Ortodonti

Braces Treatment

Name: Braces Treatment
Creator: Dore Medical Editorial Board
Published: 2026-05-11

Metal, ceramic, or lingual brackets offer effective orthodontic treatment at any age. A powerful and reliable solution for complex cases, from crowding to bite disorders.

Medically reviewed. Last updated: May 20, 2026.

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What Is Braces Treatment?

Braces treatment is a traditional orthodontic method that uses brackets bonded to the teeth and wires connecting these brackets to move teeth into the correct position. It is one of the most established treatments in dentistry and remains the gold standard for many orthodontic problems today. Throughout treatment, the brackets and wires apply continuous controlled force to the teeth, gradually moving them into the planned position over months.

Braces treatment addresses a wide range of orthodontic issues. It effectively treats crowding, gap teeth, deep bite, open bite, crossbite, underbite, and complex orthodontic cases. In cases of severe crowding and significant bite problems, the control provided by braces is more powerful than clear aligner treatment. Some cases may require premolar tooth extraction to create space.

Before treatment, a panoramic X-ray, cephalometric film, and digital impressions are taken. A case analysis is performed and a treatment plan is created. Brackets are bonded to the teeth with special adhesive and wires are placed. You visit for checkups every 4 to 6 weeks, during which wire changes or adjustments are made. You must maintain careful oral hygiene throughout treatment. Plaque buildup around brackets increases the risk of tooth decay and gum inflammation. Regular dental scaling should not be neglected.

Metal brackets are the most commonly used type. Porcelain brackets are also available for patients with greater aesthetic expectations. Treatment duration ranges from 12 to 30 months depending on case complexity. Patients with aesthetic concerns who prefer to avoid the metal appearance can opt for clear aligner treatment. Once treatment is complete, the wires are removed during a braces removal session, followed immediately by a retention phase with a retainer wire or Vivera retention aligner. Without retention, orthodontic relapse may occur. For cost information, visit our braces cost page.

Problems Treated with Braces

Braces offer effective and predictable solutions for a wide range of orthodontic problems. Their fixed structure applies controlled force to the teeth 24/7, making them the preferred method for complex cases.

Crowded teeth: When there is not enough space for the teeth, they overlap and appear crooked. Braces create space to achieve ideal alignment.
Gaps between teeth (diastema): If there are unnatural spaces between teeth, braces close these gaps in a controlled manner.
Deep bite: This occurs when the upper teeth cover the lower teeth more than normal. If left untreated, it can cause wear on the front teeth and gum damage.
Open bite: This occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not make contact. It is often caused by habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting and can affect speech and chewing.
Crossbite: This is when upper and lower teeth overlap incorrectly during biting. It can occur on one side and may affect jaw development.
Underbite: This occurs when the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. It can be genetic or skeletal in origin, and early treatment often yields better results.

In addition to these conditions, braces are particularly effective for bringing impacted teeth into the mouth through orthodontic traction, addressing severe jaw discrepancies, and correcting complex tooth rotations. You can review all orthodontic problems here.

Treatment Process

Alternative Treatments

In modern orthodontics, both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligner treatment are effective solutions. The right choice depends on the case complexity, the patient's lifestyle, and aesthetic expectations. Since our Doredent orthodontist applies both methods at the highest standard, she can objectively recommend the one most suitable for you.

Comparison

Feature	Braces	Invisalign
Visibility	Visible (ceramic bracket alternative available)	Virtually invisible
Comfort	Cheek/lip irritation possible in the first weeks	More comfortable, removable
Food restrictions	Hard and sticky foods should be avoided	No restrictions, removed while eating
Hygiene	Harder, requires special brushes	Very easy, normal brushing after removal
Patient compliance	Fixed, no patient compliance required	Must be worn 20-22 hours a day
Check-up frequency	Every 4-6 weeks	Every 6-10 weeks
Use during sports	Mouthguard recommended to protect cheeks	Advantage in sports as they can be removed

When Are Braces Preferred?

› When patient compliance cannot be ensured (especially in some younger age groups)
› Special cases requiring the traction of impacted teeth
› Highly advanced cases or surgically assisted orthodontic treatments

When Is Invisalign Advantageous?

› Adult patients with aesthetic concerns
› When professional appearance matters
› Patients who prioritize oral hygiene
› People who actively play sports
› Modern Invisalign systems can successfully treat mild, moderate and many complex cases today

Doredent holds Invisalign Diamond Provider status and applies both methods at the highest standard. During your initial consultation, your case will be evaluated by our orthodontist, and the most suitable method will be determined together with you.

Risks and Complications

Braces treatment is a safe method that has been applied for decades, but like any medical treatment, it has some potential side effects you should be aware of. Most of these risks can be prevented with proper oral hygiene and regular checkups.

Sensitivity and pressure: A few days after each adjustment, you may feel mild discomfort or pressure. This is normal and indicates that your teeth are moving.
Cheek and lip irritation: Brackets can cause small sores inside your cheeks and lips, especially at the beginning of treatment. The orthodontic wax provided by Doredent orthodontics easily relieves this condition.
Oral hygiene challenges: Brackets and wires make plaque buildup easier on tooth surfaces. Without proper brushing, tooth decay, gum inflammation (gingivitis), and permanent white spots (demineralization) around the brackets can develop. This is why using an orthodontic brush, interdental brush, and dental floss is essential.
Root resorption: This is a very rare condition. In some patients, slight shortening of the tooth root tip may occur. This condition is monitored through regular X-ray follow-ups.
Allergic reaction: Patients allergic to nickel may have a reaction to metal brackets. In this case, nickel-free alternatives are used.
Extended treatment time: Missing control appointments, poor oral hygiene, or broken brackets can extend treatment time.
Temporary speech changes: Especially with lingual (inner surface) brackets, there may be a slight change in pronunciation during the first few days. Your mouth adapts to this condition quickly.

Most of these potential situations are easily managed by attending regular checkup appointments and following your doctor's recommendations.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Braces treatment can be applied to a wide range of patients:

Children aged 7 and older (at an appropriate developmental stage)
Adolescents and adults (there is no age limit)
Patients with crowding, gaps between teeth, and bite problems
Patients with complex jaw and facial relationship problems
Patients who cannot comply with clear aligner treatment (low compliance)

When Is Braces Treatment Not Suitable or Should Be Postponed?

Untreated active tooth decay: Cavities must first be addressed with fillings or root canal treatment.
Active gum disease: Periodontal treatments such as dental scaling and, if necessary, curettage must be completed first.
Inadequate oral hygiene: If the patient cannot maintain proper oral care, serious dental and gum problems can develop during treatment.
Certain systemic diseases: Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, bone metabolism disorders, or those receiving bisphosphonate therapy require additional evaluation.
Nickel allergy: Nickel-free alternatives are preferred instead of standard metal brackets.

During the initial examination, our orthodontist evaluates all these conditions and, if necessary, plans any procedures that need to be completed before orthodontic treatment.

After Treatment

When braces treatment is completed, your teeth have reached their target position, but the orthodontic process does not end here. The real phase that determines the permanence of the result is the post-treatment period. Without proper retention appliances, teeth can gradually shift back toward their original positions after being moved to their new locations. This is called relapse, and it is a biological reality that applies to all treatments, whether braces, clear aligners, or any other orthodontic method. At Doredent, the post-treatment period is considered an integral part of orthodontic treatment. Preserving your result is not left solely to you; retention appliances are planned as part of the treatment package and delivered to you.

Braces Removal and Impressions

The decision to end treatment is made by your orthodontist after confirming at your checkups that tooth movements have reached the target position. At the final appointment, brackets are gently removed with a special tool, adhesive residue on the tooth surfaces is cleaned, and your teeth are polished. This procedure is painless and completed in a single session. After braces removal, final impressions of your teeth are taken. These impressions provide the essential data for both placing the fixed retainer and fabricating the night guard. At Doredent, these impressions are also stored digitally. If you need retention appliances in the future, they can be quickly prepared from this digital record. Keeping the digital record permanently ensures that even years later, if you need a new retention appliance, the process moves forward quickly and easily. For detailed information about the braces removal process, please visit our braces removal and debonding page.

Fixed Lingual Retainer

A fixed lingual retainer is a thin, flexible wire bonded to the back surface of your teeth after braces treatment, and it is the most reliable method for maintaining your teeth in their new positions. Because it is located on the tongue side, it is invisible from the outside when you smile, and over time you barely notice its presence. It has no significant impact on speaking, eating, or your tooth brushing routine. At Doredent, the fixed lingual retainer is included in the treatment package, and lifelong use is recommended. This recommendation is not a debatable preference; it is the most reliable way to maintain your teeth's position in the long term. Orthodontic literature and clinical experience show that patients who use fixed retainers experience no significant shifting of their teeth even years later. It must be clearly stated: in some orthodontic practices, fixed retainers are not routinely placed. Among patients who come to Doredent, there is a significant number who previously received orthodontic treatment elsewhere but whose teeth shifted again because no retainer was placed. These patients typically have to undergo a second treatment from scratch. The retention phase is as important as the success of orthodontic treatment, if not more so, because it determines permanence. For this reason, at Doredent, the fixed retainer is not neglected or presented as an additional treatment; it is directly applied as part of the treatment process.

Night Guard (Retention Plate)

In addition to the fixed retainer, a retention plate (night guard) produced in our own laboratory at Doredent is delivered to you. This appliance supports the fixed retainer and helps your teeth internalize their new positions, especially during the first year after treatment. The recommended usage protocol is as follows: wear it every night for the first year after treatment, and continue using it regularly a few nights per week thereafter. This plate is also provided as part of the treatment package.

Vivera Retention Plates (Optional)

In addition to the fixed retainer and night guard, for patients who wish to use an invisible retention appliance, Invisalign's retention product Vivera may be recommended. Vivera is a set of clear aligners custom-made from a more durable polymer based on your final impressions. It can also be chosen after braces treatment; it is not a product exclusive to Invisalign patients. An important advantage of Vivera is that each order comes as a set of 3. This means you have three identical clear retention plates on hand. If one of the plates is lost, broken, or forgotten, the backup sets come into play. This makes it easier to maintain continuity in the long-term retention process. Because the digital impressions taken at the end of treatment at Doredent are stored permanently, you can order Vivera at any time in the future and obtain a new set. Vivera is an additional option to the fixed retainer and night guard; it is not included in the treatment package and is offered as a separately acquired treatment. The reason for this is Doredent's approach to keeping base treatment prices as affordable as possible.

Post-Treatment Dental Health Monitoring

The retention period is not limited to maintaining the position of your teeth. Regular clinical checkups after treatment are important for both the condition of the retainer and your overall oral and dental health. Minor adjustments to the fixed retainer may be needed over time; the night guard may wear down or reach a point where it needs to be replaced. Because plaque buildup around brackets is easier than normal during braces treatment, dental scaling and monitoring gum health are especially important after removal. For patients with aesthetic expectations, after treatment they may choose to have teeth whitening or a minor bonding application to enhance the appearance in alignment with the new position of their teeth. These treatments are not part of the orthodontic process, but when planned in the right sequence, they are finishing touches that complete the result.

The Importance of the Retention Process

The success of braces treatment is felt not only during treatment but also in the years that follow. The position your teeth have reached can be maintained for years with proper retention appliances and consistent usage discipline. The approach at Doredent is based on not "leaving the patient on their own" when treatment ends: the fixed retainer and night guard are part of the treatment package, the Vivera option is available for patients who want it, and the clinic doors are always open for long-term checkups. For more detailed information about the retention process, you can review our retainer wire page and our Vivera retention page, and you can address your questions to Uzm. Dt. Merve Özkan Akagündüz at your initial exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Braces Affect My Speech?

When braces are first placed, you may experience a brief adjustment period of a few days as your mouth adapts to the new sensation. Some patients notice a very slight difference in their speech during this time. However, your tongue and oral tissues quickly adapt, and speech typically returns to normal within a few days.

How Long Does Braces Treatment Take?

The duration of braces treatment varies from person to person. The degree of crowding, jaw structure, and treatment plan determine this timeframe. On average, orthodontic treatments are completed in 12 to 24 months. Simple cases may take less time, while more complex orthodontic problems may require longer treatment.

Do Braces Cause Pain?

After braces are placed, you may feel mild sensitivity or pressure for the first few days as your teeth begin to move. This is normal and usually resolves on its own within a few days. You may also experience brief sensitivity after adjustment appointments throughout treatment.

Is There Any Pain During Braces Placement?

You will not feel any pain during the placement of braces. The procedure is performed comfortably and typically takes 30–60 minutes. However, you may feel mild pressure during the first few days as your teeth adjust to treatment.

What Foods Should I Avoid With Braces?

You should avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage your braces. Hard-shelled nuts, very hard foods, caramel, and chewing gum can damage brackets. Eating smaller bites and consuming hard foods carefully helps ensure your treatment progresses smoothly. With clear aligners, the primary goal is to move teeth, just like with braces treatment. To achieve tooth movement, each aligner applies force to your teeth. This force is most effective during the first 2-3 days, and any discomfort typically occurs during this period. While the discomfort usually does not require pain medication, it may be noticeable. The discomfort gradually decreases over time and becomes unnoticeable.

How Should I Clean My Braces?

Oral hygiene is extremely important during braces treatment. You should brush your teeth at least twice daily with an orthodontic toothbrush, and use dental floss or interdental brushes for between teeth. Carefully cleaning around wires and brackets is crucial for maintaining gum health. Clear aligners can be affected by chewing forces. Therefore, you must remove them before eating, and put them back in after brushing your teeth following meals. If you insert aligners when food particles are stuck on tooth surfaces, the food becomes trapped inside the aligner and creates conditions for cavity formation. With clear aligners, the primary goal is to move teeth, just like with braces treatment. To achieve tooth movement, each aligner applies force to your teeth. This force is most effective during the first 2-3 days, and any discomfort typically occurs during this period. While the discomfort usually does not require pain medication, it may be noticeable. The discomfort gradually decreases over time and becomes unnoticeable.

Do Braces Affect Daily Life?

Braces do not significantly impact daily life. You may experience a small adjustment period during the first few days, but patients quickly return to their normal routines. There are generally no restrictions on playing sports, working, or maintaining your social life.

Will My Teeth Shift Again After Braces Are Removed?

After orthodontic treatment is complete, retention therapy (retainer use) is applied to help your teeth maintain their new positions. When you use your retainer as your dentist recommends, the risk of teeth shifting again is largely prevented.

When Should You Contact Doredent?

During treatment, call us without waiting for your scheduled appointment if any of the following occur:

A bracket has come off or broken from a tooth
A wire end is poking your cheek or gums and orthodontic wax does not provide relief
Pain lasts longer than 3-4 days or is much more intense than expected
You notice significant swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection in your gums
You feel that a tooth is loose or moving
You notice a break or loosening in your retainer wire

Treatment Pricing

Pricing

Braces Treatment Pricing

At Doredent, we offer transparent pricing for our international patients. As every case is different, the final treatment cost depends on your individual evaluation.

The cost of Braces Treatment varies based on factors such as the degree of crowding, the need for extractions, the type of brackets selected (metal, ceramic, or lingual), and the total treatment duration. For an accurate quote, a personalized assessment is recommended.

For pricing details, reach out via WhatsApp or book your initial consultation.

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