Orthodontics İstanbul

Scientific editor and clinical lead: Prof. Dr. Mehmet Oğuz Öztoprak – Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Last updated: 23 July 2026

Orthodontics is the dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of developmental or acquired irregularities of the teeth, the jaws and the facial structures.

Orthodontic treatment is not applied only to align the front teeth or create an aesthetic smile. Although the goals of treatment vary from patient to patient, they can include the following:

• Aligning crowded teeth
• Closing the gaps between the teeth
• Regulating the bite of the lower and upper teeth
• Protecting forward-inclined teeth
• Making the teeth easier to clean
• Distributing chewing forces more evenly
• Preparing suitable space for missing-tooth and implant treatments
• Guiding impacted teeth into the mouth
• Guiding jaw development during the growth period
• Preparing the teeth before and after jaw surgery
• Regulating the relationship of the face, lips and smile

The methods that can be used in orthodontic treatment include fixed metal or ceramic brackets, clear aligners, removable appliances, functional dentofacial orthopedic appliances, expansion devices and orthodontic mini-screws.

Not every appliance is suitable for every case. The treatment method should be determined not only according to the patient’s preference of “braces or aligners?”, but according to the position of the teeth and roots, the jaw relationships, the bone borders, the growth status, the bite and patient compliance.

In the orthodontic evaluations carried out in Istanbul at Dentapolitan, not only the appearance of the teeth but also the face, profile, jaw development, roots, bone support, gum health, breathing habits, tongue position, jaw joints and long-term stability are evaluated together.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of position disorders of the teeth and jaws. With orthodontic treatment, the teeth are moved in a controlled way within the bone, the position of the roots is regulated, the dental arches can be harmonized, the contacts of the lower and upper teeth can be improved, some jaw-development disorders can be guided during the growth period, and preparation for surgery can be made in advanced skeletal problems.

It is not enough for only the visible crowns of the teeth to look straight. In successful planning, the roots, the bone borders and the bite must also be suitable.

Who is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who, after dental education, has completed specialty or doctoral training in orthodontics. The working areas of the orthodontist include the evaluation of growth and development in children, tooth eruption disorders, tooth crowding, bite disorders, jaw constrictions, jaw-development differences, clear aligner treatments, fixed orthodontic treatments, orthognathic surgery preparation, cleft lip and palate cases, and retention and relapse management.

Although the aligner or bracket system used in the treatment is important, the main determinant is correct diagnosis and biomechanical planning.

Which problems does orthodontics treat?

Orthodontic treatment can be considered in the following situations:

• Tooth crowding
• Gaps between the teeth
• Forward-inclined front teeth
• Backward-inclined front teeth
• Deep bite
• Open bite
• Crossbite
• The lower jaw appearing forward
• The lower jaw appearing back
• Upper jaw constriction
• Different midlines of the lower and upper teeth
• Impacted teeth
• Unerupted teeth
• Missing teeth
• Extra teeth
• Small or developmentally different teeth
• Relapse after orthodontics
• The lips not closing comfortably
• Advanced tooth wear
• Space arrangement before an implant or prosthesis
• Skeletal disorders requiring jaw surgery

It should not be assumed that every problem can be solved only with braces or aligners. In advanced skeletal jaw disorders, orthognathic surgery may be needed.

What is malocclusion?

Malocclusion is the general term describing the non-ideal relationship of the lower and upper teeth or jaws with each other. Malocclusion can affect only a few teeth, the entire dental row, the jaw bones or the facial profile.

If the problem arises only from the inclination of the teeth, orthodontic tooth movement may be sufficient. If the problem is related to the size or position of the jaw bones, dentofacial orthopedics or orthognathic surgery is evaluated according to age.

Is orthodontics only for aesthetic purposes?

No. Orthodontic treatment can improve appearance; but at the same time it can facilitate the cleaning of crowded teeth, reduce the trauma risk of protruding teeth, regulate the contacts of the lower and upper teeth, create space for implant and prosthesis treatment, help bring impacted teeth into the mouth, and support chewing function in selected patients.

NHS patient information states that orthodontics can be used to correct crowding, improve the bite and reduce the risk of damage to markedly protruding teeth. However, it cannot be said that orthodontic treatment definitively corrects speech, digestion, headache, posture or jaw joint diseases in every patient.

Who can orthodontic treatment be applied to?

Orthodontics can be applied to children, adolescents, young adults and suitable middle-aged and older patients. There is no definite upper age limit for tooth movement. In adults, bone remodelling continues; however, gum, bone and systemic health should be evaluated more carefully.

The main factors affecting suitability for treatment are gum and bone health, oral hygiene, decay status, root structure, patient compliance with treatment, growth potential, systemic diseases, medications used and treatment goals.

For whom can orthodontic treatment be postponed?

In the following situations, oral health problems may need to be brought under control first: active gum disease, advanced bone loss, untreated decay, root-end infection, very insufficient oral hygiene, uncontrolled systemic disease, the patient being unable to comply with appliance use, unrealistic expectations of time or outcome, active and severe jaw joint complaints, and uncontrolled smoking and periodontal risks. Some of these situations are not absolute obstacles; orthodontics can be applied after the relevant treatments.

Orthodontic evaluation in children

The first orthodontic evaluation of children does not have to wait for all the milk teeth to change. The aim of early evaluation is not to immediately place braces on every child. The aim can be to follow tooth eruption, evaluate jaw development, notice crossbites, prevent space loss, determine the risk of impacted or missing teeth, evaluate harmful oral habits, and plan the most suitable time for treatment.

In some children, only monitoring is sufficient. In others, intervening without delay can help prevent more comprehensive problems.

When should children be taken to an orthodontist?

In general, the period of 6–8 years, when the first permanent molars and front incisors begin to erupt, can be suitable for the first orthodontic evaluation. In the following situations, an evaluation can be made without waiting for age: crossbite in the lower or upper front teeth, the jaw shifting to the side when closing, the lower jaw appearing markedly forward or back, the upper jaw being narrow, mouth breathing, the lips not closing comfortably, finger sucking, prolonged pacifier use, early milk tooth loss, a permanent tooth not erupting, protruding front teeth, a bite affecting speech or chewing, facial asymmetry and suspicion of an impacted tooth. An early examination does not necessarily mean early treatment will be started.

What is early orthodontic treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment is the treatment of a specific problem at a suitable time in terms of growth or tooth eruption during the milk or mixed dentition period. It can be applied to correct crossbite, prevent functional shift of the jaw, treat upper jaw constriction, reduce the trauma risk of protruding teeth, prevent space loss, reduce the risk of impacted teeth, guide jaw development and stop harmful habits.

Not every crowding requires early treatment. In some cases, single-stage treatment near the eruption of all permanent teeth may be more suitable.

What is two-phase orthodontic treatment?

In two-phase treatment, first a specific jaw or eruption problem is treated during the growth period; when the permanent teeth erupt, the detailed alignment of the teeth is done in the second phase. The first phase does not always eliminate the second phase. It should be clearly explained to the family that the treatment can consist of two separate periods.

What is dentofacial orthopedics?

Dentofacial orthopedics refers to orthodontic approaches used to influence the direction of jaw development and the tooth–jaw relationships in growing children and adolescents. The appliances that can be used can be functional appliances, upper jaw expansion devices, a face mask, headgear, plates with mandibular advancement features and removable jaw-guiding appliances.

The effect of the treatment depends on the patient’s growth period, the severity of the problem, the duration of appliance use, the genetic growth direction and patient compliance. Dentofacial orthopedics does not guarantee bringing the jaw bone to the ideal position in every patient.

Can lower jaw retrusion be treated in children?

In selected patients during the growth period, the lower jaw relationship can be guided with functional appliances. The goals of treatment can be to regulate the tooth relationships, support adaptation to the lower jaw position, reduce the protrusion of the front teeth, improve lip closure and facilitate later treatment.

Nevertheless, part of the results can consist of tooth movements. The amount of real skeletal change depends on the patient’s growth potential. In adults, a functional appliance or clear aligner does not grow the lower jaw bone forward. In advanced retrusion, orthognathic surgery can be evaluated.

How is upper jaw constriction treated?

The treatment varies according to the patient’s age and the type of constriction. The methods that can be used can be a removable expansion plate, a fixed rapid maxillary expander, a slow expansion appliance, dentoalveolar expansion with clear aligners, mini-screw-supported expansion and surgically assisted expansion.

In children, the growth sutures are more open and skeletal expansion can be easier. In adults, expansion done with plates often involves the movement of the teeth and alveolar structures; in advanced skeletal constriction, mini-screw or surgical support may be needed.

Does mouth breathing affect orthodontics?

Mouth breathing can be related to different factors such as nasal congestion, allergy, adenoids, tonsil size, habit and a narrow jaw and facial development. In the orthodontic examination, the closure of the lips, tongue position, palate shape, upper jaw width, facial development and sleep and snoring signs can be evaluated.

Orthodontic treatment does not solve every congestion inside the nose. In patients who need it, an ear-nose-throat, pediatric or sleep medicine evaluation is required.

Adult orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is not only for children and adolescents. In adults, treatment can be applied for crowded teeth, gaps between the teeth, relapse after orthodontics, smile aesthetics, space arrangement before an implant, uprighting of tilted teeth, rehabilitation of worn teeth, support of gum treatment, jaw surgery preparation and closure of missing-tooth spaces. In adults, fixed brackets, ceramic brackets, clear aligners or their combinations can be used.

Can orthodontics be done at an advanced age?

If the teeth and surrounding tissues are healthy, orthodontics can be applied at an advanced age. However, bone loss, gum recession, missing teeth, implants, bridges and veneers, root-canal-treated teeth, root resorptions, systemic diseases and polypharmacy are seen more frequently. Therefore, the more controlled application of forces and joint planning with the periodontology, prosthetics or implant team may be needed.

Can orthodontics be done for those with periodontal disease?

When active periodontal disease is present, orthodontic tooth movement can increase the risk of bone loss. Before treatment, gum inflammation should be brought under control, plaque and tartar should be cleaned, the patient’s oral hygiene should be made sufficient and the bone support should be evaluated. In periodontal patients under control, orthodontics can be applied with light and controlled forces. More frequent periodontal check-ups may be needed during treatment.

Can orthodontics be done for patients with implants?

Yes. However, since an implant integrates with the bone, it does not move like a natural tooth. An implant can be used as anchorage, can limit the movement plan of the other teeth and, if it is in the wrong position, can make orthodontic treatment difficult. Therefore, in patients with missing teeth, orthodontic planning should, if possible, be done before the implant.

Orthodontic treatment methods

Metal braces

Metal brackets are bonded to the front surface of the teeth and tooth movement is achieved with archwires. Their advantages are that they can be used in a wide range of cases, provide strong biomechanical control, cannot be removed by the patient, can be effective in complex movements and are less dependent on compliance as long as they do not break. Their limitations are that they are visible, oral hygiene requires more attention, brackets and wires can create temporary irritation, care is needed with certain foods, and bracket breakage or wire poking can occur.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic brackets are tooth-coloured or semi-translucent. Their advantages are that they are less noticeable than metal brackets and can provide the control advantages of fixed orthodontics. Their limitations are that the brackets can be more fragile than metal, the friction properties can be different, coloured elastics can stain, they can create a wear risk if they contact the opposing tooth on the lower teeth, and the cost can be higher.

Clear aligner treatment

Clear aligners are custom-made, removable orthodontic appliances. Their advantages are that they are less noticeable, can be removed while eating, can facilitate brushing and floss, allow a digital treatment plan and have fewer bracket- and wire-related emergencies. Their limitations are that they depend on daily use time, attachments and elastics can be visible, they can be lost or broken, some movements can require additional aligners, and auxiliary mechanics can be used in complex cases. Clear aligners are not an easier or faster alternative to fixed braces in every case.

Lingual orthodontics

Lingual brackets are placed on the inner surface of the teeth. Their advantages are that they are less visible when viewed from the front and provide fixed-appliance control. Their limitations are that they can create tongue irritation, speech adaptation can take time, cleaning can be more difficult, they may not be suitable for every case and tooth structure, and the clinical and laboratory process is more complex.

Removable orthodontic appliances

These are appliances that can be inserted and removed by the patient. They can be used for limited tooth movements, jaw expansion, habit control, space maintenance, growth guidance and retention. Removable appliances cannot treat every kind of crowding or root movement.

Functional appliances

These are appliances used for treatment during the growth period by using the lower and upper jaw relationships and muscle functions. Their types can include Twin Block, Activator, Bionator, Herbst, Forsus and plates with mandibular advancement features. Their effectiveness depends largely on the growth period, the duration of use and case selection.

Orthodontic mini-screws

Mini-screws are small orthodontic anchorage elements temporarily placed within the bone. They can be used for retracting the teeth, intrusion movements, open bite treatment, movement of the molars, application of asymmetric force and closure of extraction spaces. A mini-screw is not a dental implant and is mostly removed at the end of treatment. Possible risks can be loosening, soft-tissue irritation, infection, contact with a root and the need for repositioning.

Braces or clear aligners?

It cannot be said that one method is superior to the other in every patient.

Clear aligners may be more suitable: in patients with high aesthetic expectations, in people who can use the aligners regularly, in those who want to easily maintain oral hygiene, in suitable mild, moderate and selected advanced cases, and in situations where social or professional visibility is important.

Fixed braces may be more suitable: in patients who cannot comply with aligner use, in complex tooth movements, in guiding impacted teeth, in certain root movements, in cases where treatment control needs to be continuous, and in situations where a child or adolescent patient frequently loses the aligners.

In some cases, fixed braces and clear aligners can be used together.

Evaluation before orthodontic treatment

Treatment should not be planned only with an intraoral scan or a front-tooth photograph. In the evaluation, the patient’s complaint and expectation, medical and dental history, the frontal appearance of the face, profile, the position of the lips, facial symmetry, the lower and upper jaw relationship, the alignment of the teeth, the eruption status of the teeth, impacted and missing teeth, gum and bone health, the bite, jaw movements, the jaw joints, the chewing muscles, mouth breathing, tongue position, harmful oral habits and previous orthodontic treatments are examined.

What are orthodontic records?

According to the patient’s need, facial and intraoral photographs, digital intraoral scanning, lower and upper jaw models, panoramic radiography, cephalometric radiography, intraoral radiographs, cone-beam computed tomography, hand-wrist or cervical vertebra growth evaluation and bite records can be used. It is not necessary to take all radiographs for every patient. Imaging should be selected according to clinical need.

Why is a panoramic radiograph taken?

A panoramic radiograph helps evaluate the number of teeth, impacted teeth, root structures, bone levels, wisdom teeth, root-end diseases and the general jaw anatomy. For root position and bone borders, additional imaging may be needed in some cases.

What is cephalometric analysis?

A cephalometric radiograph is a lateral image of the head and facial structures. With this record, the upper and lower jaw relationship, the relationship of the jaws with the cranial base, the front-tooth inclinations, the vertical and horizontal proportions of the face, the growth direction and the lip and soft-tissue profile can be evaluated. Cephalometric measurements do not make the treatment decision alone; they are interpreted together with the clinical facial and oral examination.

Is tomography needed in orthodontics?

It is not needed for every patient. Tomography can be considered in the situations of impacted teeth, suspicion of root resorption, advanced root movements, evaluation of bone borders, cleft lip and palate, jaw joint bone structure, mini-screw placement and orthognathic surgery planning. Unnecessary radiation should be avoided.

How is orthodontic treatment done?

1. First examination

The patient’s main complaint, face, jaws, teeth and bite are evaluated.

2. Diagnostic records

The necessary photographs, digital scanning and radiographs are taken.

3. Determination of treatment goals

It is determined whether the problem is related only to the teeth or also to the jaw bones and facial structure.

4. Comparison of treatment options

The suitable options are explained to the patient: fixed metal brackets, ceramic brackets, clear aligners, removable appliances, functional appliances, extraction or non-extraction treatment and orthognathic surgery.

5. Preparation of oral health

Decay, gum disease and infections are treated. Oral hygiene is made sufficient.

6. Application of the appliance

According to the chosen system, brackets are bonded, aligners are delivered or a removable appliance is applied.

7. Active treatment and check-ups

Tooth movements and the bite are followed regularly. The necessary wire changes, elastics, IPR or additional mechanics are applied.

8. End-of-treatment detailing

The position of the teeth, the roots, the midlines and the bite contacts are evaluated.

9. Retention

Fixed or removable retention appliances are applied to maintain the new positions of the teeth.

Are teeth extracted in orthodontic treatment?

Not every orthodontic treatment involves extraction. However, tooth extraction may be needed in some cases. The extraction decision is made according to the amount of crowding, the forward inclination of the teeth, the position of the lips, the facial profile, the bone borders, the tooth sizes, missing or damaged teeth, the bite goals and long-term stability.

Moving the teeth outside the bone borders in order to avoid extraction can create gum recession or a stability problem. Likewise, unnecessary tooth extraction should not be done just to gain space.

Are wisdom teeth extracted before orthodontics?

They do not need to be extracted in every patient. Extraction can be considered in the situations of the presence of disease in the impacted tooth, decay or infection, damage to the adjacent tooth, obstruction of the surgical or orthodontic plan and suspicion of a cyst. It cannot be said that wisdom teeth are the sole cause of all orthodontic relapses.

Does the shape of the face change with orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment can affect the position of the front teeth, lip support, the smile and the appearance of the lower face to a certain extent. Dentofacial orthopedics during the growth period can guide the jaw relationships. However, genetic and skeletal growth cannot be completely controlled.

In adults, only moving the teeth does not fundamentally change the real size of the jaw bone, the chin, the nose structure or an advanced skeletal asymmetry. In advanced skeletal problems, jaw surgery may be needed.

Orthognathic surgery and surgical orthodontics

Orthognathic surgery is applied in position disorders of the jaw bones that cannot be corrected by orthodontics alone. It can be evaluated in the situations of a forward lower jaw, advanced lower jaw retrusion, upper jaw retrusion, facial asymmetry, skeletal open bite, severe jaw constriction, the lips not closing comfortably, skeletal problems affecting chewing and speech, and selected sleep and airway problems. In most surgical cases, orthodontic treatment before and after surgery is needed.

What is the surgery-first method?

In the surgery-first approach, in some selected patients the jaw surgery is done before long pre-surgical orthodontics. Its advantage can be that the facial change occurs earlier. However, this approach is not suitable for every patient, requires detailed digital planning, the post-surgical orthodontic movements can be more complex, and advanced coordination between the surgeon and orthodontist is needed.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

The treatment time varies from patient to patient. The factors affecting the time are the severity of the problem, the patient’s age, growth status, the treatment method, the extraction requirement, the type of tooth movements, impacted teeth, jaw surgery, patient compliance, elastic or appliance use, bracket breakage, loss of aligners, oral hygiene and gum health, the biological movement speed of the teeth and the detail of the treatment goals.

While a mild relapse can be treated in a few months, comprehensive orthodontic or surgical cases can take a few years. A fixed period should not be given for all patients.

How often are check-ups done?

The check-up interval varies according to the treatment method. In fixed treatment, the adjustment of wires and forces, the check of the brackets, elastic use, oral hygiene, tooth movements and the bite are mostly evaluated. In clear aligner treatment, the check-up intervals can be longer; however, in IPR, attachment, elastic or loss of tracking, a face-to-face check-up is needed.

Is orthodontic treatment painful?

Anaesthesia is mostly not needed while placing brackets or the plate. After moving to a new wire or plate, pressure, sensitivity in the teeth, discomfort while chewing and irritation on the cheek or lip can occur. These symptoms are mostly temporary. Severe pain concentrated on a single tooth or lasting a long time should not be considered normal and should be evaluated.

Risks of orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment is a controlled biological tooth movement and is not without risk. Possible risks:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Bracket or wire irritation
• White spot formation
• Tooth decay
• Gum inflammation
• Gum recession
• Bone loss
• Root resorption
• Temporary mobility of the teeth
• A rare change in tooth vitality
• Black triangle appearance
• The bite not fitting fully
• Prolongation of treatment
• Appliance breakage
• Allergic reaction
• Jaw muscle or joint complaints
• Relapse after treatment
• The need for additional treatment or surgery

The risks vary according to the patient’s initial condition and the applied treatment.

Does orthodontics dissolve the tooth roots?

Orthodontic root resorption is a certain amount of shortening at the root end. Mild resorption can be seen in some patients. Advanced resorption is rarer. The factors affecting the risk are genetic predisposition, root shape, previous trauma, treatment time, the amount of tooth movement, the applied forces, having had previous orthodontic treatment and the relationship of the roots with the bone and anatomical structures. In patients who need it, radiological check-ups can be done during treatment.

Does orthodontics cause gum recession?

Orthodontic movement alone does not cause gum recession in every patient. The risk can increase in the situations of a thin gum biotype, existing recession, movement of the teeth outside the bone borders, insufficient oral hygiene, active periodontal disease, hard and traumatic brushing and smoking. The periodontal risk should be evaluated before treatment.

Do braces cause decay?

Brackets do not directly cause decay. However, plaque accumulation around the bracket can become easier. Insufficient cleaning can create white enamel spots, decay, gum bleeding and bad breath. If oral hygiene remains insufficient during orthodontic treatment, the treatment can be stopped or the appliances removed early.

Oral care during orthodontic treatment

Patients using fixed brackets should carefully brush around the brackets, use an interdental brush, clean between the teeth with a suitable method, use fluoride toothpaste, avoid frequent sugary snacking and continue regular dental check-ups. Patients using clear aligners should clean the teeth after eating, not consume sugary or acidic drinks with the aligner, clean the aligners with a suitable method and not place the aligners in hot water.

Which foods should be avoided with braces?

With fixed brackets, very hard nuts, ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, hard-shelled foods, sticky sweets and hard fruit and bread eaten by biting can cause bracket breakage. Hard foods can be divided into small pieces and chewed with the back teeth.

Does orthodontics correct the jaw joint?

Orthodontic treatment can regulate the bite of the lower and upper teeth. However, it is not the sole and definitive treatment of jaw joint diseases. Jaw joint problems can be related to many factors such as disc disorder, muscle pain, bruxism, trauma, degeneration, psychosocial factors and the head and neck system.

If there is active joint pain, locking or limitation in opening the mouth, a separate evaluation should be made before orthodontics. Generalizations such as “correcting the teeth definitively cures the joint problem” or “orthodontics necessarily disrupts the joint” are not correct.

Does orthodontics treat clenching?

Orthodontic treatment can regulate the bite relationships; but it does not eliminate the underlying cause of bruxism in every patient. Bruxism can be related to sleep disorders, stress, some medications, neurological factors, respiratory disorders and behavioural factors. In patients with clenching, tooth wear, the muscles, the jaw joints, sleep and airway findings should be evaluated separately when needed.

Does orthodontics correct mouth breathing and snoring?

In selected patients related to upper jaw constriction or jaw development, orthodontic treatment can affect the anatomy of the nasal and oral cavity. However, not every snoring is orthodontic, not every mouth breathing arises from a narrow palate, and orthodontic treatment is not the definitive treatment of sleep apnea. If there is nasal congestion, adenoids, tonsils, obesity and sleep apnea risk, a joint evaluation with the relevant medical branches is needed.

Emergencies during orthodontic treatment

What should be done if a bracket comes off?

If the detached bracket is on the wire, the patient should inform the clinic. If the bracket irritates the cheek tissue, orthodontic wax can be used. The patient should not glue the bracket at home.

What should be done if a wire pokes?

Orthodontic wax can be applied temporarily. If the wire is markedly extended or is damaging the tissue, the clinic should be contacted.

What happens if an appliance breaks?

When a removable appliance or clear aligner breaks, repair, replacement or a return to the previous appliance may be needed according to its usability. The patient should not glue the appliance at home.

What happens if the elastics are not used?

Orthodontic elastics can be an important part of bite correction. Insufficient use can prolong the treatment, prevent the bite goals from being achieved and disrupt the balance of tooth movements. The elastics should be used as recommended by the dentist.

Retention after orthodontic treatment

After the active treatment is completed, a retainer is used to maintain the new positions of the teeth. Orthodontic treatment does not completely end with the removal of the brackets or the completion of the last clear aligner. The retainer types can be a fixed lingual retainer, a transparent removable retainer, a Hawley appliance and a combination of fixed and removable retainer. NHS patient information clearly states that a retainer should be used after orthodontic treatment to maintain the new position of the teeth.

How long should a retainer be used?

The use program varies according to the patient. Full-time in the first period, night use afterwards and regular night use in the long term can mostly be recommended. Throughout life, the teeth can move under the effect of age, muscles, tongue, periodontal tissues and chewing forces. Therefore, long-term retention may be needed.

Does a fixed retainer stay for life?

A fixed retainer can be used for a long time; however, it should be checked regularly. Possible problems can be breakage of the wire, its detachment from a tooth, plaque and tartar accumulation, unwanted tooth movement and bending of the wire. The presence of a fixed wire does not make the use of a removable retainer unnecessary in every situation.

Do the teeth become disordered again after orthodontics?

Yes. This is called orthodontic relapse. The factors affecting the relapse risk are the initial problem, tooth rotations, gaps, growth and aging, tongue and lip forces, the periodontal condition, retainer use, fixed retainer breakage and the jaw relationships. A retainer reduces the relapse risk but does not guarantee that the teeth will never move forever.

Advantages of orthodontic treatment

In suitable patients, orthodontic treatment can align the teeth, close the gaps between the teeth, regulate the bite, facilitate cleaning, reduce the trauma risk of protruding teeth, improve the smile appearance, prepare suitable space for an implant and prosthesis, bring impacted teeth into the mouth, prevent healthy teeth from being cut for aesthetic purposes, and be part of jaw surgery treatment. If there is an aesthetic expectation after orthodontics is completed, options such as teeth whitening, laminate veneers or aesthetic dentistry can be planned separately. Not all of these benefits are obtained to the same extent in every patient.

Orthodontic guidance of impacted teeth into the mouth

Some teeth, especially the canines, can remain impacted within the jaw bone. Impacted teeth in a suitable position can be surgically exposed and brought into the mouth in a controlled way by bonding an orthodontic attachment. The treatment decision is made according to the position of the tooth, root development, its relationship with the adjacent teeth and the patient’s age. This approach requires the joint work of the surgical and orthodontic teams.

Why do orthodontic prices in Istanbul vary?

The main factors affecting the orthodontic treatment price are the type and severity of the problem, child or adult treatment, single or both jaws, fixed braces or clear aligners, metal, ceramic or lingual brackets, the treatment time, the extraction requirement, impacted teeth, mini-screws, functional appliances, upper jaw expansion, orthognathic surgery preparation, additional aligners and refinement, the scope of check-up and follow-up, and the retainer type.

The orthodontic price does not consist only of the cost of the bracket or aligner used. The diagnosis, biomechanical planning, clinical check-ups, auxiliary procedures and the retention process are part of the treatment. It can be useful for patients researching orthodontics in Istanbul to ask the following questions: Who will plan and follow up the treatment? Are the diagnostic records included in the price? Are additional aligners included in the clear aligner treatment? Will mini-screws or additional appliances be charged separately? Is the retainer included? Will the fee change if the treatment time is extended? What are the conditions for replacing broken appliances? How will the post-treatment check-ups be carried out?

Orthodontic approach at Dentapolitan

At Dentapolitan, orthodontic treatment is not treated as merely a procedure that aligns the front teeth. In our treatment approach:

• The face, profile, lip and jaw relationships are evaluated.
• The roots and bone borders are taken into account as much as the crowns of the teeth.
• Growth and tooth eruption are monitored in children.
• Fixed braces, clear aligners and dentofacial orthopedics options are compared.
• When necessary, work is done together with the periodontology, surgery, prosthetics and jaw joint teams.
• Digital plans are not left to the automatic software result; they are adjusted according to clinical goals.
• During treatment, oral hygiene, gum health and real tooth movements are monitored.
• At the end of the active treatment, long-term retention is planned.

Our aim is not only to align the teeth, but to plan the face, jaw, root, bone, bite and long-term stability together. From children to adults, from simple alignments to comprehensive bite treatments, every case is evaluated in terms of orthodontic diagnosis and long-term stability. Dentapolitan serves in Istanbul through its clinics in Ümraniye and Pendik.

This content has been prepared for general health information purposes. It does not replace an examination, diagnosis or a personalised orthodontic treatment plan.