Orthodontics Istanbul patients usually ask one thing first: can my teeth be straightened, and do I need braces or clear aligners? Orthodontic treatment moves crowded, spaced or poorly aligned teeth into a better position using gentle, continuous forces. The right appliance for you is decided only after an examination and digital records.
Orthodontics Istanbul at a glance
- Duration: a few months for minor cases; typically one to three years for comprehensive treatment.
- Anaesthesia: generally not needed for moving teeth.
- Appointments: check-ups every few weeks; some aligner patients can be seen less often.
- Aligner wear: aligners must be worn for most of the day and removed only to eat and brush.
- Retention: a retainer is needed after treatment, usually for the long term.
How orthodontic tooth movement works
Teeth are not fused to the jaw. Each root is held in its socket by the periodontal ligament, a thin layer of connective tissue. When a light, steady force is applied, bone is slowly removed on the pressure side and laid down on the tension side, so the tooth travels through the bone [1].
This is why orthodontics cannot be rushed. Heavier forces do not reliably move teeth faster and may harm the roots and gums.
Fixed braces
Metal or tooth-coloured ceramic brackets are bonded to the teeth and linked by an archwire. Braces give the orthodontist fine control and suit most cases, including complex bite problems.
Clear aligners
Aligners are thin, transparent trays made from a digital scan of your teeth. Each set moves the teeth a small step. Small tooth-coloured attachments are sometimes bonded to selected teeth to help the trays grip.
Who is a good candidate?
There is no upper age limit. Adults with healthy gums and bone can be treated, and many people seeking orthodontics Istanbul-wide are working adults who want discreet options.
- Crowding or gaps between the teeth
- Deep bite, open bite or crossbite
- Relapse after earlier orthodontic treatment
- Preparing teeth for implants or crowns
Some situations need extra care. Active gum disease should be treated first, ideally with our gum disease treatment, because moving teeth through inflamed tissue can accelerate bone loss. Untreated decay must be addressed, and marked jaw discrepancies in adults may require surgery alongside orthodontics. A definitive diagnosis and treatment plan are made by the dentist after examination.
Orthodontics Istanbul: your treatment step by step
- Consultation: we discuss your concerns and check your teeth and gums.
- Records: X-rays, photographs and an intraoral scan create a digital model.
- Preparation: any cleaning, fillings or gum care is completed; see dental cleaning.
- Plan: the options, expected timeline and any limitations are explained.
- Fitting: brackets are bonded or your first aligners and attachments are fitted.
- Reviews: progress is monitored and the plan refined when needed.
- Retention: a fixed or removable retainer holds the new position.
You can read more about our orthodontic team on the orthodontics page.
What does the research say about aligners?
A systematic review found that aligners are effective for aligning and tipping teeth but less predictable for some rotations and vertical movements [2]. A prospective study also reported differences between planned and achieved movement, particularly for rotating canines [3]. This is why refinement trays are sometimes needed. In one study, adults rated aligners and ceramic brackets as more acceptable than metal braces [4]; even so, the choice should follow clinical need rather than appearance alone.
Risks and aftercare
- Tenderness for a few days after adjustments or a new aligner
- White spots and decay if plaque collects around brackets
- Gum inflammation with poor cleaning
- Mild root shortening; heavy forces appear to increase the risk [5]
- Relapse without a retainer; retention methods are reviewed by Cochrane [6]
Brush after meals, clean between your teeth and rinse aligners in lukewarm water. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks while wearing them.
Getting here
We are on Ferit Selimpaşa Caddesi in Bahçelievler, opposite the Basın Sitesi Migros, about 600 m from İlkyuva station on the M3 metro. From Bakırköy (Marmaray) or İncirli (Metrobüs) you can change to the M3; Şirinevler, Yenibosna, Güngören and Haznedar are a short ride away. Evening hours make regular orthodontics Istanbul appointments easier to fit around work.
Frequently asked questions
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It depends on the type and extent of the problem. Minor crowding may resolve in a few months, while comprehensive cases usually take one to three years. You will receive an estimate after your records are assessed.
Are clear aligners suitable for everyone?
No. They work well for many mild to moderate cases of crowding and spacing. Severe bite problems are often treated more predictably with braces or a combined approach.
Can adults have braces?
Yes, provided the gums and supporting bone are healthy. Gum health is monitored more closely in adults. Some skeletal problems need joint planning with jaw surgery.
Will my teeth move back after treatment?
Teeth tend to drift back towards their old positions. Wearing a retainer as advised is the most reliable way to protect the result. Your dentist will explain how long and how often to wear it.
I am only in Istanbul for a short time. Can I still start?
Orthodontics needs regular reviews over months, so this should be discussed at the consultation. Whether remote monitoring or a shared plan with a dentist at home is feasible depends on your case.
References
- Proffit WR, Fields HW, Sarver DM. Contemporary Orthodontics, 5th ed. St. Louis: Mosby/Elsevier; 2013.
- Rossini G, Parrini S, Castroflorio T, Deregibus A, Debernardi CL. Efficacy of clear aligners in controlling orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review. Angle Orthod. 2015;85(5):881–889.
- Kravitz ND, Kusnoto B, BeGole E, Obrez A, Agran B. How well does Invisalign work? A prospective clinical study evaluating the efficacy of tooth movement with Invisalign. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2009;135(1):27–35.
- Rosvall MD, Fields HW, Ziuchkovski J, Rosenstiel SF, Johnston WM. Attractiveness, acceptability, and value of orthodontic appliances. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2009;135(3):276.e1–276.e12.
- Weltman B, Vig KWL, Fields HW, Shanker S, Kaizar EE. Root resorption associated with orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2010;137(4):462–476.
- Littlewood SJ, Millett DT, Doubleday B, Bearn DR, Worthington HV. Retention procedures for stabilising tooth position after treatment with orthodontic braces. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(1):CD002283.
Book a consultation
If you would like to know whether braces or aligners could work for you, book an examination with us.
- Address: Bahçelievler Merkez Mah. Ferit Selimpaşa Cd. No:44A, 34180 Bahçelievler / İstanbul (Basın Sitesi, opposite Migros)
- Phone: +90 544 289 66 33
- WhatsApp: +90 544 289 66 33 (you are welcome to write to us in English)
- Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00–21:00, closed on Sundays
Directions and a map are on our contact page.
This content has been reviewed by the dentists of Yayla Dental Akademi. Last updated: October 2026
Medically reviewed by the dentists of Yayla Dental Akademi.