What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics (wire treatment) is a form of treatment that aims to correct the general relationship of the lower and upper jaws with each other and with the face, as well as the treatment of crowding in the teeth.
Methods of Application
Removable Appliances:Removable appliances are used to restore simple crowding. They can be removed when desired. In order to orientate jaw development, children and adolescents are also often given removable appliances. These appliances can simply eliminate the necessity of potential future jaw operations.
More complex crowdings, however, can be restored by applying removable transparent plates with the help of systems such as “invisalign”.
Fixed Appliances:This is a system that involves dental braces that are pasted on to the tooth surface. Wires go through these braces. If the color of these braces matches the tooth color, aesthetic problems can be minimized.
Surgical method:If orthodontic treatment is not a solution, particularly for individuals who have completed their growth, the solution is jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery).
CLEAR ALIGNER TREATMENT
What is Clear Aligner?
Clear aligners are custom-made, orthodontic appliances that are worn for 20-22 hours per day to gradually move teeth into a more aligned position.
Who is a candidate for this treatment?
Clear aligners can be used for patients who are concerned about the aesthetics of their misaligned teeth, patients who need orthodontic treatment, and in some cases, it can be used as an alternative to traditional braces.
What is the expected success rate of the treatment and what are the factors that affect it?
The success rate of clear aligner treatment depends on the patient's commitment to wearing the aligners for the recommended time, typically 20-22 hours per day, and following the treatment plan. Aligners are usually changed every 10-15 days, allowing the teeth to gradually move into their proper position.
What are the clinical stages of Clear Aligner treatment and what is involved in each stage?
The first stage of clear aligner treatment involves a dental examination, X-rays, and impressions of the teeth. Once the aligners are received, adjustments may be made to the teeth and the aligners are then worn for the recommended period of time. The patient is given instructions on how to use and care for the aligners and may be required to follow up with the dentist periodically throughout treatment.
Is clear aligner treatment painful?
There may be some discomfort during the first few days after each aligner change as the teeth move into their new positions.
Treatment duration
The duration of clear aligner treatment varies depending on the patient's needs and the severity of the misalignment. On average, treatment can take anywhere from 2 to 18 months.
Treatment and aligner preparation times at Citydent (brand-dependent)
Orthero: 3 to 10 days
Invisalign: minimum of 6 weeks
What factors affect treatment duration after aligner use?
The effectiveness of clear aligner treatment is dependent on the patient's compliance with wearing the aligners and the quality of the bone surrounding the teeth.
Removable Appliances:Removable appliances are used to restore simple crowding. They can be removed when desired. In order to orientate jaw development, children and adolescents are also often given removable appliances. These appliances can simply eliminate the necessity of potential future jaw operations.
More complex crowdings, however, can be restored by applying removable transparent plates with the help of systems such as “invisalign”.
Fixed Appliances:This is a system that involves dental braces that are pasted on to the tooth surface. Wires go through these braces. If the color of these braces matches the tooth color, aesthetic problems can be minimized.
Surgical method:If orthodontic treatment is not a solution, particularly for individuals who have completed their growth, the solution is jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery).
The appliances prepared by your dentist must be used as recommended and the patient should not miss regular appointments.
The patient must be very careful about his/her oral hygiene. Note that if the teeth and braces are not brushed regularly, there may easily occur white stains around braces which will cause cavities.
In order to increase oral hygiene, the patient should use a mouth rinser (eg. Oxyjet). If you are not at home, you should use dental floss and /or interproximal brushes.
The patient should avoid eating hard food or should at least eat them in small bites.
After orthodontic treatment, the patient should use retainers as recommended by the dentist in order to prevent the recurrence of crooked teeth.
X-ray images are analysed and measurements are made in the first session.
If the orthodontic treatment involves removable appliances, the prepared appliance is attached to the teeth.
If the orthodontic treatment involves fixed appliances, braces and wires are attached to the teeth.
The orthodontic treatment is continued with regular examinations.
At the end of orthodontic treatment, you will be able to keep your natural teeth in your mouth.
The better aesthetic outlook will help you feel better.
Other dental problems that might be caused due to crowding, such as cavities and gum problems, are also prevented in advance.
The orthodontic treatment provides you with a better mastication and thus, helps to alleviate head and neck aches, and prevents digestive troubles.
Duration of orthodontic treatment period is often long.
Visibility of braces from the outside (though this problem has been reduced with porcelain braces).
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies between 4 months to 4 years (the average is 2 years).
The patient is supposed to visit his/her dentist once every four weeks.