Treatment with Braces in Orthodontics

Today, orthodontic treatments can be safely performed with metal or ceramic brackets for reasons such as preserving oral and dental health , loss of function and aesthetic concerns. Crooked teeth and positional disorders in the jaw can make it difficult for a person to perform many functions, and since existing crookedness makes it difficult to maintain oral hygiene, it can also bring about different health problems in the future. With orthodontic treatments, both aesthetic and functional needs can be met at the same time by protecting healthy tissues and changing tooth positions with controlled techniques. Although existing problems such as crookedness can be treated with alternative methods today, orthodontic treatments come to the forefront because they are a procedure that protects the person’s own tissues. Many different techniques are applied in treatments; among these, classical treatments with brackets can solve many problems at the same time and are therefore widely preferred.

What is Orthodontic Treatment with Braces?

Treatments that are performed by taking force from various special metal apparatus located on the front or back surfaces of the teeth are called bracket orthodontic treatments. With these brackets, the teeth and jaws are brought to the desired ideal position by taking support from the teeth and the tissues around the teeth. The types of brackets determine the treatment period and methods, and there are different types according to the materials produced.

What are the Types and Effects of Brackets in Orthodontic Treatment?

Brackets used in orthodontic treatments are special materials made of materials suitable for oral and dental health and are produced with the feature of holding on to the teeth at the back. They consist of small metal pieces that allow the forces that can solve the crookedness in the teeth to be transferred to the teeth. In this way, the metal wire passes through these brackets and forms strongly, thus the teeth move quickly and effectively, which is one of the most effective reasons for this treatment option to be preferred advantageously. Due to the high visibility of metal brackets, porcelain brackets can be preferred as a different alternative. The fact that the force transmission of these brackets is slightly lower than metal brackets may cause the treatment period to be slightly longer.

How Does the Treatment Process with Orthodontic Braces Proceed?

First of all, in the first examination session, the person’s functional and aesthetic problems are determined with 3D digital scanners and detailed x-ray scans. Digital orthodontic systems are used to calculate the treatment plan and duration along with the evaluation of the person’s aesthetic expectations and treatment options. Orthodontic brackets are attached to the teeth separately and the treatment process is started by passing wires through the metal gaps on them with the help of fluid adhesive materials. Tooth movements are provided thanks to the mechanical connection of the brackets and arch wires, and sometimes materials such as elastics can be helpful in addition to these. After the first application session, it is normal for there to be a slight pressure and compression feeling in the teeth that are dependent on force for the first few days, these feelings will decrease in time. In the same session, general information is provided about brackets and wires, supported by videos, to accelerate the adaptation process. Information is given about oral and dental care in orthodontic treatment and changes to be made regarding food consumption during the treatment process. The next session is planned at an average interval of 3-4 weeks, except for special situations such as the separation of brackets from the teeth.

How Long Does Treatment with Orthodontic Braces Take?

In classic bracket orthodontic treatments, the process can be determined by a detailed examination performed in the first session. This period varies depending on the amount of teeth and surrounding tissues or jaws. In addition to these, additional factors such as compliance with the treatment, careful use of materials, types of materials used and regular follow-up of sessions are also effective in the progress of the treatment period as planned. Each session is usually planned at 3 to 4 week intervals and lasts approximately 30 minutes. In these sessions, small mechanical changes are made to the braces or brackets, activating tooth movements and thus completing the planned ideal treatment plan.

Who Can Be Treated with Orthodontic Braces?

There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatments, adults of all ages can reach an ideal aesthetic and functional result by determining the method that is suitable for them. In children, it is important to detect dental and skeletal jaw disorders in order to prevent more difficult and long-lasting treatments in the future, and the first dentist visit should be from the age of 6 to 7. In this way, the need for jaw surgery in the future can be prevented with personalized digitally designed appliances that support and guide jaw development.