Orthodontics is the branch of science that contributes to improving the individual's quality of life by optimizing the aesthetics and function of the teeth and jaw.

No matter what age, an untreated orthodontic problem will get worse. Over time, tooth loss can be caused by decay and gum diseases that occur as a result of not keeping the teeth clean enough due to crookedness. In addition, malocclusions can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulties in chewing and speaking, and damage to the supporting bone and gum tissues.

Orthodontic treatment is a branch of science that ensures that your smile improves and becomes better along with the health of your teeth. Since each individual's malocclusion and treatment expectations are different from each other, your orthodontist will recommend you the best treatment method after carefully analyzing the required correction.

TIME AND AGE TO START ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
 

Your child's first orthodontic check should be no later than the age of seven. Even though the teeth appear to be aligned properly at this age, there may be a hidden closing problem. There are some clues that point to these problems:

 

Unbalanced face and jaw structure

 

mouth breathing

 

Difficulty in function (chewing, speaking, etc.) and closing

 

Having bad habits such as thumb sucking, nail biting, cheek and lip biting

 

Jaw structures positioned too far forward or backward

 

Anteriorly positioned teeth

 

Teeth in the lower and upper jaw not touching or closing abnormally

 

Early or late loss of milk teeth

 

Presence of crooked, misplaced or unerupted teeth

 

 

 

If a problem is detected at this age, your orthodontist will guide you on the best time to start treatment.

 

As a result of early treatment of the problems diagnosed during this period, the existing anomaly can either be completely eliminated or the second phase orthodontic treatment at older ages can be completed more easily and in a shorter time.

ADVANTAGES THAT CAN BE ACHIEVED BY EARLY TREATMENT

Jaw growth and more proper positioning of the permanent teeth on the jaw structures are guided. Bad habits that can damage teeth and surrounding tissues are prevented. Structure and function disorders of the upper respiratory tract are treated in coordination with the relevant medical branches. In particular, the possibility of fractures that may occur due to the forward positioning of the upper front teeth is prevented. By improving the patient's physical appearance, social self-confidence is increased.

Even if your child is over seven years old, it is very important to have an orthodontic examination. Although the benefits of checkups at an early age are enormous, most active orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 9 and 14. However, it should not be forgotten that adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment. Although the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of brackets and wires is children, today many adults resort to orthodontic treatment to find solutions to both aesthetic and functional problems. Thanks to today's technology, braces that are less visible and more comfortable to use make the treatment more attractive than before. Healthy teeth, bones and gums respond positively to treatment at almost all ages.

 

ORAL-DENTAL CARE AND ISSUES TO CONSIDER DURING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

The precautions listed below help prevent the formation of caries during treatment and prevent damage to the appliances used.

After each meal, teeth should be brushed as described by your orthodontist.

The spaces between the teeth should be cleaned at least once a day using interdental brushes and dental floss.

You should visit the dentist regularly to check decay and gums.

Appointments should be attended without interruption throughout orthodontic treatment. The appliances required for treatment

should be worn regularly, in the manner and for the duration described.

Sticky foods (such as candy, gum, caramel) that may cause the appliances to deteriorate, break or come off should not be consumed.

Hard foods (such as cookies, chips, carrots, toast) should be avoided as much as possible, foods should be eaten in small bites, and biting movements with the front teeth should be avoided. Fruits that have seeds should be eaten by removing the seeds.

The process of getting used to the appliances takes approximately 7-10 days. Sometimes there may be pain and sensitivity in the teeth, and injuries may also occur in the oral tissues. When you encounter such situations, you should act in accordance with the recommendations given by your orthodontist, and if it persists, your doctor should be contacted.

DEFINITELY HAVE YOUR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT CARRIED OUT BY AN ORTHODONTICS SPECIALIST.