Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of irregularities in the teeth, jaws, and face, performed by dentists who have specialized in orthodontics.

Goal of Orthodontic Treatment
The goal of orthodontic treatment is to align the teeth in an ideal way, so that they are in harmony with each other and with the teeth in the opposite jaw. The aim of orthodontic treatment is to provide good biting, chewing, speaking function, and to achieve ideal dental, jaw, and facial aesthetics. Orthodontic treatment helps to improve oral health and thereby contribute to overall health improvement, as well as boost self-confidence by positively affecting the individual's psychology.

Crooked teeth are difficult to clean, which can lead to damage to the tooth and surrounding tissues. Orthodontic treatment aims to improve oral health by aligning the teeth properly.

Causes of Orthodontic Problems
Early loss of baby teeth, mouth breathing due to nasal congestion, thumb sucking, pacifier or bottle use, tongue sucking, lip sucking, pen biting, some muscle disorders, and genetic factors can cause orthodontic problems.

First Orthodontic Examination Time
The first orthodontic examination is usually done before children reach the age of 7. Some orthodontic problems can be solved in the early stages with simple interventions. Active orthodontic treatment usually begins between the ages of 9-14. Problems involving the jaws can be solved in children during growth and development. Orthodontic problems in teeth can also be treated in adult individuals.

Orthodontic Treatment Tools

Fixed Orthodontic Appliances
After brackets are attached to the teeth, wires are placed inside these brackets. The force applied by these wires on the teeth helps to align the teeth properly. Brackets are available in metal or tooth-colored options. Brackets are usually placed on the front surface of the teeth. In addition, there are also brackets placed on the back surface of the teeth.

Removable Appliances
Removable appliances that can be easily worn and removed by the patient. They can be used to provide simple dental movements. They are commonly used in early orthodontic interventions.

Extraoral Appliances
Orthodontic appliances that support from outside the mouth. They can be used to move teeth and guide jaw development in some cases.

Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are also used for orthodontic treatment today. These aligners can be worn and removed by the patient.

Duration of Orthodontic Treatment
The duration of orthodontic treatment is usually one and a half to two years, but it can be shorter or longer. The patient is called for regular check-ups during this process. The elastics or appliances given by the orthodontist to the patient must be used regularly as instructed. Patient cooperation is important in terms of the duration of the treatment.

Retention Treatment
After the active orthodontic treatment is completed, the treatment is followed by passive retention treatment. The goal of retention treatment is to prevent the teeth from returning to their previous positions, and to ensure that the new positions are permanent. To achieve this, removable appliances, clear aligners, and fixed retainers attached to the back surfaces of the front teeth can be used.