Orthodontic treatment deals with diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities in the position of the teeth and jaws in children and adults. The aim of orthodontic treatment is aesthetic and functional dentition to achieve the maximum possible stability of the treatment result.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| Varies | Varies | 6-24 weeks |
Orthodontics not only deals with treating orthodontic defects but also focuses on their prevention and early diagnosis to prevent the defect from developing. The orthodontic procedure is often very long and uses interdisciplinary collaboration. It also requires excellent cooperation from the patient. In the past, orthodontic patients were primarily children and teenagers; today, dental braces are no exception, even in the adult population. Treatment demands not only time but also money.
Continuous home care of braces is also essential. Orthodontic appliances often represent many new places where more dental plaque can adhere, thus increasing the risk of tooth decay or gingivitis. Chalk-white demineralization lesions on the visible surfaces of the teeth remaining on the teeth after removing the braces are widespread. These are decalcified areas formed by the action of plaque bacterial acids on the tooth surface due to poor oral hygiene. These lesions represent an aesthetic problem that is often difficult to resolve and requires further intervention by a dentist.
During orthodontic treatment, specialists use fixed or removable orthodontic appliances (braces) to treat defects that they can combine with surgical procedures. Selected devices are firmly attached to the teeth and are usually attached to the lip and cheek surfaces of the upper and lower jaw teeth using a unique fixation material. But experts can also stick them on the back of the teeth. They consist of essential parts such as orthodontic rings and locks connected by orthodontic wire. Forces are transferred to the teeth, often through the shape, strength, and programming of the wire or locks, causing the teeth to move in the desired direction and spacing. The acting forces, however, must be gradual and sufficiently large.
Thus, on the contrary, there is no damage or death to the teeth in the roots due to excessive or very fast-acting forces. Therefore, the orthodontic procedure is very time-consuming and takes months and years. Patient cooperation is crucial. It is trendy not only because of the long process but also because of the high demands on oral hygiene.
Specialists mostly use the orthodontic scanning appliance in childhood to treat simple defects or pretreatment before treatment with fixed brackets. An essential area of movable brackets is that doctors use them to maintain the desired result after treatment with a fixed appliance. Usually, you should deploy them for several hours at night and sometimes even during the day. The placement time of the device on the teeth always determines according to the attending physician’s instructions. You can easily remove and reattach the scanning device from the mouth. This makes it easier to perform oral hygiene. But even in this case, consistent hygiene of both braces and teeth is required.
Experts recommend orthodontic treatment for pediatric patients around the age of seven. Sometimes, treatment with removable braces is already appropriate in this period. The orthodontist also monitors the correct replacement of temporary teeth. Modern orthodontics solves most orthodontic defects after tooth replacement (12-13 years) using fixed braces. In cases where the facial bones grow inappropriately (large lower jaw, open bite), deciding on an appropriate treatment method may sometimes be necessary only when the central body development completes (16-18 years old). Today, the interest of adult patients in orthodontic procedures is increasing rapidly.
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontic treatment is a very effective treatment that eliminates deviations in the position of individual teeth and their groups, adjusts the reciprocal relationship of the dental arches, and improves the aesthetics of the teeth. The orthodontic procedure includes using dental braces, retainers, and other devices to correct the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Experts also use it to fix problems such as crooked teeth, overbites, crossbites, and crooked teeth.
Although the eruption of molars usually occurs after age six and the orthodontist can already assess the child’s mouth, the ideal age to start the orthodontic procedure is around 7-8 years. At this age, the child has already experienced enough bone growth for the dentist to detect abnormalities in the average development of the teeth or the position of the jawbones. Dentists will apply the preventive orthodontic processes in growing children.
All orthodontic treatments begin with the previous study. Diagnostic tests require that each case be analyzed and a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. With an accurate diagnosis, the patient will evaluate which orthodontic treatment is most appropriate based on their priorities. Although they achieve the same result, different treatments prevail in some aspects that are decisive in deciding on the most suitable procedure for each case. Contrary to what you commonly think, orthodontic procedures aim to improve your mouth’s aesthetics, promote teeth’ proper functionality, and help prevent periodontal disease and other common oral problems.
Who Should Have Orthodontic Treatment?
Oral and dental beauty has a significant impact on people’s faces. However, with orthodontic treatment, other problems are solved in addition to improving the smile’s beauty. Besides looking bad, misaligned teeth put much pressure on other teeth, gums, and jaw joints, which causes many problems.
All people with irregularity and lack of coordination or malocclusion between the teeth and jaw need orthodontic treatment. The jaw and teeth don’t develop as they should, and if they aren’t in a normal and natural position, they create malocclusion.
In malocclusion, the teeth are crooked and take an inappropriate place. Malocclusion isn’t a disease and doesn’t affect physical health. This is a change in the natural part of the teeth. However, although this condition doesn’t consider a disease, it can affect the appearance of the face and teeth, leading to embarrassment, low self-esteem, and even depression, or affect the ability to eat and speak. In general, people with the following problems need orthodontic treatment:
- Protruding anterior teeth
- Irregularity and crowding of teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Asymmetrical teeth
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What are the Risks of the Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is necessary for the beauty and health of the teeth, mouth, and surrounding structures, and we can list many benefits for this. However, knowing the risks, disadvantages, limitations, and problems is necessary.
Those who receive orthodontic procedures are more likely to develop tooth decay and gum infection. Because it is more challenging to keep all surfaces of the teeth clean with braces attached, this causes some parts of the teeth not to clean well and accumulate plaque and bacteria in them. As a result, tooth decay and gingivitis occur. After removing the bracket, you may notice white spots on the tooth. These points are the parts where the minerals leave the teeth. You can avoid these problems by paying more attention to oral hygiene.
During orthodontic treatment, pressure applies to move the teeth. In this process, the roots of some teeth may be under pressure, reabsorbed, and somewhat eroded. This usually doesn’t cause a problem with the stability and health of the tooth. However, in rare cases, it can cause the tooth to loosen. The difficulty of using orthodontic intraoral appliances causes some patients not to cooperate in using fixed or non-movable orthodontic appliances. As a result, they cannot achieve the desired results.
After the orthodontic treatment with the bracket is finished, the orthodontic retainer or another device called a retainer uses to ensure that the teeth don’t go back and stay in place. Since it takes some time for the bone around the tooth to harden and hold it stable, if the retainer does not use during this period, the teeth may move again and return to their original position.
An orthodontic procedure doesn’t hurt, but in the first few days, there is sensitivity or pain in the teeth due to the pressure on the teeth. In addition, every time you go to the doctor to adjust the appliances and the braces tighten, you may have pain or discomfort in your mouth for a few days. You can use commonly used pain relievers to relieve pain. In addition, rinsing the mouth with salt water helps to reduce the pain.
What Will You Encounter During an Orthodontic Treatment Consultation?
The orthodontic treatment consultation will give you detailed information about the procedure. Before the orthodontic process, specialists check the jaw position, and if the patient has a forward or posterior jaw, they first correct the jaw position with removable orthodontic appliances. Here, the age of orthodontic treatment is of particular importance. Because people who come to start orthodontic treatment at the age of 8 or 9 have the chance to bring jaw movement to the standard position without surgery and using only orthodontic devices and instruments. However, this isn’t the case in adults; the patient usually needs surgery combined with treatment.
Beware, no matter what age you are, and if you are applying to straighten your crooked teeth, you should first go to an orthodontist to determine the correct method of treating your irregular teeth. The orthodontist plans a professional treatment plan for you, tells you when to continue facial surgery, and diagnoses your need for facial surgery. In adult patients, the orthodontist first prepares the condition of the teeth for surgery. Later, maxillofacial surgery performs by a maxillofacial surgeon. In the next step, the patient will return to the orthodontist and continue the treatment.
The duration of the orthodontic procedure will differ depending on the patient’s age and the degree of abnormality. However, another critical point is the orthodontic treatment method that an experienced orthodontist will choose. The orthodontic treatment of children with a certain degree of deformity for metal is shorter than the orthodontic procedure in adults. In addition, the treatment period of patients using fixed methods is faster than those using removable orthodontics. Orthodontists think about all this and, finally, announce a 6 to 30 month program to the patient. In addition, the orthodontists will inform you about the number of visits and the appropriate time intervals for the meetings.
Patient responsibility is fundamental during orthodontic treatment. During the treatment process, the patient should carefully and regularly follow the treatment process and comply with the issues warned by the treating orthodontist.
What is the Orthodontic Appliance Types?
The designs of orthodontic brackets are different, but they all have the same function system. In the bracket system, the bracket jewels attached to the teeth act as handles, and the orthodontic wire grips these handles and pulls the teeth. Different brackets include metal, ceramic, dental posterior, or lingual brackets. Check out the most popular types of orthodontic appliances:
- Clear aligner or Invisalign: The function of this orthodontic apparatus is similar to the bracket; that is, it guides the teeth into a better position. But there are no metal parts inside, and it is only made of clear plastic to be invisible.
- Removable orthodontics: In this treatment method, specialists use orthodontic appliances that don’t need to be placed in the mouth for a long time until the treatment finishes. These tools stay in the mouth for about 22 hours a day. In this method, experts from the upper and lower teeth take a mold and finally prepare a plaque for the teeth, and you can remove this plaque from your mouth whenever you feel uncomfortable. There are different types of this type of dental orthodontics.
- Metal braces: This fixed tool includes bands and braces wires. Bands are rings that are usually secured around teeth and act as an anchor for braces. These instruments are attached to the teeth with unique materials. Brackets generally use on the front of the teeth, unlike the bands attached to the posterior teeth. The wires also spring through the brackets and are fixed or tied to the bands. With the tightening of the wire, the teeth are put under pressure, and over time, the teeth reach the perfect alignment and position desired by the orthodontist. People who use these tools to align their teeth should visit an orthodontist regularly and monthly to check or tighten their braces.
- Invisible orthodontics or Lingual: Lingual braces are invisible orthodontics. These orthodontics are very similar to the color of your natural teeth and are suitable for teenagers and teenagers over 14. Clear braces are the best choice for people who don’t want to straighten their teeth with metal braces. Now the most well-known brand is the Invisalign system.
- Oral head: The orthodontic head, which was more common in the past, is an apparatus attached to the head and attached from the front to a metal ring or part of the bracket placed around the molars. The headgear has different types, each used to solve a specific orthodontic problem.
- Bite plate: This orthodontic appliance uses to correct overbite problems. It is in such a way that it doesn’t allow the upper jaw to go down too much when the mouth is closed.
- Palatal expander: This device can expand the mouth’s roof during growth, make more space in the dental arch, and solve the problem of a narrow palate.
- Orthodontic retainer: This orthodontic device uses to fix the teeth in their new positions after the doctor removes the bracket and doesn’t return to their old posts.
- Orthodontic spacer: This simple device is a small piece of plastic or metal inserted to create a small distance between two molars that are close together. The purpose of making the distance is to put the metal ring necessary for the bracket system around the molars.
How Should You Prepare for Orthodontic Treatment?
Preparing for orthodontic treatment typically involves a few steps, including:
- Initial consultation: This is a meeting with an orthodontist to discuss your concerns, goals, and medical history, as well as examine your teeth and jaws.
- Diagnostic records: The orthodontist may take X-rays, photographs, and impressions of your teeth to create a treatment plan.
- Treatment plan: The orthodontist will explain the recommended options and the expected length of treatment.
- Financial planning: The orthodontist will provide an estimate of the cost of treatment, as well as information about any insurance coverage or financing options available.
- Oral hygiene: Before starting treatment, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Brush and floss regularly and schedule regular dental cleanings.
- Lifestyle changes: Depending on the type of treatment, you may ask to limit certain foods or activities to protect your braces or other appliances.
It’s important to note that not all cases are the same, the process and steps above are general, and your orthodontist will let you know the specific steps in your case. Also, the steps in the process may vary depending on the type of treatment you are receiving.
How is Orthodontic Treatment Performed?
Orthodontic treatment typically uses a combination of appliances, including braces, retainers, and other devices. The stages of orthodontic procedure may differ in different people depending on the type of treatment and tooth type. Still, in general, there are several fixed stages that we describe below:
- Examination
First of all, in the first session, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and explain the problems in your teeth, the treatment method, and the cost. Then, the doctor will take radiological pictures of your teeth to examine them more clearly. The orthodontist examines the condition of your gums and teeth before starting work. Inflammation or wear of the gums causes orthodontics not to be done correctly or disrupts the work process if your tooth is rotten or needs to extract, so you need to fix them first.
- Placement of appliances
The orthodontist will typically place the braces over the teeth using a dental adhesive. While braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets and archwires attached to the teeth, clear aligners are custom-made, clear plastic trays that sit on the teeth.
- Adjustment appointments
The orthodontist will adjust the appliances during regular appointments. This may include tightening the braces or replacing the aligners.
- Monitoring progress
The doctor will monitor the treatment progress and make necessary adjustments to the appliances or treatment plan.
- Removal of appliances
After the teeth are correctly aligned, the specialist removes the appliances. Retainers may prescribe to prevent teeth from returning to their original position.
Again, the characteristics of the treatment may vary depending on the type of treatment, the type of appliances used, and the individual case. The orthodontist will provide detailed instructions for maintaining machines and good oral hygiene during treatment.
What to Consider After Orthodontic Treatment?
After orthodontic treatment, there are a few things to consider to preserve the treatment results and prevent the teeth from returning to their original state. Here are a few essential things to consider:
- Retention: Your orthodontist will likely prescribe a retainer to wear after treatment. You usually wear the retainers at night, and they help hold the teeth in their new position. You must wear the retainer as directed by your orthodontist.
- Oral hygiene: As teeth are new, maintaining good oral hygiene is more important than ever. Brush and floss regularly, and continue to schedule regular dental checkups.
- Diet: Some foods can damage braces or cause tooth decay. It’s a good idea to limit your intake of sugary or sticky foods and beverages.
- Post-treatment appointments: The orthodontist will schedule post-treatment appointments to monitor the stability of treatment results.
- Lifestyle changes: Some habits, such as nail biting, cheek biting, and ice chewing, can pressure and cause teeth to slip. It is essential to break any patterns that may have contributed to the need for orthodontic treatment in the first place.
- Maintenance: Orthodontic treatment results aren’t permanent, and your teeth may shift over time. Regular monitoring and holder wear are essential to maintain results.
What is the Recovery Process After Orthodontic Treatment?
The healing process after orthodontic treatment will vary depending on the type of treatment and the individual case. You can generally expect discomfort and pain following treatment and minor changes in your diet and daily routine. Check out the recovery process after orthodontic treatment:
- Pain: You may feel pain in the first few days after treatment, especially if the treatment involves using braces or other appliances that put pressure on the teeth. This is normal and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses. You may need to adjust your diet as you recover from orthodontic treatment. For example, you may need to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage braces or cause tooth decay. Your orthodontist will provide you with specific guidance on what to eat.
- Oral and teeth hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene habits after treatment is crucial. Brush and floss regularly, and schedule regular dental cleanings.
- Follow-up appointments: The orthodontist will schedule regular follow-up appointments to check your healing progress, remove any appliances, and make any necessary adjustments.
- Recovery time: The recovery period, in some cases, entirely depends on the doctor’s preference. But generally, most people can return to normal activities within a few days.
Again, the details of the healing process will vary in each case, so it’s essential to follow your orthodontist’s instructions, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist if you have any concerns.
How Long After Orthodontic Treatment Will You See the Final Result?
The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary from person to person but lasts between 18 and 24 months on average. The final result of orthodontic treatment may not be evident until the retention phase is complete.
The retention phase is when, after treatment, the patient must wear a retainer to hold the teeth in their new position. The retention phase duration depends on the treatment type and patient cooperation.
It is important to note that the duration of treatment can vary greatly depending on the severity of the case, the type of braces or appliances used, and the patient’s cooperation in following the orthodontist’s instructions. For example, minor issues with only mild crowding can be corrected in as little as 6 months, while severe cases with biting problems may require 2 years or more of treatment.
In addition, after treatment is complete, the orthodontist will schedule regular checkups to monitor the stability of the new position of the teeth and check for any problems that may arise. These checks may affect the final result, which should take seriously if necessary to make adjustments. It’s always a good idea to consult your orthodontist for a more personalized time frame for your treatment.
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
Orthodontic treatment costs can vary widely depending on the type of treatment, the location of the practice, and the individual’s insurance coverage. Here are some rough estimates for common types of orthodontic treatment:
- Traditional metal braces: The cost of conventional metal braces can range from $3000 to $7000, depending on the treatment length and the case’s complexity.
- Clear ceramic braces: Clear ceramic braces can cost between $4000 and $8000.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is a transparent aligner system that costs between $4000 and $8000, depending on the case’s complexity.
- Lingual brackets: These braces placed behind the teeth can cost between $8000 and $10000.
Surgical orthodontics: In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to correct problems such as jaw shifting. In such cases, the cost can go upwards of $10000. It is important to note that these are only rough estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on many factors. Individual consultation with an orthodontist is usually required to get a more accurate estimate for your particular situation. It’s also important to note that many insurance plans cover the orthodontic procedure for your dependents. Still, coverage can vary, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider to find out about a specific range for your plan.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Orthodontic Treatment Performed?
The cost of orthodontic treatment can vary greatly depending on the location of the practice and the country in which it performs. In countries where the cost of living is low and the demand for orthodontic treatment isn’t high, orthodontic treatment is generally cheaper. Some countries known to have lower costs for orthodontic treatment include:
- Mexico: Orthodontic treatment in Mexico can be significantly cheaper than in the United States, with prices typically 30-50% lower.
- Turkey: Orthodontic treatment in Turkey can be cheaper than in other countries, with prices typically 50-70% lower than in the US.
- India: India is famous for its low-cost medical treatments and applies to orthodontic procedures.
While cost can be an essential consideration, it’s important to note that it shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing an orthodontist. You should also consider the quality of care and the orthodontist’s experience. It’s best to research carefully, read reviews, and compare prices before deciding on a treatment.
It is also important to note that in some countries, the standards of care, regulations, and equipment may not be the same as in developed countries, so it recommends that you research and choose a clinic and orthodontist who meets the required safety, quality, and sterilization. Here are the orthodontic treatment costs by country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $4000 to $10000 |
| Brazil | $3100 to $7200 |
| China | $3500 to $9500 |
| Japan | $3750 to $9600 |
| South Korea | $3100 to $8000 |
| India | $700 to $6000 |
| Argentina | $3000 to $7000 |
| Mexico | $500 to $4500 |
| Germany | $4000 to $9100 |
| Turkey | $400 to $2600 |
| Colombia | $525 to $5100 |
| Italy | $3850 to $9000 |
| France | $4200 to $8700 |
| Spain | $4100 to $9250 |
| Taiwan | $3200 to $6500 |
| Venezuela | $650 to $5000 |
| United Kingdom | $4250 to $9500 |
| Netherlands | $4100 to $7500 |
| Egypt | $3250 to $7100 |
| Peru | $4200 to $7600 |
| AVERAGE COST | $400 to $10000 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a qualified dentist for personal guidance.
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