How does braces treatment work in Ankara?
In Ankara, fixed braces treatment at our clinic proceeds in four main stages: examination and records, bonding the brackets, regular wire adjustments and retention after treatment. Fixed braces consist of brackets (small holders) bonded to the front surface of each tooth and a thin archwire running through them. The wire applies a continuous, gentle force to the teeth and moves them to the planned position. The clinic is located in Park Oran Ofis in Oran, Çankaya, and treatment is carried out by Funda Pekyılmaz Sarıkaya, specialist orthodontist (Uzm. Dt.).
Who are braces a suitable option for?
Fixed braces can be used in many situations, such as crowding, gaps between teeth, deep or open bite, crossbite and forward-tilted teeth. They are often preferred in cases where teeth need to be moved in a controlled way together with their roots, where an impacted tooth is to be brought into place, or where preparation is needed before orthodontic surgery. They are also a practical option for teenagers and adults who think they would find it hard to keep wearing aligners 20–22 hours a day, because the patient cannot remove braces. Which method suits you is determined after the examination and X-rays; if you would like to compare the two methods, see our clear aligners or braces page.
What types of braces are there?
- Metal brackets: Made of stainless steel, they are the most widely used type and are durable.
- Ceramic (esthetic) brackets: Close to tooth color, so they are less noticeable. Details are on our ceramic braces page.
- Lingual braces: The brackets are bonded to the tongue side of the teeth and are not visible from the outside; they cannot be used in every case. See lingual braces.
Which type suits your case and which option can be planned at the clinic is explained at the examination.
What happens when the brackets are placed?
The bracket placement appointment usually takes one to two hours and does not require an injection. The teeth are cleaned and dried, and the brackets are placed one by one with a special adhesive; then the archwire is fitted. A feeling of pressure on the teeth and sensitivity when chewing in the first few days are expected; orthodontic wax can be used where the brackets rub against the cheek. For a step-by-step description of the procedure, you can read our article how braces are put on.
How often do you need to come in for wire adjustments?
Check-ups are usually every 4–8 weeks. At each visit the wire may be changed or bent, elastics may be added and the progress of the teeth is assessed. These appointments are usually short; since the clinic is open until 20:00 in the evening and on Saturdays, they can be scheduled around school and work hours. If a bracket comes loose or the wire pokes into your cheek, you should call the clinic without waiting for the next check-up.
What should daily care look like with braces?
The areas around the brackets are prone to plaque build-up, so brushing after every meal and using interdental brushes and floss are important. Hard and sticky foods (hard-shelled nuts, caramel, ice) can cause brackets to come off. Practical tips are in our guide brushing and cleaning with braces. If oral hygiene is inadequate, white spots (mineral loss on the enamel surface) can form on the teeth; for this reason, oral hygiene is also assessed at every check-up.
How long does braces treatment take and what happens afterward?
The duration depends on the type of problem, age, how quickly the teeth move and the patient's cooperation. Mild cases may take less time and cases with a skeletal component may take longer; most treatments are completed within 12–30 months. After the brackets are removed, a retention appliance is used so that the teeth do not return to their old positions. This can be a thin fixed wire bonded behind the teeth, a clear retainer, or both used together. Details are on our retention after treatment page.
Are extractions needed in braces treatment?
Not in every case. If there is not enough space to align the teeth, there are several ways to gain space: millimetric enamel reduction between the teeth (IPR), expanding the dental arch, or moving the back teeth backward. If crowding is very severe or the front teeth are markedly tilted forward, planned extractions may come into consideration. This decision is made by assessing the X-rays, the facial profile and the digital model together. You can find more detail in our article extractions in orthodontic treatment.
What additional elements can be used in braces treatment?
In some cases, brackets and wire alone are not enough. Orthodontic elastics attached between the brackets may be used to correct the position of the lower and upper jaws relative to each other; how regularly the patient wears them every day directly affects the progress of treatment. Mini-screws (anchorage screws) placed temporarily in the jaw to prevent teeth from shifting in an unwanted direction, or appliances that widen the palate, may also be added to the plan. Whether these additional elements are needed and how long they will be used is explained in the treatment plan from the start.
What should you keep in mind when coming to the clinic from elsewhere in Ankara?
To book an appointment, you can call 0312 911 60 36 or write via WhatsApp. Simply enter Park Oran Ofis into your navigation app; the building is next to Panora Mall and opposite One Tower Mall. If you have a previously taken panoramic X-ray, bring it with you; the orthodontist decides whether a new film is needed.