Frequently Asked Questions

Although aesthetic dentistry is not a separate specialty, all treatments are approached differently in the aesthetic zone because expectations are different in this area. Surgical procedures performed in the aesthetic zone (implantology, treatment of gum recession, etc.) are planned with pink aesthetics in mind. While it is sufficient for the color of a filling placed in a back tooth to resemble the natural tooth color, in the front region not only must the color match perfectly, but the translucency and surface texture are also expected to be identical.

All treatments performed in the aesthetic zone—that is, treatments affecting the smile—fall within the scope of aesthetic dentistry and require an excellent standard of execution. Aesthetic treatments may be performed to correct visual imperfections. Treatments required because of an accident or disease are also managed with special consideration when they involve the aesthetic zone.

The cause of the gap is important. If there is a gap between the two front teeth and it is caused by the labial frenulum (lip tie), orthodontic treatment followed by frenulum surgery to prevent the gap from reopening is appropriate. If the teeth appear spaced because they are smaller than the dental arch, laminate veneers are ideal. If the teeth have become spaced over time due to gum disease, gum treatment should be performed first. Afterwards, orthodontic treatment or aesthetic crowns that can connect the teeth may be considered to close the gap.

In most cases, implant treatment is the best option. However, if the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth already require crowns, a bridge may be an ideal treatment. If the patient is not suitable for surgery due to systemic reasons (or for any other reason), even a removable denture may be a treatment option.

No. You will not feel any pain during the procedure. Taking a painkiller before the pain begins on the day of the procedure is usually sufficient to keep you comfortable throughout the day. Many of our patients do not take any pain medication the following day.

Many of our patients do not feel the need to take pain medication the day after implant surgery. Since the final restoration cannot be placed immediately, patients may need to wear a temporary tooth or remain without a tooth for a few months, making another visit necessary several months later.

Removable dentures provide valuable support by supporting the tissues from the inside in elderly patients with reduced tissue support and sunken cheeks, greatly improving their morale. However, chewing efficiency with these dentures is lower. Therefore, if we provide a removable denture, we often support it with implant treatment to limit its movement. This allows us to achieve an ideal combination of function and aesthetics.

There should be no micromovement or bacterial leakage at the connection between the implant and the abutment. Therefore, the precision of the implant–abutment connection is one of the most important factors for long-term success. The surface characteristics of implants are also important. Here again, the implant brand comes into play. The implant systems that stand out worldwide are also frequently used in scientific research. Another factor may arise in cases where bone volume is limited. To place an implant of an appropriate diameter for a load-bearing area, one implant system may require bone grafting or other advanced surgical techniques, whereas even the narrowest implant of another system can be used safely in load-bearing areas, making advanced surgical procedures unnecessary. In addition, a well-established manufacturer is more likely to continue producing implants and prosthetic components in the long term.

An implant is a material used in the treatment of missing teeth, and as with other treatments, both the quality of the material and how it is used are important. What would happen if you gave a very special fabric to an inexperienced tailor, or a very special piece of wood to an unskilled carpenter? It is better to entrust your body and your oral health to a good dentist and follow their recommendations. There are also different manufacturers of the porcelain restoration that will be placed on the implant. A dentist who uses high-quality materials also uses high-quality porcelain and works together with skilled dental technicians. Above all, people receiving implant treatment need a dentist whose knowledge, care, and skills they can trust.

You will not feel any pain during the procedure.

By taking a painkiller before the numbness ends and pain begins, you will also be comfortable after the procedure. Many of our patients do not feel the need to take painkillers the following day.

If conditions are suitable, a temporary tooth is placed on the implant on the same day. This is especially important for front teeth. However, we do not place the permanent tooth until the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone.

Temporary teeth are designed to minimize the amount of force placed on the implant during healing. They are also gently hand-tightened into the implant. In contrast, once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, the permanent tooth is fabricated in the desired shape and size and is secured to the implant with a much tighter torque.

Yes. In many cases, immediate implant placement is preferred because the extraction socket and the implant heal together, eliminating the need for a second surgical procedure. Whether this is possible depends on the condition of the extraction socket after the tooth has been removed.

In general, three months is sufficient, but in some special cases we may need to wait as long as six to eight months. During this period, you can either continue as you did before receiving your implant, or continue your normal life with the temporary tooth placed on the implant.

Titanium is generally a biocompatible material, and bone cells surround the implant surface very well. Most implant failures are due to infection or incorrect calculation of the forces placed on the implants. There may be very rare cases in which the implant is not accepted by the surrounding tissue. In such cases, different treatment options are considered.

All-on-4 is an implant procedure in which a fixed full-arch prosthesis is supported by four implants. The two posterior implants are placed at an angle. The rearmost molars may be excluded from the prosthesis. In suitable cases, a temporary fixed prosthesis can be placed immediately after implant placement. This method is more commonly applied in the lower jaw.

All-on-5 is an implant procedure in which a fixed full-arch prosthesis is supported by five implants, with the two posterior implants placed at an angle. In some cases, the number of teeth in the prosthesis may need to be reduced while still providing effective chewing function.

All-on-6 is an implant procedure in which a fixed full-arch prosthesis is supported by six implants. In suitable cases, a temporary prosthesis can be placed immediately after the implants are inserted.

Teeth with yellow discoloration respond better to whitening treatments. Teeth with gray discoloration may not respond as effectively.

When performed correctly, teeth whitening is completely safe. It does not cause any permanent changes to the tooth structure. The structure of the enamel of teeth will return to normal after 3 weeks. During this period, it is important to follow the dietary recommendations provided by your dentist. We also avoid performing adhesive dental procedures during these 3 weeks.

In-office whitening provides fast results. It is a highly controlled and safe procedure that can be performed on most patients. During the treatment, the dentist first isolates and protects the tissues in the mouth, then carefully applies the whitening gel. At-home whitening can produce longer-lasting results. However, whitening gel for home use is not suitable for everyone, as we do not want the gel to come into direct contact with exposed dentin. In addition, achieving whitening solely through at-home treatment requires prolonged use, and whitening gels are oxidizing agents. Therefore, for most patients, the ideal approach is to begin with an in-office whitening treatment and, if there are no contraindications, proceed with a short course of at-home whitening.

Their translucency and surface texture are important. The subtle surface undulations should be able to mimic natural teeth. Teeth with completely flat surfaces not only fail to display their full volume but also appear older. The harmony of the restorations with the teeth and gums is equally important. They should blend seamlessly, as though transitioning naturally from the root surface to the enamel, without visible layers. This also supports hygiene at a microscopic level, helping to keep the gums firm, healthy, light pink, and free from redness, swelling, and infection.

These are actually the same precautions that help protect your natural tooth enamel. For example, patients who clench or grind their teeth must use their night guards. You can, of course, bite and chew with your teeth, but you should not use them to crack nutshells or hold or bite very hard objects such as pins. These habits can also cause wear or fractures in natural tooth enamel, but laminate veneers are more delicate than natural teeth in this respect.

Among aesthetic dental treatments, laminate veneers are one of the least invasive procedures and require the least amount of intervention. In some cases, no tooth preparation is needed at all.

This depends entirely on the desired final result. For example, if we are placing a laminate veneer on a tooth that we want to move slightly forward, the tooth may not need to be prepared at all. We prepare the tooth only as much as necessary to create enough space for the material while achieving the desired final position and shape.

A laminate veneer covers only the front surface of the tooth. For this reason, the tooth usually does not need to be prepared, or removing about 0.3 millimetres from the front surface is sufficient. A dental crown, on the other hand, covers the entire tooth. This requires enough space for the restorative material, the supporting structure, and the aesthetic layers, so the tooth must be prepared all the way around.

This depends entirely on the desired final result. We prepare the tooth only as much as necessary to create enough space for the material while achieving the intended final shape and position.

A bridge replaces a missing tooth by using the adjacent teeth or implants as supports.

A crown covers the entire tooth, whereas an onlay covers the chewing surface and also restores the inside of the tooth like a filling.

We can treat gum recession by grafting tissue taken from a suitable area inside your mouth, most commonly the palate, to the affected areas. This procedure restores the gum line and helps you regain your natural, aesthetically pleasing smile.

To a large extent, yes—or at least you can minimize its formation. For tartar to develop, bacterial plaque must remain on the teeth without being removed for a period of time. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene can significantly delay the formation of tartar.

When mature plaque is not removed—for example, if you repeatedly miss the same area while brushing—it begins to change in as little as three days, making it capable of causing gum disease and tooth decay. Within about five days, it starts to calcify into tartar that can no longer be removed with a toothbrush. Rather than relying on frequent professional cleanings, the healthier approach is to maintain good daily oral hygiene and minimize the need for tartar removal.

No. Tartar itself is harmful, which is why it should always be removed once it has formed.

Tartar can cause a gum disease called gingivitis, in which the gums become red and swollen. When the gums bleed, some people avoid brushing those areas instead of visiting a dentist, creating a vicious cycle. As gum disease progresses, the bone supporting the teeth begins to recede and deteriorate in response to the infection. This leads to periodontitis, which can progressively destroy the tissues supporting the teeth. As a result, the teeth may begin to separate, become loose, and, in advanced cases, eventually fall out.

Some patients may experience sensitivity during the procedure. In such cases, a simple local anesthetic can be used to make the treatment comfortable.

The recommended age for the first orthodontic examination is between 6 and 7 years of age, when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. During this examination, jaw development, the eruption pattern of the teeth, and the bite relationship are evaluated. Not every child needs to start treatment at this age. Most children are followed at regular intervals, and treatment is started at the most appropriate time. However, if a skeletal or functional problem is detected, treatment can be started earlier. Adolescence is a crucial window of opportunity for treatment, especially for problems involving jaw development. Some skeletal problems that are not treated during this period may only be corrected with jaw surgery in later ages.

Age alone is not a barrier to orthodontic treatment. As long as you have healthy teeth and gum tissues, orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners can be applied at any adult age. Some problems related to jaw development can be treated more successfully during childhood and adolescence. If advanced jaw discrepancies are not treated during this period, they may require jaw surgery in addition to orthodontic treatment in adulthood. On the other hand, crowded teeth, spacing, and bite problems can be successfully corrected with orthodontic treatment regardless of age. For this reason, the thought of "I'm too late for orthodontic treatment" is often not true.

During your first visit, an intraoral examination will be performed and your bite will be evaluated. In order to plan your treatment, intraoral and facial photographs, along with the necessary X-rays, will be taken. Your oral hygiene is also assessed during this visit. If there are any procedures that need to be completed before starting orthodontic treatment—such as cavity treatments (fillings) or professional teeth cleaning—you will be informed about them. After all evaluations are completed, you will receive general information about your orthodontic problem, possible treatment options, the estimated treatment time, and the points you should pay attention to during treatment. This also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have before starting treatment.

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies from person to person. It depends on your age, the severity of the problem affecting your teeth and jaws, the relationship between your upper and lower jaws, and the treatment method being used. Good oral hygiene, attending your appointments regularly, and wearing any prescribed appliances or elastics as instructed are also very important for your treatment to progress as planned. Some orthodontic problems in children require treatment in two phases. Although this may result in a longer overall treatment time, it allows treatment to be planned according to the child's growth and development, helping to achieve more successful and long-lasting results.

Tooth extraction is not necessary for every orthodontic patient. The decision depends on the amount of crowding, the relationship between the jaws, your facial profile, the position of your teeth, and the desired treatment outcome. It is always made on an individual basis. For some patients, tooth extraction may be the best treatment option to create enough space and position the teeth correctly. For others, treatment can be planned using different orthodontic techniques without the need for extractions. For this reason, the decision to extract teeth is made only after your examination and all necessary records have been evaluated, based on the treatment plan that will provide the healthiest and most aesthetic result for you.

Oral care during braces treatment Braces and brackets make it easier for dental plaque to accumulate on the teeth. For this reason, it is important to brush your teeth more frequently and more carefully than usual. Special attention should be paid to cleaning around the brackets and along the gum line. During braces treatment, cleaning between the teeth should be done using interdental brushes. Regular cleaning of these areas plays an important role in preventing cavities between the teeth and gum problems. Oral care during clear aligner treatment With clear aligner treatment, your oral care routine generally continues as usual. Teeth should be brushed regularly, and interdental cleaning should not be neglected. Since aligners are removed while eating, teeth must be cleaned after every meal before putting the aligners back in. This is vital both for maintaining dental health and for ensuring the hygienic use of the aligners. Good oral hygiene helps your treatment progress smoothly and contributes to a healthy, beautiful smile at the end of treatment.

The frequency of your check-up appointments depends on the type of treatment you are receiving and how your treatment is progressing. With braces, check-up appointments are usually scheduled every 4–6 weeks so that tooth movement can be monitored and any necessary adjustments can be made. With clear aligners, follow-up appointments can be scheduled further apart as long as treatment is progressing as planned. If close monitoring is not required, appointments can usually be arranged every 2–3 months. This can be particularly convenient for patients travelling from another city or from abroad. Since every treatment plan is different, your orthodontist will determine the most appropriate appointment schedule for you.

Yes. Pregnancy alone is not a barrier to orthodontic treatment. If you have already started treatment with braces or clear aligners, it can safely continue with regular check-up appointments. During pregnancy, hormonal changes may make your gums more sensitive, so paying extra attention to your oral hygiene is important. In addition, unnecessary X-rays are avoided during treatment planning, and all procedures are planned with your pregnancy in mind. If you are planning a pregnancy or find out that you are pregnant during treatment, it is important to inform your orthodontist so your treatment can continue in the most appropriate way.

Having braces placed does not hurt. However, during the first few days after they are fitted, or after adjustment appointments, you may experience mild soreness or pressure as your teeth begin to move. This is completely normal and usually goes away on its own within a few days. Contrary to what many people think, orthodontic treatment is not a painful process to be afraid of. Most patients adapt to this temporary situation very quickly and continue their daily lives without difficulty.

During the first few days after getting braces, you may notice a slight change in your speech or experience some irritation on the inside of your lips and cheeks. However, the soft tissues inside your mouth are highly adaptable and usually adjust to your braces within a short time. Most patients return to speaking normally and continue their daily routine within a few days. Braces do not prevent you from going to work or school, enjoying social activities, or playing sports. This short adjustment period is temporary, and before long you will hardly notice that your braces are there.

You do not need to follow a special diet during braces treatment. However, to avoid damaging your brackets and wires, it is recommended to avoid very hard, crunchy, and sticky foods. Foods such as apples and carrots should be cut into small pieces rather than bitten into directly. You should also avoid biting on nuts, hard candy, or ice. Sticky foods such as chewing gum and caramel should be avoided whenever possible, as they may cause your brackets to come loose. As long as you follow these simple precautions, you can continue enjoying your normal diet.

Clear aligner treatment is a comfortable and aesthetic option that can successfully treat many orthodontic problems. Whether it is the most suitable treatment for you can only be determined after your examination and the evaluation of the necessary records. The success of clear aligner treatment largely depends on patient compliance. Wearing your aligners for the recommended number of hours each day helps your treatment progress as planned. For this reason, both your orthodontic condition and your daily lifestyle are taken into consideration when planning your treatment. The most suitable treatment option for you will be determined based on your expectations, your clinical needs, and your lifestyle.

For clear aligners to work effectively, they should be worn for 20–22 hours a day. They should only be removed while eating and brushing your teeth. The success of treatment largely depends on wearing your aligners as instructed. Wearing them for fewer hours than recommended may prevent your teeth from moving as planned and can increase the overall treatment time. Making your aligners part of your daily routine is one of the most important factors in achieving a predictable and successful treatment outcome.

It is not recommended to eat while wearing your clear aligners. Chewing can distort the aligners and affect the way your treatment progresses. Beverages other than water, such as tea, coffee, fruit juice, and other coloured drinks, may stain both your teeth and your aligners. In addition, sugary and acidic drinks trapped inside the aligners can increase the risk of tooth decay. For this reason, it is recommended to wear your aligners only when drinking water and to remove them before eating or drinking anything else.

Both clear aligners and braces are well-established orthodontic treatment methods that can achieve excellent results when used for the right indications. Which option is more suitable depends on your teeth, jaw structure, the type of orthodontic problem you have, and your lifestyle. Because braces are fixed to your teeth, their effectiveness does not depend on patient compliance. With clear aligners, however, a significant part of the treatment success depends on wearing the aligners for the recommended amount of time each day. After your examination, the most appropriate treatment option for you will be selected to achieve the best possible functional and aesthetic outcome.

The duration of clear aligner treatment depends on the number of aligners planned and how your teeth respond to treatment. For this reason, it is not correct to say that clear aligner treatment is always shorter than braces treatment. Some cases can be completed in a shorter period, while more complex cases or those requiring refinement may take just as long as braces treatment. The estimated duration of your treatment will be evaluated individually after your examination and treatment planning.

Once orthodontic treatment is completed, retention is necessary to help keep your teeth in their new positions. Depending on your individual needs, this may involve a fixed retainer (a thin wire bonded behind your teeth), a removable clear retainer, or a combination of both. To maintain your treatment results for many years, it is important to take good care of your fixed retainer and wear your removable retainer exactly as instructed. Losing, breaking, or not wearing your retainer for an extended period may allow unwanted tooth movement to occur. If your retainer becomes loose, breaks, or your removable retainer is lost, you should contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to help preserve your treatment result.

The length of time you will need to wear your removable retainer varies from person to person. During the first phase after treatment (6–12 months), it is recommended to remove it only while eating and brushing your teeth. After that, wearing it at night is usually sufficient. To help maintain your treatment results, long-term nighttime wear is recommended. Your orthodontist will determine the most appropriate wearing schedule for you.

Attending your scheduled check-up appointments is an important part of keeping your orthodontic treatment progressing as planned. During these visits, your tooth movement is evaluated and the next stage of your treatment is carried out. Frequently postponing or missing appointments may cause your treatment to take longer than expected. If you are unable to attend your appointment, we recommend contacting our clinic as soon as possible to arrange a new one.

If many fillings need to be placed, removing the decay and taking impressions, followed by placing the laboratory-fabricated ceramic fillings, saves time. Shorter intraoral procedures also provide greater comfort for our patients. In addition, we as dentists prefer to use ceramics because they are biocompatible materials.

Being able to complete them in a single visit can be an advantage in some situations. Also, if shaping the tooth appropriately for an inlay would result in additional loss of tooth structure, then a composite filling may be the more advantageous option.

Healthy root canal-treated teeth, when restored with treatments that do not allow microleakage, can function for many years just like untreated teeth. They also feel the same during chewing. The only difference is that they do not sense hot and cold.

During root canal treatment, the nerves inside the tooth are removed and the emptied space is filled with root canal filling material. However, the connection between the root and the surrounding bone remains alive. You continue to feel even the slightest thing that touches your tooth, just as you do with your natural teeth. The only thing you do not experience is sensitivity to hot and cold. If a root canal-treated tooth develops decay, it does not cause pain and may not show symptoms until it fractures or becomes infected. Therefore, regular dental check-ups are important.

Your natural tooth is always the preferred option whenever it can be saved and provide a more comfortable sense of feeling. If the tooth requiring root canal treatment is very weak and has a high likelihood of fracture, or if it is infected and has an anatomy that prevents a good root canal treatment, then avoiding the risk and extracting the tooth may be an alternative. It is more appropriate to think of implant treatment not as an alternative to a natural tooth, but as an alternative for the treatment of tooth loss.