A symmetrical smile is an indicator of both aesthetics and a healthy oral structure. While braces treatment makes a significant difference functionally and visually, questions about the ideal age, when to start, and which type of braces to choose remain among the most frequently asked. As the number of people undergoing orthodontic treatment in Turkey increases every year, modern methods now allow for more comfortable and effective results.
In this article, as Clinic UltraDent, we provide detailed answers to all your questions, from the most suitable timing for braces treatment to 2025 prices, different types of braces, and the treatment process.
What is Dental Braces Treatment?
Braces treatment is an orthodontic method aiming to align crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth and bring the jaw structure into an ideal position. During this treatment, controlled force is applied to the teeth, gradually moving them to their correct positions.
Beyond providing an aesthetic smile, it also positively affects chewing, speech, and jaw joint functions. Thanks to developing technology, in addition to metal braces, comfortable and aesthetic alternatives like clear, lingual, and Damon braces are now available.
What Is The Best Age to Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a process that requires considerable precision regarding timing. Starting treatment at the right time makes a big difference in terms of both results and cost. Orthodontists state that the starting time for braces treatment varies depending on the individual's age, tooth development, and the type of orthodontic problem.
Ideal Age Range for Children
When we look at the ideal time frame for braces treatment in children, experts generally point to the 9-14 age range. During this period, jaw development is still ongoing, making the treatment process shorter and more effective. However, the first step for regular orthodontic evaluation of children should be taken even earlier.
International orthodontic authorities recommend taking children for their first orthodontic evaluation around 7 years of age. At this age, the development of teeth and jaws can be observed, and situations requiring early intervention can be identified. Early intervention can prevent more complex treatments later and shorten the treatment duration.
While the most suitable treatment initiation for dental anomalies is between 11-13 years old, for cases with both skeletal and dental problems, it is recommended to start treatment at 7-8 years old. The importance of this age range stems from the following:
- At 11-13 years old, all teeth have erupted or are about to complete eruption, and the bone surrounding the teeth (alveolar bone) is highly active.
- These ages are a period when the child becomes more aware and can cooperate with the orthodontist.
- In general, the adolescent growth spurt occurs between 11-13 years for girls and 13-15 years for boys. During this period, accelerated hormonal and cellular activities lead to faster tooth and jaw movements.
Can Adults be Treated?
Absolutely! Orthodontic treatment is possible at any age for adults. The important factor here is the presence of healthy teeth and gums. In recent years, the use of braces in adults has become increasingly common.
Twenty years ago, the proportion of adults in the braces wearing population was less than 3%, whereas today, this rate is much higher. Some orthodontists even state that 50% of individuals undergoing braces treatment are adults.
Dental braces treatment in adults has some differences compared to childhood. Firstly, treatment planning for an individual in their growth and development phase is entirely different from that for an adult. Additionally, since the bone structure is fully developed in adults, the treatment duration can generally be longer.
However, in adult braces treatment, aesthetic concerns are more prominent, so more aesthetic options like clear aligners or lingual (invisible) braces may be preferred.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Having a healthy and aesthetic smile at any age is wonderful. In this journey, proper timing increases the efficiency and comfort you gain from braces treatment. Especially in children and adolescents, early detection and intervention for orthodontic needs offer both simpler and more comprehensive solutions.
Instead of postponing orthodontic treatment, taking action today is the most valuable investment you can make in your future smile. The advantages you gain from early diagnosis and treatment are countless:
- Prevention of Crowding: Ensures your teeth have a natural and perfect alignment.
- Healthy Jaw Development: Supports the ideal development and alignment of your jaw structure.
- Shorter and More Comfortable Treatment Process: When problems are resolved before they worsen, treatment duration shortens, and pain and discomfort are minimized.
- Aesthetic and Functional Harmony: You achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile and improve functions like chewing and speaking.
- Long-Term Savings: Early intervention prevents more costly and complex treatments that might arise later.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to clean, thus reducing the risk of cavities and gum diseases.
Remember, a radiant smile enhances your appearance, strengthens your self-confidence, enriches your social relationships, and significantly improves your overall quality of life.
Types of Braces and Aesthetic Options
In the world of orthodontics, there are various braces options that cater to different needs and aesthetic expectations. Each option has its unique advantages and characteristics. Choosing the right type of braces will directly affect both the comfort and the outcome of the treatment process.
Metal Dental Braces
Metal dental braces are one of the most commonly used and durable options in orthodontic treatment. Made of stainless steel, these brackets have the ability to make the most detailed corrections during treatment. Among the most important advantages of metal braces are their affordability, high durability, and fast results.
Clear (Sapphire/Ceramic) Dental Braces
Clear dental braces are much less visible than metal braces and are often preferred by individuals with aesthetic needs. While sapphire brackets are transparent, ceramic brackets are tooth colored, and both appear minimally on the teeth.
Lingual (Invisible) Dental Braces
Invisible brackets are braces placed on the inner side of the teeth facing the tongue, making them completely invisible from the outside. These brackets are custom-made, particularly favored by adult individuals.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Clear aligners, also known as "braceless orthodontics" or "transparent braces," are removable orthodontic treatment methods. These custom-made aligners are almost invisible and offer great convenience in daily life.
Clear aligner systems like Invisalign provide ease when eating or brushing teeth due to their removability.
Colored Braces Options
Colored braces are an alternative to classic metal braces, especially preferred by young people. Actually, it's not the braces themselves but the elastic ligatures that are colored, making the treatment process more fun.
Among the most preferred braces colors are yellow, gray, purple, green, pink, and blue. Each color has its own meaning: red represents passion and energy, blue represents peace and trust, pink represents sincerity and playfulness, and purple represents power and nobility. Colored elastic ligatures can be changed at each orthodontist visit, allowing individuals to choose different colors according to their mood or special occasions.
How Does the Braces Treatment Process Work?
The success of braces treatment depends on a systematic process that progresses with the right steps. Your orthodontic treatment journey consists of several important stages, from the initial examination to the final check-up, and this process is planned specifically for each individual.
Initial Examination and Planning
Orthodontic treatment begins with a detailed oral examination by the dentist. At this stage, your teeth, jaw, and tooth alignment are examined. Then, X-rays are taken to better visualize the structure of your teeth and jawbones. These images allow your doctor to create a treatment plan and determine how long the treatment will take.
During the initial examination, it is also determined whether additional treatments such as fillings, tooth extractions, or root canal treatments, which may be necessary in later stages of the treatment, will be performed. Diagnosis and treatment planning are the most crucial stages of orthodontic treatment.
Bracket and Wire Application
Once the treatment plan is ready, the braces are applied. First, your teeth are cleaned and dried. An apparatus called a retractor is used to pull the lips aside, providing a comfortable working environment in the mouth. Brackets are then affixed to the teeth using special adhesives, either one by one (traditional method) or with the help of pre-prepared molds (indirect bonding).
After the brackets are placed, a metal wire called an archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured with elastic bands. The purpose of this wire is to apply pressure to the teeth in specific directions, causing them to gradually move into the correct position over time.
Regular Check-ups and Adjustments
After your braces are applied, you will generally need to visit your orthodontist once a month for check-ups. At each check-up, the progress of the treatment is evaluated, and necessary wire adjustments are made. These check-ups are crucial for the success of the treatment and should never be missed.
The frequency of check-ups may vary depending on the type of brackets used. While monthly check-ups are usually sufficient for traditional metal and porcelain brackets, the appointment frequency can be reduced for self-ligating brackets. For clear aligner treatments, aligner changes are made at 1-2 week intervals, and check-ups can be more flexible.
Use of Braces Elastics and Dental Wax
During braces treatment, elastic bands (elastics) are used to correct the bite and guide teeth into their ideal positions. These elastics are attached to small hooks on the brackets, and it is recommended to change them several times a day.
Dental wax for braces is used to reduce irritation caused by brackets and wires. This soft, wax-based adhesive material is applied to areas in the mouth where discomfort or pain is felt. Braces wax should be applied dry to the problematic area and is known to be harmless if swallowed during eating.
Post-Braces Retainers and Retention
After active treatment is complete and the braces are removed, retention treatment begins to maintain the new positions of the teeth. This stage is an extremely important part of orthodontic treatment because teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original positions.
Generally, three different methods are used for retention treatment: fixed retainers (a wire bonded to the back surface of the teeth), clear retainers, and removable retainers (like a Hawley retainer). A fixed retainer is usually placed on the tongue side of the lower front teeth and can remain there for many years. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are worn full-time for the first 6 months, and then only at night for the next 1.5 years.
2025 Braces Prices and Influencing Factors
If you're considering braces treatment in 2025, understanding the various factors that affect prices is crucial for your budget planning. The cost of braces treatment varies depending on many factors, such as the type of braces, treatment duration, and the orthodontist's experience.
Prices by Braces Type
As of 2025, braces prices across Turkey vary widely depending on the material used and the application type. Metal brackets are the most economical option, while lingual and clear aligner systems are more costly. Each type of braces has its unique advantages and applications. An orthodontic evaluation is essential to determine which system is most suitable for you.
Clinic and City Differences
Orthodontic treatment prices show significant differences depending on the city and clinic where the treatment is performed. Generally, prices may be higher in large cities and well known clinics.
Furthermore, the orthodontist's experience, the clinic's location, and its reputation are also factors that influence pricing.
Additional Costs: Extractions, Retainers, Check-ups
In addition to the main cost of braces treatment, there are additional expenses you need to consider. Before treatment, procedures such as X-rays, films, models, and tooth extractions if deemed necessary, may be performed.
Moreover, during treatment, additional costs may arise for broken brackets, broken wires, and emergency appointments. Also, sometimes skeletal treatment applications like upper jaw expansion may be required before braces treatment, which increases the cost.
Dental Insurance for Braces
SGK (Social Security Institution)**** only covers orthodontic treatments under specific conditions. For individuals under 18 years of age, if there is an advanced orthodontic disorder and the treatment is planned at a university hospital or state hospital orthodontic clinic, the treatment costs may be covered by SGK.
What to Pay Attention to During Braces Treatment
For successful braces treatment, in addition to regular check-ups, home care and important points to note directly affect the outcome of your treatment.
Diet Rules with Braces
After getting braces, you need to review your eating habits. Sticky sweets, Turkish delight, and gum are not recommended. Also, hard fruits like apples and pears, as well as nuts, peanuts, and popcorn, can damage your brackets.
Furthermore, cola and carbonated drinks are not recommended as they harm tooth enamel. It is especially important to prefer soft foods. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, pasta, soups, and soft fruits (bananas, peaches) are ideal options for those with braces.
Oral Hygiene and Special Brushes
Oral hygiene is more important than ever during dental braces treatment. While brushing twice a day is usually sufficient, it is recommended to brush after every meal when you have braces. Orthodontic toothbrushes, small brushes that better reach between wires, and interdental brushes facilitate cleaning.
When using an interdental brush, toothpaste is not necessary; it is used to clean between brackets after regular brushing. Additionally, mouthwashes provide chemical cleaning, preventing bacterial growth.
Do Dental Braces Hurt?
Braces pain typically occurs at the beginning of treatment and after wire adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen are usually sufficient. Your dentist will provide you with the necessary information to ensure your treatment process is as comfortable as possible.
Applying cold compresses, using an ice pack, and consuming soft foods can alleviate pain. Also, rinsing with salt water reduces gum swelling.
What to Do if a Bracket Comes Off?
A bracket breaking or coming off is usually caused by eating hard foods. If the bracket has separated from the tooth but is still attached to the wire, do not try to remove it forcibly. You can cover the uncomfortable part with the dental wax (wax) provided to you.
To prevent your treatment duration from extending, you should inform your orthodontist as soon as possible about a detached bracket and schedule an appointment.
Contact our clinic today to take the first and most important step towards this positive change! Be ready to experience the beautiful transformations in your life by achieving the smile of your dreams.