Orthodontics is the dentistry specialty that diagnoses, prevents, and treats alignment disorders of the teeth on the jawbones, the occlusal (bite) relationships between the upper and lower jaws, and developmental imbalances in the facial skeleton. Crowded teeth are not merely an aesthetic concern; they represent a serious health problem that interferes with chewing function and creates a breeding ground for decay and gum disease because they are difficult to clean. At Dentmetrik, we combine the latest technologies offered by digital dentistry with our expert orthodontist staff to guide skeletal development in children and build healthy smiles for adults through aesthetic and transparent treatment options suitable for all ages.

Definition and Purpose of Orthodontics

Orthodontics (derived from the Greek words orthos meaning "straight" and odous meaning "tooth") is the science of moving teeth within the alveolar bone (jawbone) to bring them into their ideal anatomical positions. This movement occurs through light, continuous, and controlled mechanical forces applied to the teeth. These forces trigger the resorption of bone tissue in the direction of movement and the formation of new bone tissue (apposition) in the space left behind, allowing the tooth to slide biologically within the bone. Once thought to be applicable only during childhood, orthodontic treatments can now be performed with 100% success on adults of any age, provided their bone and gum health is sound.

The primary medical purpose of orthodontic treatment goes far beyond aligning teeth on an aesthetic curve. The core objective is to eliminate bite problems known as "malocclusion." When upper and lower teeth do not make full contact like a lock and key, it leads to excessive fatigue in chewing muscles, irreversible wear on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), head and neck pain, and even digestive system disorders. Orthodontics perfects biting, tearing, and grinding functions by moving teeth to their correct locations. Furthermore, it eliminates "blind spots" caused by crowding that a toothbrush cannot reach; thus, tartar accumulation, gum bleeding, and premature tooth loss are permanently prevented. Phonetically, it corrects speech and pronunciation disorders by ensuring the tongue makes proper contact with the teeth.

Types and Applications of Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatments are applied using different appliances and techniques based on the patient's age, the extent of the skeletal problem, and aesthetic expectations. The primary types of orthodontic treatment planned and performed at Dentmetrik clinics include:

  1. Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontics: Usually applied to children in the mixed dentition stage (ages 7-10). By using removable appliances and space maintainers, habits like finger sucking, long-term pacifier use, nail-biting, or mouth breathing are stopped before they disrupt jaw development, preventing major jaw anomalies in the future.
  2. Fixed Orthodontic Treatments (Brackets): The classic method involving brackets bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth and archwires passing through them.
  3. Metal Brackets: The traditional and most durable method. The treatment process is highly effective and fast.
  4. Porcelain (Clear) Brackets: Made of sapphire or ceramic materials that are tooth-colored or completely transparent. These are used to hide the "metal look" in adults with aesthetic concerns.
  5. Lingual Orthodontics (Invisible Braces): A treatment where brackets and wires are bonded to the inner (tongue-facing) surfaces of the teeth rather than the outer surfaces. From the outside, it is impossible to tell the patient is wearing braces; ideal for professionals seeking maximum aesthetics.
  6. Clear Aligner Orthodontics (Invisalign etc.): The most modern orthodontic concept that uses removable, transparent, and smooth medical aligners produced specifically for the patient with 3D printers, instead of traditional wire and bracket systems.
  7. Orthognathic Surgery-Assisted Orthodontics: Advanced treatments where orthodontic wire therapy and jaw surgery (maxillofacial surgery) are carried out simultaneously and in coordination for adult cases where the upper and lower jawbones are skeletally incompatible.

The Procedure and Process

At Dentmetrik, the orthodontic process begins with a detailed analysis and a fully digital planning phase. During the first examination, cephalometric and panoramic X-rays are taken to examine the angles of tooth roots and the position of the jawbones relative to the skull base. Instead of traditional putty impressions, the patient's existing dental structure is transferred to a computer environment in seconds using high-resolution 3D intraoral scanners. On this digital model, the movement of the teeth over the coming months and the final smile design are simulated and shown to the patient instantly.

During the treatment phase, if fixed brackets are chosen, the tooth surfaces are cleaned and brackets are positioned using special adhesives. Memory-alloy nickel-titanium or stainless steel wires are then threaded through these brackets to initiate force application. If clear aligner treatment is selected, custom-produced aligner sets are delivered with detailed usage instructions. In both methods, the patient usually visits for routine check-ups every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments or new aligner series. Treatment duration can vary from 6 months to 2.5 years depending on the complexity of the case.

The most critical phase—often overlooked by patients—is Retention Therapy. Active treatment ends when the braces are removed or the last aligner is used. However, to ensure teeth do not drift back to their old crowded positions (relapse), an invisible thin stabilizer wire (lingual retainer) is bonded to the back of the teeth, or protective clear plates (Essix retainers) are provided for nighttime use.

What Are the Advantages of Orthodontic Treatment?

The most obvious advantage is a symmetrical, aesthetic smile following the "golden ratio." Individuals who used to hide their smiles or cover their mouths in photos experience an incredible boost in self-confidence. Since this treatment uses your own natural teeth, you do not have to have your teeth filed down or covered with porcelain; thus, 100% of the biological tooth tissue is preserved.

From a functional standpoint, the advantages directly improve quality of life. As teeth reach the correct bite position, food is ground perfectly, lightening the load on the stomach and intestines. Because toothbrushes and floss can easily reach all interdental spaces, decay formation and gum recession (periodontitis) are permanently halted. A correct bite eliminates stress on the jaw joint and asymmetric muscle contractions, healing chronic headaches and jaw clicking. Orthodontics is the healthiest, most permanent, and most valuable dental investment one can make for the future.

Contact us immediately to get detailed information about clear aligner (Invisalign) and braces prices, digital smile design processes, and our specialized health tourism planning for international patients at our Ankara Dentmetrik clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligners) can be applied with 100% success to individuals of all age groups from 7 to 70 whose teeth and gums (jawbone support) are healthy. Adult orthodontics is very common today.

You will not feel any pain during the placement of brackets or taking measurements. However, when the wires are first installed and tightened during monthly check-ups, it is very normal to feel a slight pressure, ache, and sensitivity in chewing in the teeth for the first 2-3 days, depending on your teeth starting to move.

Traditional metal or porcelain brackets attached to the outside of the tooth and clear aligner treatments (Invisalign) absolutely do not affect speech. Only in lingual (attached from the inside) braces, a slight lisp (especially on S-Ş letters) may be seen for the first 1 week for the tongue to get used to the wires, and then it returns completely to normal.

If retention treatment is not applied, teeth tend to return to their old state (relapse). To prevent this, when your treatment is finished, a permanent, thin "protective wire" is bonded to the unseen back surfaces of your front teeth, or you are given protective plates to wear at night. In this way, your smile remains safe for a lifetime.

The treatment period varies between 6 months and 2.5 years depending on the size of your skeletal problem. The patient not missing their appointments, wearing it with discipline for 22 hours a day if using a clear aligner, and staying away from hard foods that will break their brackets prevents the treatment time from being delayed.

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