Removable Orthodontic Appliances
What is the proper age for orthodontic examination?
The ages of 6 and 7 are proper ages for orthodontic examination to start.
Are braces put on at this age?
The period between the ages of 6 and 9 is an early period for the braces to be put on. In this period, we mostly prefer our patients to use removable appliances.
Are these removable appliances really necessary? What if we do not put them on?
It can be possible to treat existing or possible problems before they progress with these appliances more easily. Thus, the necessity to use braces may be decreased and even eliminated. If they are not used, the existing problem increases with progress and the need for a more complicated and exhausting treatment occurs.
How do removable orthodontic appliances work?
The use of the removable orthodontic appliances in the way your dentist instructed is very important because it is effective as long as it is used. There are one or two little screws inside the orthodontic appliances and as a result of the movement of these screws by the parents with the help of the hand tool, the appliances becomes functional and creates the desired alteration. These are also called expansion appliances.
Does removable appliances hurt?
This type of orthodontic appliances does not hurt. You feel them as if they are your own palate within 1-2 days.
My removable appliance is broken or lost. What should I do?
You should see your orthodontist the day it is broken or lost or the day after that. The making of a new appliance is certainly necessary in order for the alteration that is created with the treatment to remain and not to be lost. Otherwise, reversion is inevitable.
I had lost my removable orthodontic appliance but I have found it within 1-2 days. Now, it does not completely fit in my mouth. What should I do?
With the unpinning of the screw within the appliance, whose use was shown to you, for 1-2 circuits, the removable appliance will fit in. If not, consult your orthodontist.
How long is it necessary for us to use this removable appliance?
Usually, these removable appliances help us get the intended results within 6-8 months. Then, they are used only at night in order to preserve the alteration.
Should I wear the removable appliance while eating?
The removable appliance is removed while eating and brushing the teeth. Their constant use is necessary in other times.
Where will I keep my removable orthodontic appliance when I take it off?
Keep the appliance in the box that will be given to you. Materials such as tissues will not protect your appliance from the factors that will cause your appliances deformations. Even it can be chucked out accidentally when it is covered with tissue.
How should I clean my removable appliance?
Clean your removable appliance with the help of water and a brush. It is wrong to put the removable appliance in boiling water or try to clean it with chemical materials.
Dental Braces
What is fixed orthodontic treatment (with braces)?
It is an orthodontic treatment which is applied after all the milk teeth fall out and the permanent teeth find their places in the mouth (approximately at around the age of 12). It is a treatment of approximately 1.5-2.5 years which helps teeth that are crowded to be fixed with the attachment of little square pieces which are called braces that are made of stainless steel or porcelain (transparent) on the surface of the teeth.
What are the types of brackets used in orthodontic treatments?
Two types of dental braces are used in orthodontic treatment: Metal (Stainless steel) and Ceramic (Clear Porcelain). These braces put to the front surface of the teeth.
The system where the braces are put to the back surface of the teeth is called lingual orthodontics. With this system, no braces are visible since they are all on the back side.
Dental manufacturers started producing self-ligating brackets these days. These brackets, which also have metal and ceramic versions, have faster treatment capabilities compared to the classic brackets.
With the latest technology in dentistry, we can offer bracketless treatments to our patients. This system is called invisalign, and is basically a set of thin, transparent dental appliances which the patient can put on and off.
Does fixed orthodontic treatment damage my teeth?
Orthodontic treatment is not a treatment that damages the teeth. On the contrary, it helps to create a more orderly oral equilibrium by making teeth position properly.
Does fixed orthodontic treatment decay my teeth?
Orthodontic treatment does not have a side effect such as tooth decay. Tooth decay is a result that would occur regardless of orthodontic treatment due to insufficient cleaning of the mouth. The most important issue is the care given to cleaning while the braces are in the mouth.
Does orthodontic treatment cause pain on the teeth?
When the braces are attached, you may feel some dull pain because a certain amount of force is applied on the teeth but usually it might not occur. This situation varies from person to person. This novel feeling would return to normal within 2-3 days. A constant and acute pain is not seen. If we want the minimum pain, we have to take care of the braces very well.
Does fixed orthodontic treatment change the color of the teeth or make them yellow?
Orthodontic braces does not change the colour of the teeth. The reason of the occurance of the color change are the habits (cola, tea, coffee, smoking, wine etc.) and insufficient oral cleaning.
Will my orthodontic treatment be with tooth extraction or not? My friend’s tooth was removed. Will mine, too? We have consulted another orthodontist. He said that extraction is required. Is tooth extraction really necessary?
In orthodontic treatment, tooth extraction is a regularly planned situation. When teeth are too big for the jaw on which they are placed, orthodontic treatment with extraction is considered. Another criterion is the patient’s profile. Teeth may push the lips excessively forward when they are lined up on the jaws without extraction and aesthetic may become critical. Also, in such cases, extraction is considered. Although tooth extraction is perceived as a negative situation, it offers the best solution in such cases in the betterment of the aesthetic look and oral health.
The extraction of the healthy teeth for orthodontic treatment does not seem reasonable to me?
It is one of the most frequently asked questions. Our patients even embark on a quest for a orthodontist that would do orthodontic treatment without extraction. If an example is necessary for it to be more clear, the wisdom teeth of most people we know are removed due to the risk of their causing crowdedness, oral hygiene or lack of space. After all, they are also healthy teeth. Orthodontist decide to extract teeth due to both profile and symmetry issues and lack of space.
Are there any gaps left after tooth extraction?
No, there are not. After the teeth are extracted, with the sliding of the teeth that are on the back and the front with dental braces, extraction gaps are closed. When you are examined by your orthodontist, you can ask for case photos (with tooth extraction).
Do dental braces affect my speech negatively during orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatments that are done by getting support from the front surface of the teeth do not affect your speech.
How frequently will I come to check-ups?
The intervals between the check-ups in orthodontic treatments changes from 4 to 6 weeks. In orthodontic treatments with extraction, this time period may be shorter within the first months.
Do my teeth get harmed when the braces are removed?
The teeth are not damaged during the removal of braces. When the braces are being removed, the adhesive material is separated from tooth surface. Loss of tooth enamel is not seen. Cleaning and polishing processes must be certainly done after the braces are removed.
Does crowdedness come back after the braces are removed?
The front 6-8 teeth are immobilised on each other with a thin wire (retainer) that is attached on the side of the tongue during the removal of the braces. Thus, reversal of the acquired result is prevented.This retainers is absolutely not seen from the outside. After your orthodontic treatment finishes, you should definitely try to keep up with the check-ups that your orthodontist suggested.
Will this retainer spoil my speech?
Usually our orthodontics patients get used to this wire within 1 week and they forget about its presence. These retainers are not too thick to affect your speech.
The edge of my retainer is separated. What should I do?
As soon as possible, before the harmony between the wire and the teeth is lost, consult your orthodontist.
My retainer is completely separated. What should I do?
The complete separation of the retainer may lead to slight crowdedness even within 1-2 days. Thus, get an appointment to have a new one made from your orthodontist as soon as possible.
How long will this retainer stay in my mouth?
It is preferred that this retainer stays in the mouth for at least 5 years. In some cases, its lifelong use may be necessary. Your orthodontist would inform you about this issue.
Invisalign
What is Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign, which is one of the latest technologies in orthodontic treatment, is an orthodontic treatment that is applied to correct your teeth with tailor-made transparent plaques (aligners). The most important reason why invisalign, which offers orthodontic treatment without braces, is chosen is the fact that your having an orthodontic treatment is not visible while the crowdedness of your teeth is corrected.
How do the teeth move without braces?
Invisalign aligners are produced serially according to the position to which the teeth are wanted to move. Each invisalign aligner creates a movement of 0.5 mms. The aligners are worn for 15 days and then, you start to use the next ones.
How are aligners produced according to tooth movement?
Your orthodontist will take impressions of your mouth and these impressions will be transferred to computer environment with the help of a 3-D scanning method that is called CAD/CAM system. The teeth that are transferred to computer environment are moved with a computer simulation. Invisalign aligners are produced according to each movement of 0.5 mms.
Will I be able to see the end of the treatment before my own invisalign treatment?
Yes. You can see the end of your treatment in 3-D after your treatment plan is created in virtual environment.
Can everyone have invisalign?
It is an orthodontic treatment that can be applied to both adults and youngsters and children. However, your eligibility for Invisalign treatment becomes clear as a result of the examination by your orthodonitst. Mild or moderate crowding of teeth can be treated with invisalign. An orthodontic problem for which tooth extraction is necessary cannot be treated with invisalign but research is continuing in this regard. As technology advances, invisalign will be used for orthodontic treatments with extraction.
In what age can my child have invisalign treatment?
All your child’s milk teeth must have fallen out and at least his/her 2nd molars must be partly erupted. This corresponds approximately to the age of 13 or 14.
What is the biggest advantage of Invisalign treatment?
The most important feature of Invisalign is that it never affects your daily life negatively.
Firstly, Invisalign is almost invisible in your mouth and you can keep on smiling as you wish during the treatment.
You can easily take off your plaques while eating, drinking something or brushing your teeth and eat whatever food you want.
You do not experience any situation that would discomfort your teeth or gums because invisalign treatment is performed without steel but with soft plaques.
Invisalign can be comfortably applied to both youngsters and adults.
Will there be pain in Invisalign treatment?
Certain amount of force is needed for tooth movement. You will feel pressure when you put on the aligners for the first time. Your teeth will adapt to this pressure after a very short time.
How often will my check-ups be during Invisalign treatment?
Your check-ups will be once every month. 2 new set of aligners will be delivered to you in each check-up. These aligners are changed every 15 days. For example, if 20 sets of aligners are produced for your treatment, your treatment will continue for 10 months.
How long should I wear the aligners?
Your should wear the invisalign aligners for approximately 20 hours a day. It is recommended that you remove them only when eating. Apart from that, you can take them of for at most 1-2 hours during a very important meeting.
Do I have to take the aligners off while drinking something?
You can drink beverages of normal or cold temperatures but it is recommended that you take them off while drinking something hot. Because Invisalign aligners are thermoplastic, they may become deformed in heat.
Do people notice the Invisalign aligners in my mouth?
According to the responses from our patients that are treated in this way, whether they have aligners in their mouth is not noticable as long as they do not say that there is. Many of our patients say that when they remove their aligners while eating, they are asked if there was something in their mouths.
Does Invisalign treatment affect my speech?
You will not have any problems when you pass the adaptation period of 1-2 days. If you have to talk for a long time in a meeting, you may take your invisalign aligners for 1-2 hours.
How will I clean my invisalign aligners?
You can clean your invisalign aligners under warm water with a tooth brush every morning and night.
I am smoking. Do my invisalign aligners yellow?
If you are smoking too much, your aligners will become yellower than those of a non-smoker. However, this yellowing will not be extreme since your will be changing your invisalign aligners every 15 days.
Does treatment with orthodontic braces or invisalign (orthodontic treatment without braces) take shorter?
The length of the treatment period changes from person to person. However, because computer technology is used in invisalign treatment, no force is applied to the unwanted areas. Because it is used in mild and moderate crowding, invisalign treatment may be shorter than standard orthodontic treatment.
Again, as we have observed as a situation among our patients, we can say that those who have invisalign treatment, in other words orthodontic treatment without braces, do not have the concern about when their treatment will end.
Are invisalign treatment prices high?
It is an expensive kind of treatment compared to standard braces treatment because it is almost invisible. You can look up invisalign prices in Prices section.
Can I start Invisalign treatment immediately?
Transfer of your impressions abroad, the creation of your treatment plan in online system and the production of the Invisalign aligners and their passing through the customs may take 1-1,5 months. Although these may seem as disadvantages, at the beginning of your treatment, the end of your treatment is designated (including time).
Is there have to be any preparation before Invisalign treatment?
Yes. All the decays and tartar must be cleaned and all the processes of dental care inside the mouth must be finished before starting Invisalign treatment. Sometimes your doctor may want your wisdom teeth to be extracted before Invisalign treatment. No processes are carried out after the measurement is taken. Prosthetic operations such as bridges and implants are done after Invisalign treatment ends.
Do these Invisalign aligners contain Bisphenol-A that is used in the production of plastic materials?
Invisalign aligners do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalates that are used in baby bottles and plastic bottles and which are banned by Canada, the USA and the European Union because they lead to many health problems. Thus, you can have Invisalign treatment securely in every period of your life including pregnancy and nursing.
Are there any processes left after Invisalign treatment finishes?
After your Invisalign treatment finishes (valid for all orthodontic treatments), a very thin wire that is called retainer is attached on the back side of the teeth. This thin wire is not visible from the outside. They are attached in order to prevent any movement or reversal. Your orthodontist will anounce how long it will stay.
Importance of Age in Orthodontic Treatments
There are 2 kinds of orthodontic problems.
The first is dental problems. We can enumerate them as crowding, angular teeth, gap between the teeth and rotated teeth.
The second is skeletal problems. These are problems such as upper or lower jaw’s being far too front and anterior open bite.
Although one of these 2 problems can be seen, both can also be seen.
There is no age limitation in dental problems. In other words, even the person is 55 years old, he can get orthodontic treatment if there are healthy bone and enough teeth in the mouth. Because teeth can move lifelong.
However, if the person has skeletal problems, age is an important criterion for the treatment. For example, lower jaw of a 10-15 years old child who is in growth and development stage can be moved forward with orthodontic appliances. This treatment is performed using the skeletal growth potential of the child. While growth and development starts to slow down at around the age of 17 in males, it ends at around the age of 16 in females. The period between the ages of 10 and 15 is the period when skeleton develops rapidly and skeletal problems can be easily treated by the orthodontists in this period.
What can be done if development stage has passed and there are skeletal problems? It can still be treated. However, this time, not the orthodontist but the plastic surgeon moves the upper jaw, which was backward, forward by performing genioplasty. While the orthodontist arranges the upper and the lower jaw perfectly, the plastic surgeon treats the skeletal disorder. This process that the plastic surgeon performs is called Orthognatic surgery.
If we sum up the importance of age in orthodontics, these treatments are the treatments that can be performed in any age. Age changes only the plan or the form of the orthodontic treatment.