Which Dental Department Handles Braces? Where to Get Braces Fitted?

If you’re considering braces, the right department to visit is orthodontics. This treatment is performed by specialist orthodontists and is available in public hospitals, private dental clinics, and dental hospitals. Braces are suitable for correcting crooked teeth and jaw misalignment and can be used at any age.

Which Specialist Deals with Braces?

Braces treatment helps fix dental and jaw irregularities. It falls under a specialized branch of dentistry called orthodontics. If you have misaligned, spaced, or crowded teeth—or jaw issues—an orthodontist is the expert you should consult.

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on aligning teeth and jaws correctly. You can find orthodontic departments in public hospitals, private dental clinics, or specialized dental hospitals. Treatments may include traditional braces, clear aligners, or other corrective appliances.

Who Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental professional who has completed additional specialist training to treat misaligned teeth and jaws. Using devices such as braces and aligners, they guide teeth into proper position, improving both function and appearance.

Orthodontist vs. General Dentist: What’s the Difference?

While general dentists handle routine care like fillings, cleanings, and extractions, orthodontists focus exclusively on straightening teeth and correcting bite problems after completing several extra years of training.

Where Can You Get Braces?

Your journey with braces begins with an initial consultation with an orthodontist. This can take place in a public hospital, a private clinic like Dentakademi, or a dental hospital. During your first visit, your teeth, gums, jaw structure, and bite will be assessed. X-rays, photos, and digital scans or impressions are often taken.

Before getting braces, the orthodontist reviews your scans to create a personalized treatment plan. If you have cavities or gum issues, these will be addressed by a general dentist beforehand. Once your mouth is ready, the orthodontist chooses the best method—metal braces, ceramic options, or clear aligners—and schedules your brace-fitting appointment.

Who Can Get Braces?

Braces can be used by anyone with crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth. They are most commonly applied during the ages of 9 to 14, but many adults also benefit from them. Symptoms like difficulty biting, frequent tongue biting, brushing challenges, or jaw pain may indicate a need for orthodontic care.

Braces Treatment Timeline and Phases

The length of treatment depends on your dental structure and needs. It may last a few months to several years, typically involving:

• Initial assessment and treatment planning.
• Placement of braces.
• Regular adjustment appointments to monitor progress.
• Final evaluation and retainer fitting.

Children often progress faster due to ongoing jaw growth, while adults may experience a longer process.

Types of Braces and Their Differences

There are several types of orthodontic treatments, each with its benefits:

• Metal Braces: Made from stainless steel, these are traditional and highly effective. They’re visible but can be customized with colorful bands.
• Ceramic Braces: These blend with your natural tooth color, making them less noticeable, though they’re more fragile.
• Lingual Braces: Placed on the back of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. Aesthetic, but less common.
• Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign): Nearly invisible and removable, these must be worn 22 hours a day and changed biweekly.

Your orthodontist will help determine the best option based on your needs.

FAQs About Getting Braces