be applied, the patient's condition must be suitable and the doctor must recommend this treatment. In lingual braces applications, the location of the brackets is on the back surface of the teeth and therefore the possibility of the tongue coming into contact with the wires during speech is much higher. For this reason, patients may feel uncomfortable at the beginning of treatment.
Wireless Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments without braces ensure that the teeth are placed in their correct positions without the application of braces. Methods such as transparent plaque allow the treatment to be applied at certain times of the day and the plaque can be removed whenever desired.
Unlike braces, wireless treatments are not fixed to the tooth surface. Therefore, it is very easy to install and remove. Thanks to these applications that do not cause any visual disturbance, the appearance of patients can be prevented from being affected.
Transparent aligners, which are specially designed for each patient, are changed approximately every 15 days from the beginning to the end of the treatment. Each plate allows the teeth to move at a certain rate and serves as a preparation stage for the plate to be used later. Although it may vary depending on the patient's condition, it is recommended that transparent aligners be worn for around 20 hours a day.
Orthodontic Treatment Stages
Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment go through several different stages from the beginning to the end of the treatment.
First Inspection
The most important step in orthodontic treatments is the first examination. At this stage, the doctor examines the patient's dental structure and condition in detail. Although the problem experienced by two patients may seem the same, their treatments may be quite different. The duration of treatment and the method to be applied are determined individually for each patient.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis phase is the process of determining the treatment methods and types to be applied, taking into account the patient's condition. Considering the measurements, imaging and modeling made during the first examination, the necessary practices are determined for the patient to achieve the ideal tooth structure. Among different types of treatments, the most suitable one for the patient is selected.
Preparation
At this stage, other treatments that need to be applied before starting orthodontic treatment are determined and applied. It is important to complete procedures such as filling, gum treatments and cleaning before orthodontic applications.
Active Treatment
The active treatment period begins with the application of orthodontic treatment that the patient will receive. The process begins with the installation of braces or transparent aligners and continues until they are removed with the approval of the specialist doctor. During this period, examinations are performed at a frequency determined by the doctor (4-6 weeks) and various arrangements can be made.
Reinforcement Treatment (Post-Treatment Applications)
Consolidation treatment covers applications made after active treatment ends. When orthodontic treatment is completed, your teeth can move to return to their previous positions, and reinforcement treatments prevent this situation and allow you to maintain your healthy tooth structure.
