Orthodontics

Early Phase Treatment

The first orthodontic examination should be conducted at the age of 7. Early detection of problems reduces the treatment duration and cost. During the orthodontic examination, the presence of narrow jaw, underdeveloped jaw, protruded jaw, and space deficiency due to early loss of primary teeth is assessed. Additionally, issues such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing are diagnosed, and appropriate treatments are provided.

Early phase treatments are simple procedures that address the functional and aesthetic needs of the patient without consuming excessive time. After early phase treatment, around the age of 12, the need for comprehensive fixed orthodontic treatment is evaluated.

Impacted Teeth

Teeth that fail to erupt on time are referred to as impacted teeth. Factors such as space deficiency and early loss of primary teeth increase the likelihood of the underlying tooth becoming impacted. In general, upper canine teeth are commonly impacted in the mouth. The process of guiding the eruption of impacted teeth is a specialized treatment that is performed by Orthodontist Dr. Merve Bayel Akgül at Dent Akgül Oral and Dental Health Clinic.

Jaw Narrowing

Narrowing of the upper and lower jaw is a problem that should be treated promptly once diagnosed. The upper jaw can be expanded using removable appliances until the age of 9 and with fixed appliances until the age of 13. The lower jaw can be expanded using removable appliances until the age of 9.

If jaw narrowing is noticed after the age of 18, surgical intervention may be necessary for treatment.

Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children only. Anyone with healthy gums and teeth, regardless of age, can undergo orthodontic treatment. Adult treatment may take a bit longer than treatment for children due to the denser bones in adults. However, this duration can be overlooked. Adults have various treatment options available, including metal, ceramic, and aesthetic braces, as well as clear aligners and options like lingual orthodontics.

Lingual Orthodontics (Hidden Braces)

Lingual orthodontics is a treatment method where braces, known as hidden braces, are attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth. This treatment method is completely invisible. In lingual orthodontics, patients are often treated with customized brackets and wires. Lingual orthodontics is a costly treatment method due to the advanced technology used, complex laboratory stages, and materials used. It requires expertise in lingual orthodontics, and it is performed by Orthodontist Dr. Merve Bayel Akgül at Dent Akgül Dental Clinic.

Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

In Invisalign treatments, teeth are corrected by changing their position, similar to traditional fixed braces. The application of clear aligners requires a significant level of orthodontic knowledge and experience, an advanced laboratory infrastructure, and clinical equipment support. Invisalign is a well-established brand based in the United States that has successfully treated millions of orthodontic cases.

Clear aligners, also known as “wireless orthodontic treatment,” are a method of straightening teeth without traditional braces or brackets. There are no wires or brackets on the teeth, making it a popular choice among adults. Clear aligners fully encase the teeth and are virtually invisible when viewed from the outside.

Clear aligners can be removed during the treatment process and are customized for each individual. The aligners are changed approximately every 15 days, with each new set of aligners further aligning the teeth. Impressions of the mouth are taken digitally or using conventional methods, which are then sent to international centers. Once the aligners are manufactured abroad, they are delivered to the patients, and the treatment begins.

The aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours a day to be effective. Otherwise, the desired results may not be achieved. The duration of treatment varies from patient to patient but is generally not longer than fixed orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners offer several advantages, including aesthetics, the ability to remove them for special occasions, and fewer dietary restrictions compared to fixed braces. Maintaining oral hygiene is easier in this treatment because there are no wires in the mouth. Since brackets and wires are not used, there is a reduced risk of oral sores. Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is a costlier treatment method due to the advanced technology involved and the complex laboratory stages. It requires expertise in clear aligner orthodontics and is performed by Orthodontist Dr. Merve Bayel Akgül at Dent Akgül Dental Clinic.

Orthopedic Treatment for Jaw Disorders

Early functional treatment is highly important for patients who are still experiencing growth and development. This allows for non-surgical treatment options and orthopedic treatment targeting the bones. At our clinic, orthopedic disorders such as maxillary protrusion, maxillary retrusion, mandibular protrusion, and mandibular retrusion are treated. The most common condition we encounter is mandibular retrusion, which is treated through “functional therapy,” and maxillary retrusion, which is treated with the “reverse headgear” method.

For patients who are nearing the end of their growth and development and have mandibular retrusion, we offer treatment using the Forsus system to advance the lower jaw. This treatment is performed at our clinic.

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is a procedure that corrects the position of the jaw, which may be asymmetric, protruded, or retruded, through surgical intervention. Patients who have completed their growth and development and have both dental and jaw problems require orthognathic surgery for treatment.

Patients with dental misalignment should undergo orthodontic treatment prior to orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery is part of the overall orthodontic treatment plan. First, dental misalignments are corrected, and then the jaw position is corrected through orthognathic surgery. Following orthognathic surgery, orthodontic treatment continues for a period of time.

Orthognathic surgery is a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. At Dent Akgül Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, your orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery planning are carried out by Orthodontics Specialist Dr. Merve Bayel Akgül. Your surgery is performed in collaboration with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons or Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at hospitals affiliated with our clinic.

Retention (Maintenance) Treatment

After orthodontic treatment, certain appliances are used to prevent the teeth from returning to their original positions. To preserve the alignment of the front teeth, wires called “lingual retainers” are bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth. Additionally, transparent aligners called “Essix retainers” are provided to prevent the relapse of tooth alignment after treatment. Lingual retainers should remain in the mouth for as long as possible because teeth have a lifelong tendency to move forward (mesialization). To minimize the chances of relapse, the duration of this treatment should be as long as possible.

Essix retainers, on the other hand, should be worn continuously for the first 2 years, 24 hours a day. Afterward, they can be worn only at night while sleeping. To ensure that your teeth maintain their alignment after orthodontic treatment, it is necessary to visit your Orthodontics Specialist for a check-up every 6 months.