Orthodontic treatment is a branch of dentistry focused on correcting dental and jaw misalignments, irregularities, and malocclusions.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the term orthodontics derives from the Greek words “ortho” (meaning straight or correct) and “odont” (meaning tooth). The primary goal is to achieve proper tooth alignment, promoting both aesthetic appearance and oral health.
Orthodontic treatment helps improve chewing functions, resolve speech impairments, and maintain long-term dental health.
How Is Orthodontic Treatment Performed?
The orthodontic treatment process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s dental, jaw, and facial structures. The orthodontist examines the patient’s oral structure, tooth alignment, and occlusion to determine the most suitable treatment method. After the initial examination, diagnostic tools such as X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions (or digital scans) are used to analyze tooth positioning in detail. Based on this analysis, treatment devices such as braces, clear aligners, or removable appliances are planned and applied.
During the treatment, patients must visit their orthodontist regularly for follow-up appointments. At these visits, the progress of tooth movement is monitored, and necessary adjustments are made to braces or appliances. Orthodontic treatment typically lasts 1–2 years, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s specific needs.
After the treatment is completed, retainers are used to maintain the new tooth positions and ensure long-term stability. This phase is crucial for preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
Orthodontic treatment is not only aimed at achieving an aesthetically pleasing smile but also at preserving oral and dental health. Issues such as malocclusion, crowded teeth, and gaps between teeth can lead to chewing difficulties, speech problems, gum diseases, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain if left untreated. For this reason, orthodontic treatment plays an essential role in ensuring a healthy and functional oral structure.
Key reasons for orthodontic treatment include:
- Correcting dental irregularities: Fixing crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth to achieve both aesthetic and functional alignment.
- Improving bite alignment: Addressing malocclusions such as open bite, crossbite, and deep bite to enhance chewing and speech functions.
- Enhancing oral hygiene: Misaligned teeth create hard-to-clean areas, leading to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Proper alignment makes oral hygiene easier to maintain.
- Preventing uneven wear: Misaligned teeth can cause uneven pressure during chewing, resulting in enamel wear and TMJ problems.
- Correcting speech issues: Misaligned teeth and jaws can contribute to speech impairments, which can be resolved with orthodontic treatment.
- Boosting confidence: A properly aligned smile enhances self-esteem and confidence in social interactions.
- Relieving jaw pain: Malocclusions can place stress on the jaw joints, leading to discomfort or pain. Orthodontic treatment helps alleviate these problems.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatment offers various methods for correcting tooth alignment and addressing jaw-related problems. These methods are selected based on the patient’s needs and the treatment plan. In fixed orthodontic treatments, the type of braces used varies according to the patient’s preferences and aesthetic expectations.
- Fixed Orthodontic Appliances (Braces)
This method involves attaching brackets and wires to the teeth to guide them into the correct position. Options include metal braces, ceramic (clear) braces, and lingual braces (placed on the tongue side of the teeth). - Removable Orthodontic Appliances
These appliances can be taken out and are used for minor dental irregularities or to guide jaw development in children. The duration and frequency of use depend on the orthodontist’s recommendations. - Clear Aligners (Aligner Therapy)
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are transparent, removable trays used to straighten teeth. They are a popular choice for patients with aesthetic concerns and allow easy maintenance of oral hygiene. - Functional Appliances
Used for correcting jaw growth issues, these appliances are typically recommended for children to guide the development of the upper or lower jaw. They can be fixed or removable. - Orthognathic Surgery
In cases of severe skeletal discrepancies or jaw misalignments, orthodontic treatment may need to be combined with surgical intervention. Orthognathic surgery ensures both functional and aesthetic improvement of the teeth and jaws.
If you are looking for expert orthodontic care in Istanbul, Alyans Clinic in Kadıköy offers a professional team of orthodontists ready to assist you.
