Orthodontics

It is the branch of dentistry that regulates the crooked teeth and incompatible jaw relations with the help of a number of apparatus. Dentists who undertake orthodontic treatment are called orthodontists.

Orthodontic treatment is applied during the milk teeth period and the problems that arise due to habits such as thumb sucking and lip biting are eliminated during this period. With orthodontic treatment, a permanent disorder in the skeletal structure of the jaw is prevented. Mixed dentition is also covered by orthodontics. During this period, both milk teeth and permanent teeth are present in the mouth. If the milk teeth are lost early and cannot guide the permanent teeth coming from below, space narrowing occurs. Orthodontics deals with the elimination of these narrow spaces. At the same time, jaw development continues in this period. Incompatibility between the jaws, which occurs as a result of the development of the lower and upper jaws not occurring in harmony with each other, is also within the scope of orthodontics.

In the permanent teeth period, orthodontics deals with the correction of the disorders in the teeth.

Treatment of irregularities due to gingival diseases and the treatment of irregularities due to congenitally missing or subsequently lost teeth are also within the scope of orthodontics.

Orthodontic treatment is divided into two as fixed and removable orthodontic treatment according to the way it is applied:

Fixed Orthodontic Treatment:
Fixed orthodontic treatment, as the name suggests, is orthodontic treatment in which fixed appliances that the patient cannot remove are used. In fixed orthodontic treatment, a corrugated metal called bracket (porcelain brackets are also used today) are adhered to the teeth. A wire passes through this groove. This wire is replaced at intervals of 4-6 weeks.

Mobile Orthodontic Treatment:
Removable orthodontic treatment is orthodontic treatment in which appliances that the patient can put on and take off.
Removable orthodontic treatment is mostly applied in children between the ages of 6-12.
In some cases, it may be necessary to apply both fixed and mobile orthodontic treatment methods.

THINGS TO BE CONSIDERED DURING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Before starting orthodontic treatment, all caries and gum diseases in the mouth should be treated.
Regardless of the form of fixed orthodontic treatment or removable orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene should be considered during orthodontic treatment. If a removable orthodontic appliance is used, the appliance should be removed and the teeth should be brushed after meals. The hygiene of the orthodontic appliance should be given the same attention. Brackets used in fixed orthodontic treatment are very suitable areas for the accumulation of food residues. For this reason, food residues between brackets and wires are carefully cleaned by using orthodontic toothbrushes after meals. If oral hygiene is not taken care of, caries and gingival problems are inevitable during orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is a long-term treatment and there are monthly check-ups. For this reason, the person should be willing for orthodontic treatment and should not delay their appointments.

If any breakage, rupture or dislocation occurs in the orthodontic appliance used in any way, it is necessary to consult an orthodontist without losing time, as the treatment may be adversely affected.

Reinforcement treatment is very important in orthodontic treatment. Reinforcement treatment must be strictly followed in order to maintain the position of the teeth.

FOODS TO AVOID
Hard Foods : Ice, Nuts and Walnuts, Pizza Bread, Carrots and Apples..
Sticky Foods : Gum, Butterscotch, Gummy Candy, Liquorice
Sweet Foods : Ice Cream, Cookies, Soda, Candy

ORTHODONTIAL ORAL CARE
It may be sufficient for individuals who do not receive orthodontic treatment to brush their teeth twice a day. However, patients undergoing treatment should brush their teeth after every meal. Because it is not possible to clean the food residues by the tongue and lips in bracketed mouths, it is absolutely necessary to brush. For this reason, we recommend that you carry your brush and paste with you.

• You should definitely brush your teeth after every meal. Even if you can't find toothpaste, brush away debris with a toothbrush.
• Use a soft brush.
• You can use mouthwash for the first 1 month after starting the treatment.
• Put a hazelnut-sized amount of toothpaste on your brush.
° It is especially important to brush between the bracket and the gums. After cleaning the front, back and chewing surfaces of your teeth in this way, brush your tongue as well.

Spend some time! Teeth should be brushed with circular movements in front of the mirror, with the mouth open, with the upper and lower teeth separately. Brush each tooth in a circular motion, feeling one by one on the tip of the brush, and spend 10 seconds on a tooth.