Dental braces, or orthodontic appliances, are probably the most typical and well-known dental appliances that have been used in the treatment of different kinds of malocclusions (misalignments) in children and juveniles. These methods are intended to treat such problems as tooth crowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. The foremost goal of orthodontic treatment is not only to correct the teeth but also to align the jaw, thereby making a significant contribution to the smile’s function and charm.
In fact, the orthodontic intervention can still give a good result at any age; however, it is a better decision to do it during adolescence as it can benefit from the growth and development of the oral cavity and jaw. With the expertise of Dentist Polen Akkılıç and her team, adolescents get special orthodontic treatment for their dental health and aesthetic goals at Lema Dental Clinic.
Types of Braces Available for Children and Teens
Orthodontic treatment for children and teens may happen through various types of braces, each having different features that are created to fit different instances. These are:
- Traditional Metal Braces: These most commonly used metal braces, consisting of metal brackets and wires. The brackets are attached to the teeth, and the wire is inserted through them. The wire is regularly tightened to exert pressure and gradually to move the teeth in the new position. Metal braces are highly dependable in treating different types of orthodontic problems.
- Ceramic Braces: These function similarly to traditional metal braces but use transparent or tooth-colored materials for the brackets. Thus, they are less noticeable and are a popular choice for patients who want an aesthetically pleasing solution.
- Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign): Clear aligners represent a new generation of braces. These are barely visible plastic trays that are designed to fit over the teeth and slowly bring the teeth to alignment. The aligners are removable, thus providing convenience during eating and oral hygiene practices. They are mainly attractive to teenagers who are looking for a discreet orthodontic solution.
At Lema Dental Clinic, Dentist Polen Akkılıç and her team do not only look at the severity of the dental issue but also consider the patient’s life and aesthetic preferences while they decide the best alternative for the patient.
Optimal Age for Braces: When to Start Orthodontic Treatment
When to wear braces (orthodontic treatment) is different for each individual as it depends on their dental and skeletal development. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the first visit to an orthodontist should not be later than when a 7-year-old child. The orthodontist sees the earliest signs of dental problems. If intervention is needed, it will be a preventive one, and you won’t have to deal with malocclusion and overcrowded teeth problems caused by the growth of the issues later on.
Bracing is usually recommended for children after most of their permanent teeth have appeared, which is normally between 11 and 14 years of age. The adolescent’s jaw is still developing at that time, so orthodontic treatment is very efficient then. However, Dentist Polen Akkılıç and her team at Lema Dental Clinic provide a tailored assessment to determine the best timing for the treatment depending on the individual’s oral health.
Effectiveness of Braces: Do They Always Work?
Most of the time, a few patients can regain their teeth and improve their biting through the use of braces by means of orthodontic treatment. However, the result of the braces treatment is mainly dependent on the patient’s cooperation, the severity of the malocclusion, the patient’s age, and the compliance with the orthodontist’s advice. Usually, it is the teenagers who are obedient to their treatment, i.e. they also use elastics or any other accessories as their doctor has instructed, who get the best outcomes.
Sometimes, apart from the necessary treatments to reach the desired result, there can be requests for spacers, extractions, and other orthodontic devices. Although, most of the patients when subjected to braces, obtain great improvements in the functionalities and the looks of their teeth, which is actually the base for the long-term dental health that is brought about by the orthodoxy treatment.
Aesthetic Considerations: What Color Braces Are Available?
One of the features of the orthodontic program that may gain the interest of the adolescent is their ability to customize their braces. Metal braces come with elastic bands that fit and hold them, and these bands are available in different colors. Some of the colors, by which teenagers choose to accentuate their braces, are bright blue, red, and green, as well as more neutral, clear or silver.
Besides the metal braces, patients deciding on ceramic braces or clear aligners will have a less noticeable treatment; in case of the ceramic braces, they will fuse with the natural color of the teeth, and in case of the clear aligners, they will be almost invisible. At Lema Dental Clinic, Dentist Polen Akkılıç and her support staff have many options in aesthetics to be able to meet both the effectiveness and style preferences of the patient’s orthodontic treatment.
Cost of Braces: Financial Considerations
The price of the braces can be affected by a number of factors including the type of braces, the complexity of the dental issues causing the problem, and the duration of the treatment. For the most part, the traditional metal braces are considered to be the cheapest while the costs of ceramic braces and clear aligners are more due to their discreet appearances and more personalized features.
We at Lema Dental Clinic, do our best to make orthodontic treatment doable for anyone through reasonable pricing and easy payment plans. Patients are able to save a great deal of money and still get very good orthodontic care when they come to Istanbul for orthodontic treatment as compared to the West, making it a nice dental tourism destination.
Discomfort Associated with Braces: What to Expect
The introduction of braces is usually accompanied by some discomfort as it’s the first time the brackets and wires will put pressure on the teeth. After a few days, a slight pain is mentioned by most of the patients, which can be relieved by using ready-to-use painkillers and eating soft foods. This uncomfortable feeling is temporary and it disappears as the teeth get used to their new positions.
During the whole period of wearing the braces, the patients can suffer from discomfort at times as the orthodontist adjusts the braces to keep the movement of the teeth going. The patients should communicate well with their orthodontist and attend the regular check-ups in order to follow up the progress.
Are Braces Unattractive?
Fear of looking bad, especially in the case of metal braces, was one of the major reasons people were not willing to take orthodontic treatment. But now, the issue of the visibility of the braces has been overcome to a great extent because of the advanced orthodontic treatment options. As a matter of fact, the objective of both ceramic braces which are made of transparent materials and clear aligners such as Invisalign, is to make the braces less visible so that the teenage patients can get their orthodontic treatment without the problem of being noticed.
An extensive selection of orthodontic treatments is available at the Lema Dental Clinic to assure that every patient’s treatment is aesthetically pleasing as well as effective. Dr. Polen Akkılıç and her staff are at the patient’s disposal in deciding on the optimal solution in agreement with their choices and requirements.
Are Braces Medically Necessary?
When braces deal with the issues that hamper a person’s function and health and put at risk the latter, they are then considered a medical necessity. These problems are malocclusions, like overbites, underbites, and crossbites, and as well as ill-aligned or overcrowded teeth that may cause gum disease, cavities, and chewing difficulties. In such circumstances, braces play a crucial role in not only preventing long-term dental problems but also making the patient’s life better.
Along with careful examination, Dentist Polen Akkılıç and her team at Lema Dental Clinic decide if medically, braces are necessary or if the treatment is only for cosmetic purposes. In certain situations, they may be advised as a dental health plan component.
What Do Braces Feel Like?
If it was possible to describe the feeling of having just newly put on braces, one might say that it is a feeling of a foreign object in the mouth, which some patients might find uncomfortable. Initially, it is the brackets and wires that might look strange and bulky. Also, the sensation of slight discomfort may be due to the teeth that are changing their positions gradually. However, the pain is very short and most of the time it goes away within a couple of days.
When the adaptation period is over, almost all of the patients say that they have gotten used to the braces, and the discomfort that accompanies them has decreased significantly.
Can Braces Fix a Narrow Smile?
Absolutely! Braces can do a great job in fixing the problem of a narrow smile. By realigning the teeth properly, braces can make a smile broader and more beautiful overall. There, where the extra support may be needed for jaw widening, Lema Dental Clinic will probably suggest the use of an expander together with braces.
Can Braces Change the Shape of Your Face?
Although braces do not result in major changes of facial structure, they can indirectly help with the improvement of facial aesthetics by resolving the issues related to the alignment of teeth. To illustrate, an aligned smile is able to make the whole face more symmetrical and thus better follow the facial proportions.
Can Braces Change Your Jawline?
Braces may have a say in the positioning of the jaw by making the relationship between upper and lower teeth, better. While they cannot radically alter the jawline, the correction of bite issues can lead to the jaw being more balanced and harmonious in structure.
Can Braces Cure Lockjaw?
Braces are not meant to cure lockjaw, but they may help in relieving the symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which in turn may cause lockjaw. By aligning the teeth and jaws properly, braces may be the reason for less jaw pain and discomfort due to TMJ.
Is Teeth Straightening Right for Your Kids & Teens?
Properly aligned teeth in kids and teens through orthodontic treatment is a wise move. The issues will be sorted out step by step with the help of orthodontic devices that will not only be beneficial for the child’s dental health but also increase the child’s confidence and self-esteem. A visit to Lema Dental Clinic for a detailed consultation would be a perfect way to find out if braces are the right answer for your child or teen, if you choose to take them for orthodontic treatment.
Why Choose Braces in Istanbul, Turkey?
Rooted in the beautiful city of Istanbul, dental tourism is rapidly gaining popularity among patients from all around the globe, as it presents the best of orthodontic treatments at a rather affordable price. By investing in a Lema Dental Clinic in Istanbul, you are actually making a smart decision because you get to enjoy the top-notch orthodontic care performed by professionals with a lot of experience in a very well-equipped facility but at the same time, you are paying only a small fraction of the cost that you would have to bear if you lived in other countries.
LEMA Dental Clinic: Best Braces in Istanbul, Turkey
At Lema Dental Clinic, it is our goal to provide the best orthodontic care possible to our patients. Our team, including Dentist Polen Akkılıç and her staff, is enthusiastic about working with kids and adolescents to improve their smiles not only in a way that is healthy but also attractive through treatments that are personalized and give quick and durable results.
Conclusion: Braces in Istanbul, Turkey
Braces may be wonderful instruments to kids and adolescent patients who are willing to correct their dental misalignments and get a nicer smile. What if it be metal, ceramic braces, or clear aligners – Lema Dental Clinic is the top dental clinic in Istanbul, Turkey for orthodontic care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Braces for Teens
Braces are applied by bonding brackets to the teeth and threading a wire through them. The wire is tightened periodically to shift the teeth into alignment.
The best type of braces depends on the specific dental issue. Options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners.
There may be mild discomfort when braces are first placed, but this is temporary and can be managed with pain relievers.
Treatment typically lasts 18-24 months, but the duration may vary depending on the complexity of the dental issue.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of braces. It’s essential to check with your provider for specific coverage details.
Reference
- Smith, J. (2017). Orthodontics: Braces and Beyond. Wiley.
- Taylor, R. (2019). The Science of Teeth Alignment. Springer.
- Davis, L., & Green, T. (2018). Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Elsevier.
- Allen, M. (2020). Dental Braces: A Comprehensive Guide. Oxford University Press.
