Orthodontics
Braces, bite problems, jaw structure, retainers and appliances: orthodontic treatment options and processes.
What Is the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?
Every orthodontist is a dentist, but not every dentist is an orthodontist. We explain the difference in training, what each one focuses on and when you should see an orthodontist.
What Is Mewing? Can Tongue Posture Really Change Your Jawline?
The mewing trend spreading on social media has not been shown scientifically to change the jawline. We explain the possible risks, healthy tongue posture and what is done when there is a real jaw problem.
Is Jaw Expansion Possible in Adults? Options and Limits
Jaw expansion options for adults: dental and skeletal approaches, MARPE, surgically assisted expansion, risks and the limits of clear aligners.
Retention After Palatal Expansion: Why the Width Must Be Maintained
Why is retention needed after palatal expansion? The risk of the width relapsing, how long retention lasts, the gap between the front teeth and the next treatment stages.
Removable or Fixed Orthodontic Appliance? Differences and How to Choose
How do removable and fixed orthodontic appliances work, and which one is considered in which situation? The differences, treatment time and how the decision is made.
A Guide to Eating, Speaking and Care With an Orthodontic Appliance
Practical tips for appliance care, eating and getting used to speaking with removable and fixed orthodontic appliances.
What Is Orthodontic Headgear (Extraoral Appliance)? When Is It Used?
Headgear is an extraoral appliance used for upper jaw protrusion and molar position. We explain its types, how long it is worn and the safety rules.
What Are Functional Appliances? Guiding Jaw Growth in Children
Functional appliances aim to guide jaw growth during the growth years. We explain their types, when they are used and how treatment progresses.
What Is a Twin Block Appliance? Its Use for a Retruded Lower Jaw
The Twin Block is a removable functional appliance used for a retruded lower jaw during growth. We explain how it works, how long it is worn and what comes after.
What Is a Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)? How Does It Work?
An RPE, or Hyrax appliance, is a fixed device that widens a narrow upper jaw during the growth years. We explain how it works, the screw-turning schedule and the gap between the front teeth.
Why Do Teeth Shift Again After Orthodontic Treatment?
The tendency of teeth to drift back toward their old positions after braces or aligners is called relapse. Wearing a retainer is the main way to keep this tendency under control.
What Is a Retruded Lower Jaw? Signs and Treatment Options
The causes and signs of a lower jaw that sits too far back, the treatment approaches used for children and adults, and the role of clear aligners.
What to Watch Out for During Treatment with Braces: A Practical Guide
Whether treatment with braces goes as planned depends on daily habits. We have put together practical rules for eating, cleaning and minor emergencies.
What Is Trismus (Lockjaw)? Causes and Treatment
We explain the causes and symptoms of trismus, known as being unable to open the mouth, the treatment and exercise approaches, and situations that require emergency care.
What Is a Jaw Misalignment Appliance? When Is It Used?
Jaw misalignment means the lower and upper jaws are incorrectly positioned relative to each other. It can be guided with appliances during growth; in adults, orthodontics or surgery is considered.
What Causes Jaw Tension? Causes and Treatment Approaches
Jaw tension is often linked to stress, teeth clenching or jaw joint problems. Understanding the cause is the first step in choosing the right relief and treatment.
What Is Arthrocentesis (Jaw Joint Injection)? Who Is It For?
We explain when arthrocentesis, in which the jaw joint is rinsed with a sterile solution, is considered, how it is performed and what to expect afterwards.
Orthodontics for Children: When to Start and Which Treatments Are Used
A child's first orthodontic checkup is generally recommended at around age 7. We have summarized for parents the situations that call for early intervention and the treatment options used for children.
What Is a Palatal Expander? Who Needs One and at What Age?
We explain how expansion appliances used for a narrow upper jaw work, at what age they are most effective and what to expect after treatment.
What Is a TMJ Splint? Its Use in Jaw Joint Treatment
What a TMJ splint is, how it differs from a night guard, when it is used for jaw joint disorders and how to care for it.
What Is Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)? Who Needs It?
We explain who needs orthognathic surgery for skeletal jaw discrepancies, how it is planned together with orthodontics and what the recovery process involves.
What Is an Orthodontic Face Mask? Early Upper Jaw Correction in Children
We explain how the face mask used for children with an underdeveloped upper jaw works, the right age, daily wear and follow-up afterwards.
How Long After Getting Braces Do Teeth Start to Straighten?
With braces, the first changes are often noticeable within a few weeks, but full correction takes months. This article offers a realistic month-by-month timeline.
What Is Orthodontics? Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment and How Is It Done?
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that diagnoses and treats misaligned teeth and jaws. We explain how it works with braces, clear aligners and orthodontic appliances.
Can Adults Get Braces? Is There an Age Limit for Orthodontics?
There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment; what matters is gum and bone health. We explain how adult orthodontics differs and the options available.
How Are Braces Put On? The Process Step by Step
A step-by-step guide to the appointment when brackets are placed, the preparation beforehand, the adjustment period in the first days and checkup appointments.
What Is an Orthodontic Appliance? Types and Uses
Orthodontic appliances are intraoral or extraoral devices that guide the development of the teeth and jaws. We summarize the types, their uses and what to watch for.
What Is a Deep Bite? Why Does It Develop and How Is It Treated?
In a deep bite, the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth more than they should. We explain its causes, possible problems and treatment options with braces and clear aligners.
Who Is a Candidate for Braces? Age, Oral Health and Requirements
We explain which orthodontic problems fixed braces are used for, the oral health requirements for treatment, and when clear aligners can be an alternative.
Jaw Deformities: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
When the lower or upper jaw is mismatched in size, position or symmetry, it can affect chewing, speech and facial appearance. We explain the types and treatment options.
Open Bite: Why Don't the Upper and Lower Teeth Meet, and How Is It Treated?
If a gap remains between the front teeth when your mouth is closed, it may be an open bite. We explain the causes, signs and treatment options by age.
What Are Lingual (Invisible) Braces? Pros and Cons
How lingual braces bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth work, what the adjustment period is like, their pros and cons, and how they differ from clear aligners.
What Is a Narrow Jaw? Symptoms and Treatment Options
What causes a narrow jaw and how is it noticed? Expansion appliances for children, treatment options for adults and the role of clear aligners.
What Is a Hawley Retainer? When and How Is It Used?
We explain the design of the Hawley retainer, made of an acrylic base and a metal wire, what it is used for, how it differs from a clear retainer and how to care for it day to day.
Types of Braces: Metal, Ceramic, Lingual and Clear Aligners
We compare metal, ceramic, lingual and self-ligating brackets and clear aligners on a single page and explain which may suit whom.
What Is a Diastema (Gap Between Teeth)? Causes and Treatment Options
A diastema is a noticeable gap between teeth. Depending on the cause, it can be closed with clear aligners, braces, bonding or veneers; a retainer is essential to keep the result.
Ceramic (Porcelain) Braces: Advantages and Treatment Process
We explain how tooth-colored ceramic brackets differ from metal brackets and clear aligners, their pros and cons, and the treatment process.
What Is a Cephalometric X-Ray? Why Is It Taken in Orthodontics?
We explain what a cephalometric X-ray, the side-view skull radiograph used in orthodontic planning, shows, how it is taken and how it differs from a panoramic X-ray.
Jaw Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Clicking, pain or limited mouth opening can originate from the jaw joint. We explain the causes of TMJ disorders and the step-by-step treatment approach.
What Is a Retainer? Types and How to Use One
When orthodontic treatment ends, a retainer is used to keep the teeth in their new positions. We explain the types, how long to wear them and care rules.
What Is a Retruded Jaw? Treating Lower and Upper Jaw Retrusion
A retruded jaw means the lower or upper jaw sits back relative to the facial structure. Treatment depends on age: appliances during growth, orthodontics or surgery in adulthood.
What Is Treatment with Braces? Process, Types and Benefits
A comprehensive guide explaining how braces work, which problems they are used for, the stages of treatment and oral care while wearing braces.