Orthodontic brace treatment

When orthodontics is mentioned among the public, the first concept that comes to mind is braces. Braces are among the most frequently used orthodontic treatments today and have the widest range of effect. What is roughly called braces are actually the brackets applied to the teeth and the arch wires attached to these brackets. Braces are also divided into different types and can be used for different needs.

What are the types of braces?

The type of braces to be used in treatment is chosen according to the patient’s problem, the type of treatment to be performed and the patient’s budget.

• Metal braces: Metal braces are known as the most traditional type of braces. Preferred because of their relatively low cost and the low friction force during treatment, metal braces are usually made of stainless steel. Tooth movement is achieved by attaching an arch wire of suitable form and thickness to metal brackets placed in the proper position on the front surfaces of the teeth. While the biggest advantage of metal braces is that they are a budget-friendly method, their biggest drawback is unfortunately that they are the most visible orthodontic treatment.
• Porcelain braces: These braces, commonly called porcelain braces, are known among dentists as aesthetic braces. The difference between porcelain braces and metal braces is that the brackets are made of porcelain or composite materials instead of metal. In this context, aesthetic brackets, which are less visible than metal braces, have an appearance close to the natural colour of the teeth. Although they are more expensive than metal brackets, their aesthetic properties are the most important reason why patients prefer aesthetic braces. Aesthetic brackets, which have developed considerably today, provide working mechanics close to those of metal brackets.
• Clear aligners: Known as the most aesthetic orthodontic solution. In the clear aligner treatment method, instead of metal braces or brackets, the patient is given a transparent-looking, BPA-free removable appliance. This appliance matches the dimensions of the teeth exactly and is designed to fit the teeth perfectly. Thanks to these properties, the completely transparent aligners are almost invisible to the eye; that is why patients go through a treatment process so comfortable that no one can even tell they are having orthodontic treatment.

How are braces fitted?

First, you should make an appointment with an orthodontic specialist and have a detailed examination. In this examination, your dentist will review the necessary X-rays and carry out your intraoral and extraoral clinical examination. In addition, they will create a three-dimensional simulation of your teeth with an intraoral scanner, explain the treatment options suitable for you and show you what your teeth will look like at the end of the treatment.

First examination

Before starting brace treatment, any cavities and gum diseases in the teeth should be treated and the necessary oral hygiene should be ensured. After that, the orthodontic specialist can start the treatment to correct the problems in your teeth. Regardless of the treatment technique applied, the patient’s initial records are taken at the first examination. These are the patient’s intraoral and extraoral photographs, X-rays and intraoral scan records. Having braces fitted is generally thought of as a painful procedure by the public, but this procedure is generally not painful. Braces are placed on the cleaned teeth in the following stages.

1. To separate the lips and provide the dentist with an easy working environment, a lip-retracting appliance is placed in the mouth. This appliance is called a cheek retractor.
2. While the braces are being fitted, saliva isolation materials are used from time to time to keep the patient’s mouth dry. The patient’s mouth must be dry while the braces are being fitted.
3. Your dentist will roughen the surface of your teeth to clean it and to ensure that the brackets adhere.
4. Then the brackets are bonded to each tooth one by one with special adhesives.
5. Any adhesive that seeps around the tooth is cleaned off.
6. The adhesives are hardened (polymerisation), and the braces are thus fitted to all the teeth.
7. The arch wire is attached to the brackets with the help of metal or elastic ligatures. If self-ligating brackets with covers are chosen, the arch wire can be placed inside the covers without the need for ligatures.

How long does it take to fit braces?

Depending on your treatment plan, your dentist may start by applying brackets and arch wire to the lower or upper jaw, or may perform this procedure on both jaws together. Including the taking of initial records, performing this procedure on both jaws takes about 1 hour on average.

Brace prices

It is very difficult to give orthodontic or brace prices before an examination. The degree of the problem in the patient’s teeth or jaws, the treatment plan to be applied, the treatment method to be chosen and the patient’s choices all affect the price of braces. For this reason, we look forward to examining you at our clinic so that you can learn the price of braces and orthodontic treatment. Please contact us.