Short answer: Orthodontics is the dental specialty that diagnoses, prevents and treats problems with tooth alignment, the bite, and the position of the jaws relative to each other. Crowding, gaps between teeth, overjet or underbite, open bite and crossbite are the conditions treated most often. Treatment is carried out with braces, clear aligners or, during the growth years, appliances that guide jaw development; afterwards, a retainer is used to maintain the results.
When people ask what orthodontics is, braces usually come to mind first. Yet orthodontics is not just a procedure for straightening crooked teeth; it is a dental specialty that looks at the harmony of the teeth, jaws and facial structure as a whole. Dentists working in this field earn the title of orthodontist by completing several years of specialty training after dental school. In this article we give an overview of what orthodontics deals with, when treatment is needed, the methods used and how the treatment process works.
What does orthodontics deal with?
Orthodontics examines the position of the teeth within the jawbone and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws; its goal is a healthy bite, a balanced smile and tooth alignment that can be maintained in the long term. That is why an orthodontic assessment looks not only at the teeth but also at the lips, the facial profile, breathing patterns, and swallowing and chewing habits.
Orthodontics has two main areas of work. The first is moving teeth: a controlled, continuous force applied to a tooth causes the surrounding bone to break down on one side and rebuild on the other, so the tooth slowly moves to its new position. The second is guiding jaw development in growing children. These two areas form the basis of the distinction between “dental” and “skeletal” problems.
Which conditions require orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment becomes relevant when the position of the teeth or jaws negatively affects appearance, chewing, speech or oral health. The most common conditions are:
- Crowding: Teeth overlapping because there is not enough room in the jaw. Because it makes cleaning harder, it can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Gaps between teeth (diastema): Spaces left between the teeth.
- Overjet: The upper front teeth sitting noticeably in front of the lower front teeth.
- Underbite: The lower front teeth closing in front of the upper teeth.
- Deep bite: The upper front teeth overlapping the lower front teeth excessively.
- Open bite: A vertical gap remaining between the front teeth when the back teeth are closed.
- Crossbite: The upper teeth closing on the inside of the lower teeth in one or more areas.
- Impacted or misplaced teeth: Especially canines that are unable to erupt into their proper place.
Some of these conditions are purely an aesthetic concern, while others can lead to uneven tooth wear, gum recession or strain on the jaw joint. For children, a first orthodontic check-up around age 7 is recommended; at this stage some problems can be spotted early and guided with simpler interventions.
Orthodontic treatment options: braces, clear aligners, appliances
The three main tools used in orthodontic treatment are fixed braces, clear aligners and appliances that guide jaw development. Which one is chosen depends on the type of problem, the patient's age and their expectations.
Fixed braces
Force is applied through brackets bonded to the surface of the teeth and a wire that runs through them. Metal and tooth-colored ceramic brackets are available; in some cases brackets can also be bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth. Fixed braces are still widely used because they work independently of patient compliance and provide broad control over complex tooth movements.
Clear aligners
This system consists of a series of digitally planned transparent aligners, each moving the teeth one small step further. Because they are removable, eating and oral hygiene are easy; however, they need to be worn about 20–22 hours a day. At our clinic, clear aligner treatment is provided only with the Invisalign system. For details of the method, see our what are clear aligners page.
Orthodontic appliances
Used in growing children, these devices target the development of the jaws rather than the teeth. Appliances that widen a narrow upper jaw, functional appliances that support forward growth of the lower jaw, and face masks that guide upper jaw development are examples of this group. Space maintainers, on the other hand, are used to preserve the space left by baby teeth that are lost early.
We compare the criteria to consider when deciding between fixed braces and clear aligners in our article clear aligners or braces.
How does orthodontic treatment progress and how long does it take?
Orthodontic treatment consists of an examination and records, planning, active treatment and retention. The total duration varies from case to case, but in most cases active treatment lasts anywhere from a few months to two or three years.
- Examination and records: An intraoral and facial examination is performed; panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, photographs and an intraoral scan or impressions are taken.
- Diagnosis and planning: We determine whether the problem is dental or skeletal, and treatment options and likely durations are discussed with the patient. Fee information is also provided in writing after this planning stage.
- Preparation: Any problems such as cavities or gum inflammation are treated first.
- Active treatment: Braces, aligners or an appliance are fitted, and progress is monitored with regular check-ups.
- Retention: A retainer is used so the teeth hold their new positions.
The main factors affecting treatment duration are the severity of the problem, the patient's age, bone structure, attending check-up appointments regularly and, particularly with removable appliances or clear aligners, sticking to the recommended wear time. Orthodontic treatment is also possible for adults; as long as the gums and bone are healthy, age alone is not an obstacle.
Why is oral hygiene so important during treatment?
Because orthodontic devices create new areas where plaque can build up on the tooth surfaces, oral hygiene requires more care than ever during treatment. With fixed braces, the area around the brackets should be cleaned with interdental brushes; with clear aligners, the teeth must always be brushed before the aligners are put in. Regular dental check-ups and fluoride applications when needed help prevent ending treatment with straight but decayed teeth.
Why is retention after treatment essential?
Retention is not optional; it is an integral part of orthodontic treatment, because teeth tend to move throughout life. When treatment ends, the fibers and bone around the teeth have not yet fully adapted to the new position. If retention is not done during this period, the teeth may partially return to their old positions.
Two types of retainers are used: thin fixed wires bonded to the back of the front teeth, and clear removable retainers worn at night. In most cases the two can also be used together. Longer daily wear is recommended at first; after that, wearing them only at night is usually enough. Wear time and check-up intervals are set individually by the orthodontist.
When should you see an orthodontist in Ankara?
An assessment is worthwhile if you have noticed irregularities while your child's teeth are coming in, if crowding, gaps or a bite problem in your own teeth bothers you, or if you were treated before and see your teeth shifting again. At our clinic in Park Oran Ofis on Kudüs Caddesi in Oran, our orthodontist takes the necessary records and reviews the options together with you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialty training in orthodontics after dental school. Diagnosing tooth and jaw position problems, monitoring growth and complex orthodontic planning are the focus of this training.
Can adults have orthodontic treatment?
Yes. As long as the gums and jawbone are healthy, teeth can be moved safely in adults too. Because growth is complete, the options for skeletal problems may differ from those for children.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
For the first few days after braces are fitted or after switching to a new aligner, the teeth may feel pressure and sensitivity. This feeling usually eases quickly. Persistent, severe pain is not normal and should be reported to your dentist.
Do teeth shift again after orthodontic treatment?
If the retainer is not used as recommended, the teeth may partially return to their old positions. Consistent retainer wear and check-ups help maintain the result in the long term.
