Orthodontics (Braces)

Orthodontics is the specialized branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of irregularities involving the teeth, jaws, and facial structures.

Orthodontic treatment addresses problems related to the alignment, position, shape, and relationship of the teeth and jaws, as well as certain functional and aesthetic concerns affecting the facial region.

Possible Causes of Orthodontic Problems

Orthodontic irregularities may develop due to various factors, including:

• Congenital abnormalities, such as cleft lip or cleft palate

• Harmful oral habits, such as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use

• Improper oral functions, such as mouth breathing

• Hereditary factors

• Premature loss of primary teeth due to tooth decay

• Teeth grinding

• Trauma resulting from falls, impacts, or accidents

Orthodontic treatment is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also for maintaining good oral health. Crowded or misaligned teeth can be more difficult to clean, which may increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

After braces are fitted, mild redness or irritation may occur on the inside of the lips and cheeks. These symptoms generally decrease significantly within approximately one week as the mouth becomes accustomed to the braces.

Considering the importance of a healthy and attractive smile in social interactions, many people choose orthodontic treatment for both functional and aesthetic reasons.

Orthodontic treatment commonly involves metal or ceramic brackets and orthodontic wires. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and hold the archwire in place, allowing controlled forces to be applied to the teeth.

The orthodontist should determine which type of braces and materials are most appropriate for each patient.

To provide a more discreet appearance, ceramic brackets and aesthetic orthodontic wires are also commonly preferred. With modern aesthetic brackets and orthodontic systems, treatment can be performed with minimal visibility.

Types of Brackets

Metal Brackets

When people think of traditional braces, metal brackets are often what come to mind. These are high-quality stainless-steel appliances bonded directly to the teeth.

Modern metal brackets are smaller, more comfortable, and more aesthetically refined than older designs. A thin wire, known as an archwire, passes through the center of the brackets and is secured using elastic or metal ligatures.

Because metal brackets generally produce less friction with the archwire, they can allow efficient tooth movement. Colored elastics can also be used for a more personalized appearance.

Damon Brackets / Self-Ligating Brackets

Self-ligating brackets feature small built-in doors or clips that hold the archwire in the bracket slot. Unlike conventional brackets, elastic or metal ligatures are generally not required.

The archwire can move within the bracket system with reduced friction, allowing controlled and efficient tooth movement.

Ceramic Brackets

Ceramic brackets are tooth-colored or translucent brackets that are less noticeable than traditional metal brackets.

Although they provide a more discreet appearance, ceramic brackets can be slightly larger and may be more susceptible to food accumulation. They are also more fragile than metal brackets and therefore require greater care.

Because of their aesthetic appearance, ceramic brackets are often preferred by adult patients. Depending on the individual case, treatment may take slightly longer than with metal brackets.

Invisalign / Clear Aligner Treatment

Clear aligner treatment, commonly known as orthodontic treatment without traditional braces, uses a series of removable, custom-made transparent aligners.

The number of aligners required varies depending on the degree and complexity of tooth misalignment. Each aligner is designed to gradually move the teeth toward their planned positions.

Lingual Brackets

Lingual braces are attached to the back surfaces of the teeth, making them largely invisible from the outside.

Because lingual brackets are custom-made for each patient and require specialized clinical expertise, treatment can be more costly than conventional orthodontic treatment.

What Is Invisalign Treatment?

The Invisalign system uses a series of custom-made, tr