Orthodontics and Clear Aligners

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents, and treats irregularities in the tooth and jaw structure. Irregular tooth alignment, jaw discrepancies, and bite disorders are corrected through orthodontic treatment. Having teeth in their ideal position not only provides an aesthetically pleasing smile but is also important for oral health.

What Are Orthodontic Problems? Orthodontic problems can be congenital or acquired later in life. The main orthodontic problems are:

1. Crowded Teeth: This occurs when teeth are crowded or crooked due to a lack of sufficient space in the jaw.
2. Open Bite: A condition where the upper and lower teeth do not touch, leaving a gap between them.
3. Protrusion of the Lower or Upper Jaw: Situations where the lower or upper jaw is positioned further forward or backward than normal, leading to bite disorders and chewing difficulties.
4. Tooth Gaps: A condition where there are excessive spaces between the teeth.
5. Deep Bite: A condition where the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth.

What Are the Methods of Orthodontic Treatment? Different methods are used to solve orthodontic problems. The treatment method is determined according to the needs of each patient. Here are the most common orthodontic treatment methods:

1. Metal Braces: Used in traditional orthodontic treatment, metal braces are durable and provide strong tooth movements.
2. Ceramic Braces: Thanks to their transparent structure, they offer a more aesthetic appearance, but they are more fragile than metal braces.
3. Lingual Braces: Placed on the inner side of the teeth, these braces are invisible from the outside and are suitable for patients with aesthetic concerns.
4. Clear Aligners (Invisalign): Especially preferred for mild to moderate orthodontic problems, this method corrects teeth using removable aligners.

What is Invisalign (Clear Aligner) Orthodontics? Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment method performed with clear aligners to correct teeth without the need for metal or ceramic braces. These clear aligners, custom-made for the patient, gradually move the teeth into the desired position. Invisalign is popular because it offers an invisible treatment and is removable. How is Invisalign Treatment Performed? Invisalign treatment is carried out in the following steps:

1. Examination and Digital Scanning: The dentist examines the patient's dental structure and performs a digital scan. Thanks to this scan, a 3D model of the teeth is created.
2. Determining the Treatment Plan: Analyses performed in a digital environment determine how the teeth will move. Every stage of the treatment is planned in advance.
3. Preparation of the Aligners: Custom-made aligners for the patient are changed at regular intervals. Each new aligner moves the teeth a little further.
4. Use of the Aligners: It is recommended that the patient wears the aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day. They can only be removed while eating, drinking anything other than water, or brushing teeth.

Advantages of Invisalign Treatment

• Aesthetic Appearance: Thanks to clear aligners, they are not noticeable from the outside and offer a significant aesthetic advantage.
• Removability: Aligners can be removed while eating or brushing teeth, which makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene.
• Comfortable Use: Unlike metal braces, there is no lip or cheek irritation.
• Fewer Clinical Visits: Since Invisalign aligners are prepared in advance, the treatment requires a lower number of clinical visits.

Invisalign Can Be Applied in Which Cases? Although Invisalign treatment can solve most orthodontic problems, traditional braces may be required for more complex cases. Invisalign provides effective results in the following situations:

• Mild to moderate crowding
• Closing tooth gaps
• Open bite and deep bite conditions
• Mild jaw discrepancies

Benefits Provided by Orthodontic Treatment Orthodontic treatment provides many benefits not only for aesthetics but also for health:

• Improvement of Oral Hygiene: Properly aligned teeth make brushing and flossing easier and reduce the risk of decay.
• Correction of Jaw Functions: Discrepancies in the jaw structure are corrected with orthodontic treatment, thereby improving chewing and speaking functions.
• Reduction of Tooth Wear: A proper bite reduces the wear and tear on teeth.
• Increased Self-Confidence: Properly aligned teeth boost a person's self-confidence and allow them to smile more freely.

Things to Consider During Orthodontic Treatment It is important to pay attention to oral hygiene throughout orthodontic treatment. If you are using brackets or removing Invisalign aligners, you must brush your teeth regularly and use dental floss. Especially in bracket treatment, foods that stick to the teeth can be difficult to clean, so extra attention must be paid to oral hygiene.