Orthodontics is an area of ​​expertise that deals with the harmony of incompatible, cross-positioned, crooked teeth and the relationship between the jaw and skull bones. Physicians specializing in orthodontics complete their expertise in this field by receiving training for a total of 9 years, including 4-year specialist training. Orthodontics physicians provide services in various matters such as treating skeletal disorders, correcting the crowding of the teeth, and closing gaps in cases such as the lower or front of the lower jaw. Depending on the age and condition of the patient, situations requiring surgical cooperation may be encountered.

Many factors can cause orthodontic problems. As well as inherited disorders, environmental factors can also be the main cause. The use of false pacifiers, bottles, nail-biting and finger-sucking habits, mouth breathing, disruption of oral hygiene, and similar harmful actions during infancy and childhood processes trigger orthodontic disorders. Early treatment is highly necessary for its prevention, it would be beneficial to warn children with any one or more of the habits mentioned above as early as possible so that they do not harm their orthodontic development.

Orthodontic Treatment 

Braces are used to ensure that the teeth and jaw structure are placed in the desired position by applying a continuous but lightweight force that does not damage the tissues. The brackets are glued to the teeth through a special adhesive and the wires are lined upon them. In this way, regular pressure is applied for a specified period depending on the targeted position and the tooth and jaw structure of the patient, and the teeth are brought to the desired position. Although it can be applied painlessly and easily as a bracing procedure, it cannot be performed in a short time to ensure the movement of the teeth in the bone. The teeth move, on average, one to two mm each month towards the desired position. To accelerate this movement, the dentist may request the patient to use special elastics. To elaborate, these rubber bands, which are wrapped around two adjacent teeth and can be changed by the patient day by day, will accelerate the approach of the teeth to each other by increasing the pressure applied.

 Orthodontic Treatment Without Braces (Invisalign)

Orthodontic treatment without braces, also known as invisalign, is a treatment performed using transparent plates. It offers a successful alternative, with its structure that is not visible from the outside and does not affect daily life, to patients who need wire treatment but are uncomfortable with the appearance of the braces in the mouth. The fact that transparent plates can be attached or removed when desired, provides convenience for patients at times such as brushing teeth, eating, or drinking. However, this does not mean that the plaques can be removed frequently, it must be worn for at least 20 hours a day for an improvement to be observed. Invisalign plates, which are changed every two weeks on average, are recommended to be removed for a short time when consuming hot beverages, as they are sensitive to heat.

Although its use is more comfortable than metal braces, it is usual to feel some discomfort, especially at the beginning of usage, since some pressure is required to get the teeth to the targeted position. Nevertheless, long-term damage or discomfort in the mouth or on teeth is not expected, since the treatment is performed using soft plaques.

Movable Apparatus

Removable appliances are a method used in orthodontic treatments. Intra-oral movable appliances, unlike fixed appliance types, can be inserted and removed by the patient and the doctor. Intra-oral removable appliances are a treatment tool that shapes the development of the teeth and jaws in a positive direction. This treatment method can be preferred based on the orthodontic problem and age of the patient. The types of oral appliances, which have different treatment methods according to the severity and type of orthodontic complaints, are listed as follows:

• Hawley
• Twin Block
• Monobloc
• Activator
• Positioner
• Essix Retainer

Extra-oral movable appliances are used between the ages of 12-16 when bone development and growth are fast. It is known that the treatment delivers more successful results when the patients are still open to development. Extra-oral appliances, which are classified as removable orthodontic appliances, are directly used for the treatment of people with jaw problems.