What is Orthodontics?

It is a branch of dentistry that deals with correcting the harmony of the upper and lower jaws, placing the teeth in the correct position on the jaws, and correcting the skeletal profile. Since it is more difficult to clean crooked and poorly positioned teeth, there is a risk of developing periodontal (gum) diseases and losing teeth early due to tooth decay. In addition, by causing more pressure on the jaw muscles; They can cause temporomandibular joint disorders and thus headaches, back and shoulder pain. Crooked teeth also affect your appearance. With orthodontic treatment, you can have a healthier mouth, a more impressive appearance and teeth that will stay in your mouth for a longer time. The dentist who works in this branch is called an orthodontist. In order to become an orthodontist, it is necessary to specialize in orthodontics after graduating from the faculty of dentistry.

Do I Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Only a dentist or orthodontist can determine your need for orthodontic treatment. After a comprehensive medical and dental history, oral and dental examination, creation of jaw models, and special x-rays and photographs, it can be determined whether you need orthodontic treatment and the type of treatment to be performed.

You may need orthodontic treatment if the following are present:
 

• Overbite: The upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth more than normal.
• Overjet: The lower front teeth are positioned further forward than the upper front teeth or the upper teeth are positioned further back than the lower teeth.
• Crossbite: While the upper teeth should cover the lower teeth, in some places the lower teeth cover the upper teeth.
• Openbite: The lower and upper front teeth do not touch each other during the bite.
• Midline shift: The midline of your upper front teeth does not coincide with the midline of your lower front teeth.
• Gaps: Diastema is the presence of gaps between the teeth due to tooth extraction or naturally.
• Crowding: Not enough space in the jaws for the teeth to line up.

How is Orthodontic Treatment Performed?

Treatment that can be done to move the teeth, affect the muscles or the growth of the jaws can be fixed or mobile. These treatments are done by applying very light forces to the teeth or jaws. The type of treatment is determined according to the severity of your problem.