Transparent Plaque Treatment by Orthodontist

Orthodontic Specialist Dr. said that by bringing the teeth to the correct closing relationship with each other, the abrasions that may occur on the teeth are prevented. Dr. Kevser Yeşilkaya says, “In this way, the chewing function is corrected, the forces generated during chewing are transmitted parallel to the teeth, and the teeth are prevented from being exposed to excessive force.”

Can you talk about the importance of orthodontic treatment in oral health?

Orthodontic treatments not only align the teeth aesthetically, but also improve function and phonation. By bringing the teeth into a correct closing relationship with each other, abrasions that may occur on the teeth are prevented, the chewing function is corrected, the forces generated during chewing are transmitted parallel to the teeth and the teeth are prevented from being exposed to excessive force. In this way, the health of the jaw joint is also protected. Tooth crowding can cause an increase in plaque and tartar accumulation between the crooked teeth, thus increasing the formation of gingival problems and caries. These can also be prevented by correcting the crooked teeth with orthodontic treatments. All these are very important for oral health. One of the features of clear plate treatments is that they are very thin and transparent.

It is a comfort to be able to take it out while eating and eat whatever you want, as it is removable. In clear plaque treatments, you can remove your plaques and brush your teeth easily. Again, as it is removable, you can take it off on your special days and then put it back on and continue your treatment from where you left off.

In which cases is transparent plaque treatment applied, is there an age limit? What is your recommended age range?

Transparent plaque treatment can be applied in all kinds of orthodontic problems that can be corrected with traditional treatments such as tooth crowding, gaps between teeth, closing disorders between teeth, tooth and jaw relationship problems. Transparent plaque treatments can be applied to every individual from 7 to 70 with healthy teeth and gum tissues. It is recommended to start treatment in the early period, especially in children between the ages of 7 and 10. Because in this age group, the teeth are healed faster and with simpler treatments, existing problems can be prevented and treated before they get worse. Otherwise, it can turn into more difficult and complicated problems, skeletal jaw disorders in the future. For all these reasons, clear plaque treatments are recommended in children from the age of 7 in the early period.

Is there a way to make clear aligner treatment more fun for kids?

We can make this treatment more fun for children with colored stickers that are specially produced for transparent plaques and that we can stick on them.

How long does it take to complete the transparent plaque treatment, when exactly do the patients regain their healthy teeth?

The duration of treatment in clear plaque treatments varies from person to person, tooth structure, the structure of the tissues surrounding the teeth, the severity of the existing problem and the age of the person. There are clear plaque treatments that last 3 months, as well as treatments that last 18 months. Since tooth movements are planned completely in the digital environment in clear aligner treatments, treatment times with clear aligners are generally short.

Does the duration of treatment differ between children and adults?

Since the bone structure in children is softer and more flexible, tooth movement and treatment process takes place in a shorter time compared to adults.

Can clear aligners cause difficulties in speaking? Does it impose restrictions on the patient, especially in terms of eating and drinking?

Transparent plaques do not affect speech as they are produced digitally in accordance with your teeth and only cover the tooth surface. Transparent plates are removed while eating, so there are no restrictions on eating. While drinking, you can drink whatever you want without removing your records, only because the plates are thermoplastic, the drinks should not be too hot.

How can patients care for their clear aligners?

Transparent plates are easy to maintain as well as use. After brushing their teeth, patients should regularly brush their plates with the toothbrushes they use. Patients who think that their plaques are getting dirty or yellowing can keep their plaques in a glass of water for 20 minutes with the cleaning powders that come out of the plaque box or can be obtained from pharmacies.

How do the control processes progress in treatment? Do patients need to come for physical controls?

Plaques to be used in clear aligner treatments are given to patients in bulk and each platter is changed by the patient every 7-10 days. Controls are carried out at certain intervals. This period may be longer for patients living outside the city or abroad. The most important thing for patients to do is to use their plates 22 hours a day.

How are the intraoral measurements of the patients taken in this treatment? Are digital technologies used?

In this treatment, intraoral measurements of the patients are taken with 3D digital scanners. Now these measurements are taken with iTero intraoral digital scanners. iTero intraoral scanners are a method that uses the power of technology.

What are the benefits of iTero scanners?

It is convenient and comfortable for patients. In terms of physicians, 3D intraoral images can be transferred to the computer environment in as little as 5 minutes, and thus, plaques are obtained in a shorter time. Digital scanners also do not have environmental waste such as impression material.

What has been the most influential digital transformation in the field of orthodontics?

3D intraoral digital scanners have been a great development not only in the field of orthodontics, but also in all fields of dentistry. In this way, at the beginning of the treatment, patients can show the corrected state of their teeth and make personalized digital plans.