Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that diagnoses and treats misaligned teeth and jawbone irregularities that are not in harmony with each other or with the facial skeleton. Orthodontic treatment, commonly known as braces treatment, refers to the procedures used to correct these problems.
What Are the Causes of Orthodontic Problems?
Orthodontic problems may result from both genetic and environmental factors. These factors can lead to jaw narrowing, which in turn causes dental crowding and misalignment.
Poor oral hygiene at an early age may cause tooth decay, leading to the premature loss of primary (baby) teeth. When this happens, permanent teeth may erupt into incorrect positions, resulting in crooked teeth.
In addition, habits such as mouth breathing, thumb/lip/tongue sucking, and prolonged use of pacifiers or feeding bottles may lead to skeletal irregularities.
Is There an Ideal Age for Orthodontic Treatment?
The ideal age range for correcting crooked teeth with orthodontic treatment is generally considered to be between 9 and 14 years old. However, it is recommended that children have their first orthodontic evaluation before the age of 7, even if no visible problem is present. Early evaluation allows potential orthodontic issues to be identified and treated more effectively.
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
For jaw discrepancies caused by the jawbones being positioned too far forward or backward, the orthodontist selects the most appropriate treatment method based on the patient’s age.
Jaw irregularities identified during adolescence can often be corrected using orthodontic methods alone. In adult patients, orthodontic treatment may need to be supported by surgical procedures. For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic problems are extremely important.
During the first appointment, the orthodontist may take cephalometric and panoramic X-rays. These images play a crucial role in creating an accurate treatment plan. Dental impressions (models) showing the patient’s pre-treatment condition may also be taken.
Oral hygiene is of great importance during orthodontic treatment. Before starting treatment, existing tooth decay must be treated. Therefore, all necessary planning is carried out during the initial visit.
At subsequent appointments, braces may be placed according to the treatment plan, or alternative orthodontic methods may be initiated. The orthodontist may present different treatment options, as orthodontic treatment varies depending on the patient’s jaw, tooth, and oral structure. The interval between follow-up visits is determined by the chosen treatment method.
