Short answer: For braces, you see the orthodontics department, meaning an orthodontist. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that studies the alignment of the teeth, the position of the jaws in relation to each other, and bite problems. Braces, clear aligners and the appliances used in children all fall under this field. At the first exam, the dentist evaluates your teeth and bite and, if needed, takes records such as X-rays and scans.
Many people looking for treatment for crowded teeth, a bite problem or protruding teeth ask the same first question: which department handles braces? The short answer is that treatments such as braces and clear aligners fall under the specialty of orthodontics. In this article, we explain what orthodontics deals with, how an orthodontist differs from a general dentist, which specialty to see for different complaints, and what awaits you at the first exam.
Which department do you see for braces?
For braces, you see the orthodontics department, that is, an orthodontist. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that studies how the teeth are arranged on the jaw, the position of the upper and lower jaws in relation to each other, and the bite relationship. Braces (bracket treatment), clear aligner treatment, removable and fixed appliances used in children, and retainers worn after treatment are all within the scope of this field.
The question "which department is orthodontics?" is sometimes asked in the belief that orthodontics is separate from dentistry. In fact, orthodontics is a specialty of oral and dental health and cannot be considered independently of general dental health. For this reason, cavities, fillings and gum condition are also taken into account during an orthodontic exam. If you would like to know more about the scope of orthodontics, see our what is orthodontics page, and if you would like to get to know the classic bracket method, see our metal braces article.
Who is an orthodontist and what do they do?
An orthodontist is a dentist who, after completing dental school, has received additional specialty training in orthodontics. This training, which lasts several years, focuses on the biology of tooth movement, jaw growth, measurements made on X-rays, and planning different treatment methods.
The main duties of an orthodontist are as follows:
- Evaluating irregularities such as crowding, gaps, deep bite, open bite and crossbite
- Monitoring jaw development in children and, when needed, planning early intervention suited to the growth period
- Deciding which of braces, clear aligners or appliances suits the person
- Checking tooth movement throughout treatment and updating the plan when necessary
- Managing the retention period at the end of treatment to protect the new position of the teeth
At our clinic, clear aligner treatment is provided only with Invisalign, and treatment planning is done by the orthodontist. If you are weighing wires against aligners, our clear aligners or braces page explains the two methods side by side.
The difference between a general dentist and an orthodontist
A general dentist examines and treats across a broad range of oral and dental health, while an orthodontist has additional specialty training focused on the position of the teeth and jaws and on bite problems. A general dentist handles many basic procedures such as cavity treatment, fillings, tartar cleaning and extractions; when they notice an orthodontic problem during routine check-ups, they may refer the patient for an orthodontic evaluation.
Orthodontic treatment is a process that lasts months, sometimes years, and requires careful planning. Because moving teeth directly affects the roots, bone and gum tissue, it is important that this planning is done by a dentist trained in the field. We covered the difference between the two professions in more detail in our article on the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist.
If you are not sure whether your complaint is orthodontic, there is no need to worry. Teeth shifting over time, new gaps between the front teeth, teeth not fitting together properly when you bite, a tendency to chew on one side, or symptoms such as noise and fatigue around the jaw joint are all good reasons for an orthodontic evaluation. At the exam, it is determined whether the problem relates to orthodontic treatment or to another specialty, and, if needed, planning is done together with the relevant dentist. The same applies to those considering treatment as adults; suitability is assessed not by age but by the health of the teeth and gums.
Which department for which complaint?
Every complaint in oral and dental health has a specialty it belongs to, and knowing the right one makes it easier to reach the appropriate dentist without losing time. Here is a short guide for common situations:
- Crowded, gapped or protruding teeth, bite problems: Orthodontics
- Problems with wisdom teeth, impacted teeth, surgical extractions: Oral, dental and maxillofacial surgery
- Bleeding gums, receding gums, loose teeth: Periodontology
- Cavities in children, baby tooth treatments, preventive care: Pedodontics (pediatric dentistry)
- Cavities and fillings, cosmetic fillings: Restorative dentistry
- Root canal treatment, infections inside the tooth: Endodontics
- Missing teeth, crowns and prostheses: Prosthodontics
Some treatments require more than one specialty to work together. For example, arranging the spaces between teeth before an implant, or orthodontic treatment in an adult who has had gum disease, is carried out through joint planning between orthodontics and other fields. For children, a first orthodontic check-up is generally recommended around age 7; an evaluation at this age does not mean every child will start treatment right away, but it is useful for monitoring development.
What happens at the first exam?
At the first orthodontic exam, the dentist listens to your complaint, examines your teeth and bite, and decides whether treatment is needed and, if so, which records will be taken. The exam generally consists of the following stages:
- Consultation: Your complaint, your expectations, your general health and any dental treatments you have had before are discussed.
- Intraoral and facial exam: Tooth alignment, bite, jaw joint, gums and facial profile are evaluated.
- Records: If deemed necessary, panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, intraoral and facial photographs, and a digital scan or impression are taken.
- Information: General information is given about suitable treatment options, the estimated duration and the frequency of check-ups. The definitive plan becomes clear after the records are reviewed.
We explained step by step how the records are taken and what they are used for in our article on the first orthodontic exam and records. The treatment fee is also communicated in writing after the exam and planning.
Preparing for your exam
Going to the exam prepared helps you have a more productive conversation in a short time. Things to bring or think about in advance:
- Any dental X-rays and treatment records taken earlier
- A list of the medications you use and any known health conditions
- A clear description of the complaint that bothers you most (appearance, difficulty chewing, jaw noise, etc.)
- Your questions about preferences such as braces or clear aligners
- For children's exams, your observations about habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing
Our orthodontic exam question list, in which we have compiled questions you may want to ask at the exam, can help with this preparation. Brushing your teeth before the exam also helps the dentist see the condition of your teeth and gums more clearly.
An orthodontic exam in Ankara
If you would like to see an orthodontist in Ankara, you can begin with an evaluation appointment, however noticeable your complaint is. Our clinic is located in Oran, Çankaya, at Park Oran Ofis next to Panora Mall; we provide services in Turkish, English, German and Russian. You can find our orthodontic approach on our orthodontist in Ankara page, and you can reach our contact details to make an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a general dentist first for braces?
You can go directly to an orthodontist. If your general dentist notices an orthodontic problem during routine check-ups, they may refer you for an orthodontic evaluation. Before treatment begins, cavities or gum problems may need to be taken care of first.
Does clear aligner treatment also fall under orthodontics?
Yes. Clear aligner treatment is also an orthodontic treatment that moves the teeth, and its planning requires an orthodontic evaluation. At our clinic, clear aligner treatment is provided only with Invisalign.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
A first orthodontic check-up is generally recommended around age 7. For most children, this check-up does not mean treatment will start right away; it allows jaw development and tooth eruption to be monitored.
How long does the first orthodontic exam take?
The length varies depending on the complaint and the records to be taken. The consultation and exam are usually short; if records such as X-rays, photographs and a digital scan are needed, they can be taken the same day or at a separate appointment.
Should I see an orthodontist for a wisdom tooth problem?
Pain, impacted teeth or extractions related to wisdom teeth fall under oral, dental and maxillofacial surgery. However, if the wisdom tooth has a connection to orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist also takes part in the evaluation.
