Orthodontics and Braces

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with tooth alignment, jaw relationships and bite problems. The goals of orthodontic treatment may include:

No two orthodontic cases are identical, so treatment should be planned individually.

Orthodontic assessment may be helpful when there are:

Some problems mainly involve tooth position, while others are related to jaw development.

Crowding can develop when there is not enough space in the jaw for the teeth to align properly. Possible factors include:

The degree of crowding affects treatment planning.

An orthodontic examination looks at much more than the front view of the smile. The dentist may assess:

Additional records may be used when necessary.

Braces use brackets attached to the teeth and orthodontic wires to apply controlled forces. Over time, these forces guide teeth toward planned positions. Adjustments are carried out during regular follow-up appointments.

Metal braces are one of the most established orthodontic systems. They may be suitable for a wide range of cases. Potential advantages include:

Their appearance is more noticeable than less visible systems.

Ceramic brackets are designed to blend more closely with natural tooth colour. They may be considered by patients who want a less noticeable fixed appliance. Suitability depends on the individual case.

Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances made specifically for the patient's teeth. Patients wear a sequence of aligners, with each stage designed to move the teeth gradually toward the planned position. They are usually less visible than conventional braces.

Clear aligners are not suitable for every orthodontic problem. Assessment includes:

More complex cases may require fixed orthodontic treatment.

Both methods have strengths and limitations.

Treatment length varies from patient to patient. Factors include:

Some cases are relatively short, while more complex treatment can take longer.

Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children. Adults with healthy teeth and gums can also receive orthodontic treatment. However, some jaw-growth-related problems are easier to manage during childhood or adolescence. Early assessment can therefore be useful in selected patients.

In children, orthodontic assessment may include:

Not every child needs immediate treatment.

Sometimes monitoring growth and eruption is the most appropriate approach.

Adults can seek orthodontic treatment for:

Adult treatment planning may need to consider:

Good oral hygiene is important before and during orthodontic treatment. If there is:

these problems may need to be managed first.

Placing the brackets is generally not painful. After braces are fitted or adjusted, patients may experience:

This is usually temporary.

A new set of aligners may produce pressure or temporary tenderness as the teeth begin to move. Persistent or severe discomfort should be reviewed.

Brackets can trap plaque and food more easily. Patients may need:

Poor hygiene can increase the risk of:

Aligners are removable, so teeth can be brushed normally. The aligners also need regular cleaning. Very hot water should be avoided because it may distort the material.

Very hard and sticky foods may damage brackets or wires. Examples include:

Hard foods can often be cut into smaller pieces.

Clear aligners are generally removed for meals. Drinking sugary or strongly coloured beverages while wearing aligners may increase staining and expose teeth to sugar. Water is usually the safest drink while aligners are in place.

After orthodontic treatment, teeth need time to stabilise in their new positions. Retainers help maintain the result. Types include:

Retention length varies from patient to patient.

Yes. Teeth can naturally shift over time. Not wearing retainers as instructed may increase the risk of relapse. Retention is therefore an important part of orthodontic care.

Some patients do not have enough space for all teeth to align. In selected cases, extraction may be considered to create space. However, not every crowded case requires tooth removal. The decision depends on:

Some permanent teeth fail to erupt normally and remain partly or completely under the gum or bone. Canine teeth are a common example. Selected cases may involve combined surgical exposure and orthodontic movement.

Severe skeletal bite problems may not be fully corrected with tooth movement alone. In adults with significant jaw imbalance, orthodontics may be combined with orthognathic surgery. This requires detailed multidisciplinary planning.

Patients with missing teeth may benefit from combined orthodontic and implant planning. Orthodontics can sometimes:

Because implants do not move like natural teeth, treatment sequencing is important.

Orthodontics can be an important part of a broader smile design plan. Correcting tooth position may allow:

At Medilife Dent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, orthodontic assessment considers tooth alignment, bite and jaw development together. Children, teenagers and adults visiting from Beylikdüzü, Yakuplu, Adnan Kahveci, Güzelyurt, Barış Mahallesi, Esenyurt, Avcılar, Büyükçekmece and nearby areas can be evaluated for crowding, spacing, bite problems, braces or clear aligner treatment. Following examination and any necessary records, an individual orthodontic plan can be prepared.