Invisalign (Clear Aligners)
You can undergo orthodontic treatment with Invisalign without using braces. Invisalign treatment, based on 3D printing technology, is performed with a series of custom-made clear dental aligners. These transparent molds help align your teeth without being noticeable during orthodontic treatment.
Porcelain Braces
Porcelain braces involve fixing small, square-shaped, transparent brackets to the front surfaces of teeth and using dental wires placed within these brackets to correct misaligned teeth. Because porcelain brackets are white, they are less noticeable compared to metal braces, offering a more aesthetic appearance.
Metal Braces
Metal braces involve fixing small, square-shaped brackets made of stainless steel to the front surfaces of teeth and using dental wires placed within these brackets to correct misaligned teeth. Metal braces are less preferred aesthetically as they are visible when smiling.
Causes of Orthodontic Problems
Orthodontic issues can arise due to genetic factors or later in life. Habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use, or incorrect swallowing can lead to changes in the jaw and teeth. Undesirable reasons such as early extraction of baby teeth due to decay or extraction of the wrong tooth can cause changes. Mouth breathing due to nasal congestion can result in narrowing and forward growth of the upper palate, leading to orthodontic problems.
Preventive Treatment (Palatal Expander Treatment)
Preventive orthodontic treatments are usually performed during the mixed dentition period when both baby and permanent teeth are present in the mouth. These treatments, which can be removable by the patient, involve expanding the upper or lower dental arches and correcting crossbite if present. Habits such as thumb sucking or incorrect swallowing can be corrected with these orthodontic appliances. The duration of preventive orthodontic treatments varies between approximately 6 months to 1 year. These treatments prepare the child for fixed (braces) treatment. In very rare cases, fixed treatment may not be required.
Non-Extraction Orthodontic Treatment (Fixed Treatment)
If there is moderate or mild misalignment and the facial profile and mouth structure will be balanced after treatment, orthodontic treatment can be planned without tooth extraction.
Extraction Orthodontic Treatment (Fixed Treatment)
If your orthodontist believes there is severe misalignment in your teeth, they may recommend extraction treatment. In some cases, extraction treatment may be applied even for very minor misalignment. The type of treatment is determined by the individual's facial profile. If the facial profile is highly convex, orthodontic treatment is planned as extraction treatment. Unfortunately, extraction treatments are sometimes perceived as poor treatments by the public.
It should be noted that everyone's oral structure, tooth alignment, and facial structure are different. When creating your treatment plan, your doctor considers your oral structure, tooth alignment, and facial structure. The goal of treatment is to create an oral structure that is suitable for your facial profile.
The position of the teeth affects our lips and nose. If extraction is decided for you, all of this data has been taken into consideration.
Any orthodontist can straighten teeth without extractions, but what matters is not only perfect tooth alignment but also a perfect facial profile. Tooth extraction is performed to correct both structures.
Orthognathic Surgery (Fixed Treatment)
These types of surgeries are performed on patients with skeletal deformities whose growth has ended (average 16-17 years for girls, 17-18 years for boys). In orthognathic surgery cases, orthodontists and plastic surgeons work together. Facial shape deformities such as excessive retrusion of the upper and lower jaws or cleft lip and palate often require surgical treatment.
Orthognathic surgery is not a separate treatment from orthodontic treatment. It is an intervention performed during the course of orthodontic treatment.
