Ортодонтия
Dr. Dt. Hale Güner
Written by DentAkademi Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by Dr. Dt. Hale Güner
Last updated:
Ключевые моменты
  • Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects the position of teeth and jaws. Treatment addresses crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and jaw misalignment.
  • The main treatment options are metal braces, ceramic brackets, lingual braces, and clear aligners. The right method depends on the type and severity of the problem, the patient's age, and lifestyle preferences.
  • Treatment duration ranges from 6 months for simple cases to 2 years or more for complex ones. Beyond aesthetics, correcting alignment reduces long-term risk of decay, gum disease, and jaw joint problems.
  • The ideal age for a first orthodontic assessment is 7, when developing problems can be identified while the jaw is still growing. Comprehensive treatment most commonly starts between 12 and 14. Adults can be treated at any age.
  • Retention after active treatment is not optional. Without retainers worn consistently, teeth will drift back toward their original positions. This is one of the most common reasons orthodontic results are lost.
  • At DentAkademi, orthodontic treatment is available for international patients. Short to moderate cases can be managed with an initial Istanbul visit and remote monitoring between appointments.

Orthodontics corrects the position of teeth and jaws when they have developed incorrectly, or shifted out of position over time. The goal is not simply cosmetic: a well-aligned bite functions better, is easier to clean, puts less strain on the jaw joints, and reduces the long-term risk of decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Treatment typically involves braces, clear aligners, or jaw appliances, and lasts anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on the complexity of the problem. This page covers what orthodontics treats, how treatment works, what the main options are, when to start, and what international patients need to know about managing treatment from abroad.

What Does Orthodontics Treat?

Orthodontics addresses a wide range of dental and jaw irregularities. Some are primarily aesthetic, while others have a direct impact on chewing function, speech, and long-term oral health.

СостояниеЧто это означаетПочему необходимо лечение
Crowded / overlapping teethЗубам не хватает места, что приводит к их развороту или наложению друг на другаPrevents decay, gum disease, and improves function and aesthetics
Spacing and gapsИзбыточные пространства между одним или несколькими зубамиУлучшает прикус, четкость речи и внешний вид улыбки.
Открытый прикусВерхние и нижние передние зубы не соприкасаются при жевании.Вызывает затруднения при жевании и проблемы с речью.
Deep bite (overbite)Upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth excessivelyВедет к стиранию эмали, травмам десен и нагрузке на челюстной сустав
Мезиальный прикус (Underbite)Нижняя челюсть выступает за пределы верхней.Влияет на жевание, симметрию лица и здоровье челюстного сустава.
Перекрестный прикус (Crossbite)Верхние и нижние зубы неправильно смыкаются на одной или обеих сторонахCauses tooth wear, gum recession, and facial asymmetry
Смещение челюстиВерхняя и нижняя челюсти расположены негармонично.Может потребоваться ортодонтия в сочетании с аппаратами или хирургией
Ретинированные (непрорезавшиеся) зубыЗубы, застрявшие в кости или мягких тканях десныПредотвращает инфекции, образование кист и смещение соседних зубов
Расстройства ВНЧСБоль или нарушение работы челюстных суставовBite correction through orthodontics can reduce strain on the joint

Is Orthodontic Treatment Right for You?

Treatment is appropriate if:

  • You have crowded, overlapping, or widely spaced teeth
  • You have a bite problem: overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite
  • You have jaw misalignment affecting chewing, speech, or facial balance
  • You need space created or maintained for implants or bridges
  • General dental health is good with no active decay or untreated gum disease
  • You have completed prior dental treatment and are ready to begin orthodontic correction

Treatment requires additional planning if:

  • Active gum disease or significant bone loss is present (must be treated first)
  • Severe jaw discrepancy is involved (may need surgery alongside orthodontics)
  • Teeth are missing and space management needs to be coordinated with implant or bridge planning
  • The patient is a child: timing depends on development stage and whether early intervention is indicated

Not sure what type of orthodontic treatment is right for your situation? Send us photos of your teeth and a description of your concern. Our team will give you an initial assessment and outline your options.

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Методы ортодонтического лечения

Several different appliances and techniques are used in orthodontics, each suited to different situations and patient needs. The most appropriate method is determined by the type and severity of the problem, the patient's age, and how much visibility or removability matters to the patient.

Металлические брекеты

Металлические брекеты are the most established and widely used orthodontic appliance. Brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth and connected by a wire that applies controlled pressure to move the teeth gradually. Because they are fixed, there is no compliance issue. Metal braces are the most effective option for complex cases involving significant crowding, bite correction, or jaw movement, and are typically the most cost-effective choice. The main drawback is their visibility, though most patients adapt quickly.

Ceramic (clear) brackets

Ceramic brackets work in the same way as metal braces but use tooth-coloured or clear materials that blend with the natural tooth shade. They offer similar effectiveness to metal brackets while being more discreet. They are slightly more prone to staining over time and typically carry a higher cost than standard metal braces.

Лингвальные брекеты

Лингвальные брекеты are bonded to the inside surface of the teeth rather than the front, making them completely hidden from view. They are suited to patients who want a fixed appliance with no external visibility. Lingual braces require an initial adaptation period as the tongue adjusts to the appliance, and they are generally more expensive than conventional braces.

Прозрачные элайнеры

Прозрачные элайнеры use a series of custom-made removable trays to move teeth incrementally. Each tray is worn for one to two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series. Because they are removable, eating and cleaning the teeth remain straightforward throughout treatment. Clear aligners are best suited to mild to moderate cases and require consistent wear of 20 to 22 hours per day.

Removable plates and functional appliances

Removable appliances are most commonly used in children to guide jaw development during the growth phase. Functional appliances redirect jaw growth: for example, encouraging the lower jaw to develop forward, or restraining excessive growth. Palatal expanders widen the upper jaw in children with a narrow arch, creating space for the developing teeth. These appliances are most effective while the jaw is still growing, which is why early assessment at age 7 is recommended.

Jaw masks (face masks)

A jaw mask is an external appliance worn over the face to encourage forward development of the upper jaw in cases where it is underdeveloped relative to the lower jaw. It is used primarily in children and works by applying gentle forward traction during the growth period. Like other functional appliances, it is most effective when started early.

Клиническая запись

Reviewed by Dr. Dt. Hale Guner, Orthodontics

"The question I get asked most often is: which is better, braces or aligners? The honest answer is that it depends entirely on what the teeth are actually doing and what they need to do during treatment.

For mild to moderate cases with straightforward tooth movements, clear aligners produce excellent results and the lifestyle advantages are real: removable for eating and cleaning, discreet in daily life. For more complex cases involving significant bite correction, precise rotations, or vertical movements, fixed braces give the clinician more reliable control of tooth position. Choosing aligners for a case that really needed braces doesn't make it a better treatment experience. It makes it a longer one, often with refinements that extended the timeline and still didn't quite achieve what braces would have done more predictably.

I also want to address retention, because it genuinely is the part of orthodontic treatment that gets neglected the most. The active treatment gets all the attention. Retainers feel like an afterthought. But the result you achieve with 18 months of braces will begin to reverse without consistent retainer wear afterwards. I always tell patients: the treatment isn't finished when the braces come off. That's when the maintenance begins."

Dr. Dt. Hale Guner, Orthodontics, DentAkademi

The Treatment Process

1

Comprehensive Assessment

Treatment begins with a full evaluation of the teeth, jaw, and facial structure. Panoramic X-rays and cephalometric films are taken to evaluate bone structure and tooth positions. Digital impressions or 3D models may also be produced. From this data, the orthodontist develops a detailed treatment plan that maps out the sequence and method of tooth and jaw movement, and presents the options available for the specific case.

2

Preparatory Treatment (if needed)

Before orthodontic appliances are placed, any active decay, gum disease, or other dental problems must be treated. In some cases, tooth extraction is needed to create space. If clear aligners are being used, composite attachments may be placed on specific teeth before the first tray is fitted. If fixed braces are used, spacers may be placed first to create room between molars for the bands.

3

Active Treatment Phase

The active phase involves wearing the prescribed appliance consistently over a period of months or years. The orthodontist monitors progress at regular appointments, typically every 4 to 8 weeks, and makes adjustments as needed. For braces, wire adjustments are made at these visits. For clear aligners, new trays are progressed through and progress is checked in person or remotely. Duration ranges from around 6 months for simple cases to 2 years or more for complex ones.

4

Debond or Final Aligner Review

When the planned tooth movements are complete, the appliance is removed. For braces, the brackets are debonded and the teeth are polished. For aligners, a final review confirms the planned result has been achieved. If minor adjustments remain, a short series of refinement aligners may be prescribed before this stage is closed.

5

Ретенционный период

Retainers are placed immediately after the active treatment ends. Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded to the inner surface of the front teeth. Removable retainers are worn nightly. Many patients use a combination: a fixed lower retainer, which protects against the crowding relapse most common in the lower front teeth, and a removable upper retainer worn each night. Without retainers, the result achieved during active treatment will gradually reverse.

Когда следует начинать ортодонтическое лечение?

Permanent teeth begin to emerge around age 6 and are typically fully developed by ages 12 to 13. A first orthodontic assessment at age 7 is recommended: at this age, enough permanent teeth have emerged to identify developing problems, but the jaw is still growing, making early intervention possible where indicated. Not every 7-year-old needs treatment, but early assessment identifies those who do.

The most common window for comprehensive orthodontic treatment is between ages 12 and 14, when the last baby teeth have been lost and the permanent teeth are in place. However, orthodontic treatment is effective at any age. Adults make up a significant proportion of orthodontic patients. The biological process of tooth movement is the same regardless of age: treatment timelines may be slightly longer in adults, but the outcomes are comparable.

Phase 1 treatment in children

Phase 1 or early orthodontic treatment refers to intervention during the mixed dentition phase, typically ages 7 to 10, when both baby and adult teeth are present. It is used when a specific developing problem can be addressed more effectively now than after growth is complete, such as a narrow upper jaw needing expansion, a significant crossbite, or severe crowding that can be managed by guiding the eruption of permanent teeth. Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. Those who do benefit from a shorter, simpler Phase 2 treatment later.

Удаление зубов в ортодонтии: Когда это необходимо?

In some cases the jaw does not have sufficient space to accommodate all the teeth in proper alignment. When crowding is severe and cannot be resolved by arch expansion or other space-creating measures, selective extraction of one or more teeth may be necessary before or during orthodontic treatment. Extraction is not a routine part of every orthodontic plan: it is reserved for situations where the teeth cannot be aligned without creating space. The orthodontist will explain whether extraction is part of your plan and why before any decision is made.

Orthodontics for International Patients in Istanbul

Orthodontic treatment is a long-term process that typically requires ongoing appointments. For international patients, this requires planning. The practical approach depends on the type of treatment and the case duration.

Short cases (3 to 6 months). Clear aligner cases of this duration can be managed with an initial Istanbul visit of 3 to 5 days covering the scan, aligner fitting, and receipt of the full aligner series. Remote monitoring through a dental monitoring app covers the between-visit period. A final visit for retention completes the treatment.

Moderate and longer cases. For braces cases or longer aligner treatments, the initial Istanbul visit covers the examination, records, and appliance fitting. Ongoing adjustments are planned around return visits every 3 to 4 months where possible, with remote monitoring and coordination between visits. For braces cases, co-treatment with a local orthodontist at home is possible and common for international patients: DentAkademi provides full treatment records for handover.

Why Choose Istanbul for Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment in the UK ranges from approximately £2,000 to £6,000 depending on the type of appliance and case duration. At DentAkademi, the same treatment options are available at substantially lower cost using the same appliance systems used in European practices. For international patients who are already planning a dental visit to Istanbul for other treatment, adding an orthodontic consultation adds no additional travel cost.

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Часто задаваемые вопросы

Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on correcting the position of teeth and jaws. It treats problems including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and jaw misalignment using braces, clear aligners, and other appliances. The goals are correct function, easier cleaning, reduced long-term risk of decay and gum disease, and improved appearance.
A dentist handles general oral health: fillings, extractions, crowns, and preventive care. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional postgraduate specialisation in correcting tooth and jaw irregularities. Orthodontists manage braces, clear aligners, jaw appliances, and other movement-based treatments. Complex or full-case orthodontic treatment is carried out by specialists with this additional training.
Treatment duration varies by case complexity and appliance type. Simple cases of mild crowding or minor spacing can be completed in 6 months. Moderate cases typically take 12 to 18 months. Complex cases involving significant bite correction or jaw alignment can take 2 years or longer. The treatment timeline is an estimate and can be extended if compliance with the appliance is inconsistent, particularly for removable aligners.
Some pressure and mild soreness in the first few days after braces are placed, or after each adjustment appointment, is normal. It reflects the teeth responding to the applied force. This typically settles within 2 to 3 days. For clear aligners, similar pressure is felt when switching to a new tray and usually resolves within a day or two. The discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief in most cases.
A first assessment at age 7 is recommended, not because every 7-year-old needs treatment, but because this is when developing problems can be identified while the jaw is still growing. Comprehensive treatment most commonly begins between 12 and 14, when all permanent teeth are in place. Adults can begin orthodontic treatment at any age: the biological tooth movement process is the same, and outcomes are comparable, though treatment may take slightly longer.
Neither is universally better. Braces are more effective for complex bite corrections, significant crowding, and precise rotations. They require no compliance decision and work continuously. Clear aligners are discreet, removable for eating and cleaning, and produce excellent results for mild to moderate cases when worn consistently. The right choice depends on the specific tooth movements required, the patient's age, and how much the visibility or removability of the appliance matters. The clinical assessment determines which is more appropriate.
A complete orthodontic treatment includes an initial assessment and records (X-rays, digital scan, photographs), treatment planning, the active treatment phase using the chosen appliance (braces, aligners, or other devices), monitoring appointments throughout, and retention after active treatment ends. Preparatory work such as extractions or attachments, and refinements at the end if needed, may also be included or priced separately depending on the treatment plan.
Not necessarily. Extraction is only needed when there is insufficient space in the jaw for all the teeth to be properly aligned, and when space cannot be created through arch expansion or other means. It is not a routine part of orthodontic treatment. Where it is needed, the orthodontist explains the reason before any decision is made. Many cases are completed without extraction.
The most accurate answer is: indefinitely, or at least for many years. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their previous positions after the forces of orthodontic treatment are removed. The risk is highest in the first year after treatment and continues at a lower level throughout life. Most orthodontists recommend nightly retainer wear long-term. Fixed retainers bonded to the inside of the front teeth are an alternative that removes the compliance decision.
Yes. The biology of tooth movement is the same at any age, and orthodontic treatment is effective throughout adulthood. Adults are a significant and growing proportion of orthodontic patients. Treatment timelines may be slightly longer in adults than in adolescents because the bone is denser, but the achievable outcomes are comparable. The choice of appliance may also differ: many adult patients prefer ceramic brackets or clear aligners for aesthetic reasons.
Orthodontics can correct jaw problems that are dental in origin, meaning where the teeth themselves are positioned incorrectly relative to the jaw bones. Significant skeletal jaw discrepancies, where the jawbones are themselves out of alignment, often require a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to achieve the correct bite and facial proportion. The clinical assessment identifies which category the problem falls into.
Untreated crowding makes the affected teeth harder to clean, increasing the long-term risk of decay and gum disease. An uncorrected overbite or deep bite can cause enamel wear and jaw joint strain over time. A persistent crossbite can lead to uneven bone development and facial asymmetry. Untreated bite problems do not stay the same: they tend to worsen gradually as wear, drift, and jaw changes compound the original problem.
Lingual braces work in the same way as conventional fixed braces but are bonded to the inner (tongue-side) surface of the teeth rather than the outer surface. This makes them completely invisible from the front. They are suited to patients who need fixed braces for their case complexity but want an invisible appliance. Lingual braces require an initial adjustment period as the tongue adapts, and they are generally more expensive than standard fixed braces.
Metal brackets are more durable, generally less expensive, and are the standard choice for complex cases. Ceramic brackets use tooth-coloured or clear material that blends more closely with the teeth, making them less visible. They are slightly more prone to staining from certain foods and drinks, and cost more than metal. For patients for whom appearance during treatment is a significant factor but who are not suitable for clear aligners, ceramic brackets are a practical middle ground.
For short clear aligner cases (3 to 6 months), the initial Istanbul visit covers the full assessment, aligner fitting, and receipt of the complete aligner series. Remote monitoring is used between appointments. A final visit for retention completes the treatment. For longer braces cases, the initial visit covers fitting and the first adjustment, with return visits planned every few months or co-treatment with a local orthodontist at home using DentAkademi's full treatment records.

Резюме

Orthodontics treats a wide range of tooth and jaw alignment problems using braces, clear aligners, or jaw appliances. The right method depends on the nature and severity of the problem, the patient's age, and their preferences. Both fixed braces and clear aligners produce excellent results in appropriate cases. Neither is universally better, and the clinical assessment determines which is more suitable for the specific patient.

The most important thing most patients do not fully appreciate before treatment starts is that retention is permanent. The result achieved through active treatment will reverse over time without consistent retainer wear. This is not optional follow-through. It is the part of orthodontic treatment that protects everything that came before it.

For international patients, short to moderate cases are practical to manage with an initial Istanbul visit and remote monitoring. Longer cases are managed through planned return visits or co-treatment with a local provider using full treatment documentation from DentAkademi.

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