Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, you can quickly access the answers to the most commonly encountered questions related to orthodontic treatment. By clicking on the question, you can view the answer. If you have any questions regarding orthodontics that you would like to get answers to, you can reach out to us through the contact section.


What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry. The word orthodontics is derived from two Greek words: "Orthos," meaning straight, and "Dontos," meaning teeth. Orthodontic treatment not only provides an aesthetic appearance but also improves chewing function, enhances the smile, and corrects jaw positions.

Who is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental and jaw irregularities. To earn the title of orthodontist, one must first graduate from a dental school. Then, a specialty or doctoral program, which typically takes 4 years or more, must be completed.

During this advanced training, orthodontists acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to regulate tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide proper jaw development (known as orthopedic treatment). Only dentists who successfully complete this specialty training are entitled to use the title of orthodontist.

Orthodontists work in areas such as correcting crooked teeth, resolving jaw alignment problems, and improving overall oral health. They provide both children and adults with aesthetic and functional solutions to achieve healthier smiles.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the patient's age, the severity of the dental misalignment, and the treatment method. While traditional braces usually take between 6 months and 3 years, treatment with clear aligners may be shorter, depending on the patient’s compliance and the treatment plan.

Patient compliance is the most crucial factor in determining the treatment duration. Regular attendance at appointments, maintaining proper oral hygiene, and using auxiliary equipment correctly can help complete the treatment in a shorter time. For clear aligners, wearing the aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day is essential.

With proper planning and patient cooperation, even the most complex cases typically do not exceed 2.5 years. Both traditional methods and clear aligners can deliver effective and aesthetic results.

When Should Children First Visit an Orthodontist?

Orthodontic problems can begin to appear when children's permanent teeth start to emerge at around 6-7 years old. Therefore, the ideal age for a child's first orthodontist visit is 7. In some cases, treatment can start immediately, while in other cases, it may be necessary to wait for all permanent teeth to come in. During this waiting period, the child can be monitored with regular check-ups (every 3-6 months) to guide the eruption of teeth. For cases that require surgical intervention beyond orthodontics, the patient can be monitored until they turn 16. In summary, the age to start orthodontic treatment varies from case to case and is determined after the orthodontist's examination.

Will My Teeth Straighten as I Grow Older?

It is not possible for teeth to straighten on their own as one grows older. Particularly after the age of 16, there are reductions in the sizes of the lower and upper jaws. The forces exerted during chewing and the pushing of the entire dental arch forward by the wisdom teeth result in existing crowding becoming more severe over time. Even teeth that were originally straight may become crowded as age progresses.

Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed Before Orthodontic Treatment?

No, this decision is made after an orthodontic examination. If the position of the wisdom teeth is very bad, impacted, causing problems for the patient, or putting pressure on the front teeth, these teeth should be removed even if no orthodontic treatment is planned. However, sometimes the orthodontist may decide to extract some of the other teeth to create space. In this case, if the position of the wisdom teeth is good, they can be left in place to maintain the chewing line.

Up to What Age Can Orthodontic Treatment Be Performed?

There is absolutely no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Individuals of all age groups can receive orthodontic care. The treatment planning and duration may vary depending on the patient's age, the condition of their teeth, and their specific treatment needs. For younger patients, the treatment process is generally quicker and more effective because their bones are still developing. However, successful orthodontic treatments are also possible for adults, although the treatment duration may be slightly longer compared to younger patients. Orthodontic treatment can be applied at any age for anyone seeking a healthy dental structure and an aesthetic smile.

What to Expect at Your First Orthodontic Appointment?

When you arrive for your appointment, if you haven't had a dental X-ray taken in the last 6 months, a new one will be taken. However, if you have a recent X-ray, it's important to show it to your orthodontist. After reviewing your X-ray, your orthodontist will conduct your initial examination. With digital scanning and a before-and-after application, you will be given a preview of the treatment results. This way, you will be able to see in advance what your smile will look like after treatment.

Do Braces Hurt?

You may feel slight discomfort when braces are first applied or adjusted, but this is usually temporary. Braces move teeth slowly into new positions, creating mild pressure on the teeth and surrounding tissues. This pressure typically diminishes within a few days as the teeth adjust to their new positions. Modern orthodontic treatments use materials and techniques designed to minimize discomfort.

Do Braces Cause Tooth Decay?

Braces definitely do not cause tooth decay. On the contrary, the areas where brackets are attached are protected from decay because bacteria cannot penetrate underneath them. However, because braces can increase food accumulation, if teeth are not brushed adequately, they can create an environment conducive to decay. Therefore, it is very important to brush your teeth after every meal.

Can You Brush Your Teeth with Braces?

Yes, you can comfortably brush your teeth after getting braces. There is no risk of the braces breaking or coming off while brushing. However, a more thorough cleaning is required, so you need to be a bit more careful. It's especially important to clean the areas between the brackets and gums, as well as underneath the wires. You can use specially designed orthodontic brushes and interdental brushes for this purpose.

Do Braces Affect Speech?

Braces generally do not affect speech. However, certain braces that are placed within the range of tongue movement may negatively impact speech during the first few days after they are fitted. This situation usually resolves itself as the tongue adapts to the new braces.

How Often Will My Appointments Be?

Appointment intervals can vary between fixed orthodontic treatment and treatment with clear aligners. Fixed orthodontic treatment generally requires more frequent appointments, while clear aligner treatments often allow for longer intervals between visits. Typically, appointments for fixed orthodontic treatment are scheduled every 4-6 weeks, and for clear aligner treatment, every 6-8 weeks, except in special circumstances. Increasing the frequency of appointments does not shorten the treatment duration; on the contrary, it could harm your teeth and extend the treatment time.

Will My Teeth Shift Back After Treatment?

After the braces are removed, teeth naturally tend to move back to their original positions. Therefore, it is essential to use fixed or removable retainers after the treatment. If these retainers are not used for the recommended durations, there is a risk of teeth shifting back.

Is There a Risk of Tooth Extraction for Treatment?

Tooth extraction for orthodontic treatment is generally not preferred by patients. For orthodontists, tooth extraction is considered a last resort. When deciding on tooth extraction, factors such as the amount of crowding in the upper and lower jaws, the growth pattern of the jaws, and the patient's facial profile are taken into account. If it is believed that the result will be more stable, tooth extraction may be necessary for orthodontic treatment. However, the reasons for tooth extraction should be thoroughly explained to the patient, and if necessary, case photographs should be shown to inform the patient.

Does Mouth Breathing and Snoring at Night in Children Harm Dental Structure?

Yes, prolonged mouth breathing can cause the upper jaw to narrow, elongate the child's face, and prevent the front teeth from closing properly, a condition known as "fish mouth." This situation negatively affects facial aesthetics and should be addressed by consulting an ENT specialist at an early age. Adenoids blocking the nasal passage can lead to mouth breathing, and although they shrink as the child grows, they still cause harm. If adenoids are not removed by age 6, transitioning to nasal breathing later is usually not possible. Therefore, surgical removal is recommended as soon as they are detected.

If proper orthodontic treatment is not applied by age 10, these cases often require orthognathic surgery. For this, the patient must be at least 16 years old and be treated through orthodontic-surgical collaboration.

Can Every Dentist Perform Orthodontic Treatments?

Orthodontics is a specialized field. To become an orthodontist, one must complete a five-year dental school program followed by four years of orthodontic training. Orthodontic specialists are proficient in the jaw and facial system, and they not only align teeth but also ensure patients can maintain proper eating, drinking, and speaking functions. Therefore, treating orthodontic issues requires orthodontic expertise.

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment?

Maintaining a healthy and clean mouth is crucial during orthodontic treatment. You should brush your teeth after every meal and before going to bed, following the instructions given by your orthodontist. This helps in ensuring that your treatment proceeds quickly and effectively. With braces, plaque and food particles can accumulate more easily, so regular and careful brushing is essential.

Are There Foods I Should Avoid During Orthodontic Treatment?

During orthodontic treatment, you should avoid foods and beverages that can damage your braces or clear aligners. If you have braces, it is safer to eat hard fruits by slicing them rather than biting directly into them. Additionally, you should not consume fruits like plums, olives, and cherries without removing the pits. Beverages like cola, Fanta, and soda can damage your braces. You should steer clear of hard foods like nuts, peanuts, and chickpeas. Sticky foods such as gum and soft candies can also damage your braces.

If you have clear aligners, you should not eat while wearing them; remove them before meals. After eating, brush your teeth and then put the aligners back on. You should avoid drinking acidic or hot beverages while wearing aligners, as these drinks can damage the aligners and cause staining. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly and effectively.

Are Injections Used During Orthodontic Treatment?

Injections are not used during orthodontic treatment. The process of applying braces or clear aligners to the teeth is painless. The treatment is generally pain-free and does not cause discomfort.

Will There Be Stains on My Teeth After the Braces Come Off? Do Attachments Cause Stains?

If you brush your teeth regularly throughout the treatment, there will be no stains on your teeth after the braces come off. Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents stain formation. The attachments used with clear aligners are cleaned by us at the end of the treatment and do not leave permanent marks.

My Child Sucks Their Thumb at Night. Is This Harmful?

Yes, habits such as thumb sucking, nail biting, lip sucking, and using a pacifier should be stopped by the time the child is 4 years old. If these habits continue, they can cause permanent damage that may require serious and long-term orthodontic treatment. If your child has a thumb-sucking habit, it is advisable to consult an orthodontist. If these habits persist after the age of 4 and the child does not quit on their own, the orthodontist can intervene with 'habit-breaking appliances'.

Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?

Orthodontic treatment corrects dental crowding and misalignment between the jaws. It is not only for aesthetic purposes but also helps prevent potential gum diseases and temporomandibular joint problems in the future. Additionally, it aids in improving chewing function and correcting speech disorders. After the initial examination, the orthodontist will thoroughly explain the current condition and the functional and aesthetic benefits that can be achieved if the treatment is undertaken. The final decision is made by the patient.

What is the Goal of Orthodontic Treatment?

The primary goals of orthodontic treatment are:

  1. Improving chewing function

  2. Enhancing speech function

  3. Assisting in better oral hygiene

  4. Providing aesthetic benefits

  5. Increasing the patient's self-confidence and providing psychological support

What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is a type of orthodontic treatment that involves surgical intervention for patients who are not satisfied with their facial appearance. In adults who have completed their growth and development period, incorrect jaw positions cannot be corrected solely with orthodontic treatment. Therefore, in addition to orthodontic treatment, intervention from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a plastic surgeon is necessary. With increased public awareness and technological advancements, orthognathic surgery is becoming more widespread.

What is Retention Treatment?

Our teeth are movable throughout our lives. Especially due to the effects of chewing forces, even people who have never undergone orthodontic treatment can experience crowding in later years. After orthodontic treatment, it takes a long time for the teeth to get used to their new positions and for good bone support to form around them. Therefore, to eliminate the risk of relapse after treatment, retention treatment is necessary. For this purpose, thin wires can be bonded to the back of the teeth, or removable clear aligners can be provided to the patient.

Is Orthodontic Treatment Expensive?

Orthodontic treatment is not considered expensive, especially when taking into account the duration of the treatment and the long-term physical and psychological benefits it provides to the patient. Many orthodontists offer flexible payment options to make the treatment more accessible.