Over time we have been asked many questions about orthodontic treatment. We have tried to sum up the most common questions our patients ask us.
The age limit for orthodontic treatment – up to what age is treatment feasible?
Generally, orthodontic treatment is possible at any time in life. Even in adults, the treatment can improve the functionality of the dentition. Aesthetic considerations also play an increasingly important role in adults. There are a few conditions for late treatment:
You should have at least half of your teeth anchored in the bone and the surrounding tissue must be healthy and not inflamed. Only then will it be possible to move the teeth during orthodontic treatment.
The duration – how long will the orthodontic treatment take?
The average treatment time is – depending on age – about 1.5 years. Purely aesthetic treatments can have the desired outcome much earlier than this.
Is there an ideal age for orthodontic treatment?
Ideally a child presents to an orthodontist at the age of 8 – 9 years.
Some factors such as having a dummy for a long time or sucking your thumb may mean that it is advisable to intervene when the child is still very young – once the first adult teeth have emerged. This allows serious misalignment or oral motor dysfunction to be corrected.
I have statutory health insurance – what will my insurance cover?
Based on current law, the statutory health insurance is only obliged to cover difficult treatment. This also applies to children (KIG regulation). We carefully look at this for each and every one of our patients. If the statutory health insurance covers the treatment, the majority of treatment costs will be reimbursed.
From the age of 18, the statutory health insurance only covers very serious jaw anomalies which also must be treated with surgery. Here again, we review every case carefully.
Depending on the terms of your individual contract, private health insurance will essentially cover treatment costs in children and adults. We are happy to help you clarify your entitlement.
Will healthy teeth be removed for my orthodontic treatment?
Many patients are afraid that they will have to sacrifice healthy teeth for successful orthodontic treatment. Essentially, we always try to preserve your healthy teeth. In rare cases, however, it may be that there is such a discrepancy between jaw and tooth size that there is not enough space for all the teeth. This will, however, be individually analysed and assessed and is a rare exception.
Will my orthodontic treatment be painful?
As every patient has an individual pain threshold, it is not possible to give a general answer to this question. Generally speaking, braces should not be painful. The initial sensation of pressure should disappear on its own quite quickly as you get used to it. As we use the latest treatment techniques in our practice, such as setting elastic arch wires, we can largely reduce the sensation of pressure.
I have an emergency, what should I do?
Generally, in an emergency you should always arrange a timely appointment with your orthodontist or dentist. If you have an emergency outside opening hours, you can best manage the problem with THESE tips.
Has the fixed apparatus in your gum area loosened?
If a band has loosened, try to push it back onto the tooth.
The apparatus should then no longer bother you. If the object has completely detached from the fixed apparatus, carefully try to completely remove it.
Is the outcome stable after the end of treatment?
Once a good orthodontic outcome has been achieved, we can assume that this will stay for good. As your dentition is always in movement, however, we recommend that our patients use what is known as a fixed retainer. This is secured to the inside surface of the teeth and will give you confidence that the beautiful result will stay as it is.
What is the process for orthodontic treatment?
Generally speaking, orthodontic treatment follows the same pattern.
- Individual consultation
- Extensive examination
- Detailed discussion
- Interdisciplinary consultation
- Treatment phase
- Stabilisation