Why Orthodontic Treatment Runs Long
Almost everything that lengthens treatment is preventable.
The appointment routine
Orthodontic movement depends on continuous force from the wire, renewed at each review. When an appointment is missed the wire loses its effect and movement stops for that period — and some of the position gained can be lost, so the distance has to be covered again.
What to do if a bracket comes off
When a bracket comes off, force on that tooth stops and after weeks it drifts back. It is not an emergency but should not be left. Keep the bracket and book soon; use orthodontic wax for a poking wire and never cut or bend it yourself.
Hygiene during fixed appliance treatment
- Brush after every meal; twice a day is not enough
- An orthodontic brush is designed for around the brackets
- Clean between the brackets with an interdental brush
- Thread superfloss under the wire
- Fluoride mouthwash strengthens the enamel
- Avoid hard, sticky and shelled foods
Getting Here, Booking and Emergencies from Gundogdu
Route, booking and emergency arrangements for patients from Gundogdu.
Getting here from Gundogdu
Gündoğdu lies in the Kepez district of Antalya; Kepez is one of the central districts, about 6 kilometres from the clinic. We also see patients from neighbouring areas that share the route from Gundogdu, such as Aydoğmuş, Çankaya, Esentepe, Göksu. You can ask for the location on WhatsApp when travelling from Gundogdu.
Appointments for Gundogdu
At this distance, splitting treatment into visits is no problem for patients from Gündoğdu, and attending reviews is easy too. As with patients from Kepez generally, appointments for families from Gundogdu can be scheduled consecutively.
Emergencies from Gundogdu
Setting out from Gündoğdu at night is quick; come without delay in an emergency, and calling as you leave means preparation is done in advance. For patients coming from Dental Clinic in Gundogdu, the clinic is open 24/7 and in an emergency the order is set by severity rather than arrival time. For spreading facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or toothache with fever, go to the nearest emergency department.
Jaw Locking: When It Will Not Open or Will Not Close
The jaw can lock in two different directions, and the two are entirely different situations. Telling them apart tells you where to go.
Cannot open: closed lock
The mouth opens only a few centimetres and hurts when forced. The cause is the disc displaced forward and no longer relocating, sitting like an obstacle in front of the condyle. There is usually a preceding period of clicking, with the locking starting after the click disappears. Treatment early in the course markedly improves the outcome.
Cannot close: dislocation
The mouth stays open and cannot be closed, usually after a wide yawn, prolonged dental treatment or biting a large mouthful. This is an emergency and the jaw must be reduced with the proper technique. Do not force it yourself; as the muscle spasm increases the procedure becomes harder. Recurrent dislocations are assessed separately.
What can be done while locked
What is done in the first hours of a lock determines whether the muscle spasm becomes established, so the waiting time should not be spent idly. Until you reach the clinic, these help:
- Not trying to force it open; the spasm worsens
- Eating soft food that needs no chewing
- Warmth over the joint to relax the muscles
- Avoiding long conversations, yawning and chewing gum
