Dentist Dr. Damla Zenar gave information about the subject.
Crowded teeth can cause many other problems, especially aesthetic appearance. Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean and therefore more prone to cavities and gum disease. When the teeth do not close properly, problems can occur in the jaw joint and the muscles that provide jaw movements. Deformities in the teeth cause speech disorders and some sounds cannot be produced properly.

Orthodontic treatment, which can be performed at any age, corrects functional and aesthetic problems and improves the quality of life.

Causes of orthodontic problems;

*Genetics

*Mouth breathing

*Finger sucking

*Prolonged use of a false pacifier

*Early deciduous tooth extractions and not applying placeholder

*Wisdom teeth

Before starting orthodontic treatment, all other treatments (filling, extraction, gum treatment, etc.) must be completed. In this process, your orthodontist will analyze your caries risk and guide you for the necessary preventive treatments.

What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment?
The most important point in orthodontic treatment is oral hygiene. Our brackets and wires create holding areas around our teeth, causing them to get dirty more easily. For this reason, oral and dental care should be more detailed. In order to prevent any problems with the teeth and gums, it is necessary to clean the area around the brackets completely. For this purpose, there are orthodontic toothbrushes specially produced for orthodontic patients. Your orthodontist will inform you about brushing, flossing and oral care details.

What to Do After Orthodontic Treatment?
Once the teeth have been straightened with orhodontic treatment, active treatment is terminated. After the brackets are removed, the teeth are cleaned. The preservation of the result obtained with orthodontic treatment is as important as the treatment itself. For this purpose, fixed or removable retainers are made.
Fixed guards are made especially on the inner surfaces of the front teeth, fixing the teeth together. These guards are made of special wires, do not interfere with speaking and brushing and are applied to the inner surfaces of the teeth so that they are not visible from the outside.
Removable guards are made of thin and transparent materials, made by taking impressions of the teeth. These transparent protectors are also invisible from the outside and can be removed at any time. Your orthodontist will decide which of these two types of retainers is right for you.

At What Age Should I Bring My Child for Orthodontic Examination?
It is useful to perform the first orthodontic examination of the child at the age of 6-7 years, after the upper and lower front teeth erupt. During this period, problems with the development of the jaws and the permanent teeth can be recognized. With an early diagnosis, skeletal disorders that are more difficult to treat in the future can be easily treated and situations that require tooth extraction can be prevented. In addition, the duration of treatment can be shortened and the cost of treatment can be reduced.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on many factors. However, the most important factor affecting the duration of orthodontic treatment is the severity of the orthodontic problem. Although the average duration of treatment is 12-18 months, the duration of treatment can vary between 6-30 months depending on the severity of the problem.

Are there any foods that should not be consumed during orthodontic treatment?
During treatment, acidic drinks and foods such as chewing gum, sweets and caramel should be avoided. Hard foods such as apples, quince and carrots should not be bitten into during treatment. It is convenient to eat such foods in small pieces. It is also recommended not to consume sandwiches, toast, hamburger type foods that are consumed by biting during the treatment period. Nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts, chickpeas and foods such as cherries, plums and olives should not be consumed during the treatment period as there is a possibility of damage to the brackets and wires.

How Frequent Should Orthodontic Appointments Be? Is the Orthodontic Treatment Time Shorter with More Frequent Visits?
Appointments are organized according to the patient’s condition. In patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, the frequency of appointments varies between 4-6 weeks. In special cases requiring more frequent check-ups, appointments are arranged accordingly.

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