What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty concerned with the alignment of the teeth, the way the upper and lower teeth meet and the relationship between the jaws.

An orthodontic assessment is not limited to evaluating whether the teeth could appear straighter. Dental crowding, spaces between teeth, bite differences, tooth eruption patterns and certain jaw relationships may all be considered.

Whether orthodontic treatment is required, which treatment method may be appropriate and when treatment should begin are determined individually following a clinical assessment.

What Does Orthodontics Deal With?

Orthodontics primarily evaluates the relationships between the teeth and jaws.

The position of the teeth within the dental arches, spaces or crowding, the way the upper and lower teeth meet and, in some situations, jaw development are among the areas assessed in orthodontics.

Orthodontic treatment does not focus only on the visible front teeth. The relationship between all of the teeth is considered as part of treatment planning.

Who Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialist training in orthodontics after dental school.

Orthodontists are trained in tooth movement, bite relationships, jaw growth and development and orthodontic treatment planning.

Fixed braces, clear aligner systems and other orthodontic appliances may be used according to the patient's clinical needs.

What Is an Orthodontic Problem?

An orthodontic problem may refer to a difference in tooth position or in the relationship between the upper and lower teeth that requires clinical assessment.

These problems can range from mild dental crowding to more complex bite or jaw relationship differences.

It is not always possible to determine the full extent of an orthodontic problem from appearance alone.

What Is Dental Crowding?

Dental crowding may occur when there is insufficient space for the teeth to align properly within the dental arch or when teeth erupt in different positions.

The degree and cause of crowding vary between patients.

During orthodontic planning, not only the alignment of the teeth but also how the required space will be managed must be considered.

Are Spaces Between Teeth an Orthodontic Problem?

Spaces between teeth can develop for different reasons.

Tooth size, tooth position within the jaws, missing teeth and other dental factors may contribute to spacing.

Whether the spaces require orthodontic treatment and how they should be managed are determined following clinical assessment.

What Is a Diastema?

A diastema is a dental term used to describe a noticeable space between two teeth.

It is commonly seen between the upper front teeth but may also occur in other areas.

The cause and clinical significance of a diastema vary between individuals, so orthodontic assessment may be appropriate.

What Is a Bite Problem?

Differences in the relationship between the upper and lower teeth are generally referred to as malocclusion or bite problems.

These differences may occur in front-to-back, vertical or side-to-side relationships.

Teeth can appear relatively straight while the overall bite relationship still requires orthodontic assessment.

What Does Malocclusion Mean?

Malocclusion is a general term used to describe differences in the way the upper and lower teeth relate to each other when the mouth closes.

Determining whether the problem is primarily dental or whether jaw relationships also contribute to it is important for treatment planning.

Why Are Jaw Relationships Important in Orthodontics?

Not all orthodontic problems are caused only by the position of the teeth.

In some patients, the relationship between the upper and lower jaws may also influence the bite.

Evaluation of these relationships may be particularly important in children and teenagers who are still growing and developing.

How Is an Orthodontic Examination Performed?

During an orthodontic examination, tooth alignment, crowding or spacing, bite relationships and jaw structures are evaluated.

The patient's age, stage of growth and development, oral health and previous dental treatment may also be considered.

When necessary, additional diagnostic records may be used to support the clinical assessment.

What Records May Be Used for Orthodontic Treatment?

Clinical photographs, radiographic images and digital intraoral scans may be used during orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

The type of records required depends on the patient's individual orthodontic condition.

These records support the clinical examination rather than replacing it.

What Is Digital Orthodontics?

Digital orthodontics refers to the use of digital technologies to obtain orthodontic records, support treatment planning or evaluate treatment progress.

Digital intraoral scans and three-dimensional dental models are examples of tools that may be used.

Digital technology can support orthodontic planning, but it does not remove the need for clinical diagnosis and follow-up.

What Is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is the process of guiding the teeth and, when necessary, managing bite relationships toward individually planned treatment objectives.

The treatment method is selected according to the type of orthodontic problem and the tooth movements required.

Fixed braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic appliances may be considered.

What Is Braces Treatment?

Braces treatment is a fixed orthodontic method in which brackets and orthodontic wires are used to guide the teeth toward planned positions.

Fixed appliances may be considered for different types of dental crowding and bite problems.

The specific system and treatment mechanics are determined according to the patient's needs.

What Is Clear Aligner Treatment?

Clear aligner treatment is an orthodontic method that uses a series of individually designed removable aligners to guide the teeth toward planned positions.

The removable and less visible nature of clear aligners may be a reason some patients consider this approach.

However, suitability for clear aligner treatment depends on the required tooth movements and the nature of the orthodontic problem.

Clear Aligners or Braces?

Clear aligners and fixed braces are different orthodontic treatment systems.

Each method has different clinical characteristics and practical considerations.

The appropriate option should be selected according to orthodontic diagnosis and treatment objectives rather than appearance alone.

Is Orthodontic Treatment Only Cosmetic?

No. Orthodontic treatment may consider both the appearance of the teeth and the way the teeth relate to each other when the mouth closes.

Aesthetic expectations may be part of the treatment plan, but orthodontic assessment involves a broader clinical evaluation.

Why Is Orthodontics Important for Children?

In children, orthodontic assessment considers not only tooth alignment but also tooth eruption and jaw development.

For some orthodontic problems identified during growth, determining the appropriate timing of treatment may be important.

However, an early examination does not mean that every child requires immediate treatment.

Is There a Specific Age for an Orthodontic Examination?

There is no single age that is appropriate for every patient.

An orthodontic assessment may be considered when noticeable differences in tooth eruption, bite or jaw development are observed.

The appropriate timing of treatment depends on the nature of the problem and the patient's stage of development.

Can Adults Have Orthodontic Treatment?

Yes. Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers.

When the teeth and surrounding supporting tissues are clinically suitable, orthodontic treatment may also be considered for adults.

Existing restorations, missing teeth and periodontal health may need to be included in adult orthodontic treatment planning.

Is There an Age Limit for Orthodontic Treatment?

Age alone does not determine whether orthodontic treatment can be performed.

In adults, the health of the teeth and supporting tissues is evaluated when determining treatment options.

In children, growth and development may play a greater role in treatment timing.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient.

The complexity of the problem, required tooth movements, bite relationships, treatment method and patient compliance may influence the overall treatment period.

For this reason, a standard treatment duration should not be stated without clinical assessment.

Why Are Follow-Up Appointments Necessary During Orthodontic Treatment?

Regular orthodontic appointments are required to assess whether the teeth are moving according to plan.

The condition of the orthodontic appliance, tooth movement and changes in bite relationships are evaluated during follow-up.

Clinical adjustments may be made when necessary.

How Should Oral Hygiene Be Maintained During Orthodontic Treatment?

Maintaining oral hygiene is important throughout orthodontic treatment.

Patients with fixed brackets may need to pay additional attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires.

For clear aligner patients, regular cleaning of both the teeth and aligners forms part of the daily treatment routine.

What Happens After Orthodontic Treatment?

Once active orthodontic treatment has been completed, a retention phase may be planned to help maintain the positions achieved during treatment.

Fixed or removable retainers may be considered during this stage.

The retention protocol is individualized according to the patient's treatment result.

What Is a Retainer?

A retainer is an orthodontic appliance used after active treatment to help maintain the new positions of the teeth.

Different fixed or removable retainer options may be available.

The appropriate method and wearing schedule are determined according to the individual treatment result.

Are Orthodontic Treatment Results Permanent?

Natural changes in tooth position can occur throughout life.

For this reason, following the recommended retention protocol after active orthodontic treatment is important.

Long-term stability must be evaluated individually.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

Does orthodontics only mean braces?

No. Orthodontics is a dental specialty. Braces are only one of the treatment methods that may be used in orthodontics.

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialist training in orthodontics after dental school.

Does every case of crowded teeth require treatment?

The need for treatment depends on the severity of the crowding, bite relationships and the patient's clinical condition.

Can adults receive orthodontic treatment?

Yes. Orthodontic treatment options may be considered for adults when the teeth and surrounding supporting tissues are clinically suitable.

Are braces always required for orthodontic treatment?

No. Fixed braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic appliances may be considered depending on the orthodontic problem.

Can teeth move again after orthodontic treatment?

Natural changes in tooth position may occur over time. A retention and retainer protocol may therefore be planned after treatment.

Do teeth need to be severely misaligned before seeing an orthodontist?

No. In addition to noticeable crowding, spaces between teeth, bite differences, eruption problems or jaw relationships may also be reasons for orthodontic assessment.

Content Last Updated: 1 September 2026

Content Reviewed By: Orthodontist Çağrı Şibal

This content has been prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace a clinical diagnosis or personalized treatment recommendation. The need for orthodontic treatment, treatment method, treatment timing and follow-up schedule are determined following a clinical examination, necessary diagnostic assessments and individualized orthodontic planning.