FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS IT PAINFUL TO INSERT THE FIXED BRACKETS AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Inserting the fixed brackets is not painful and takes about an hour – including the subsequent instructions. We also add a detailed general advice and explain the importance of oral hygiene.

DOES THE FIXED APPLIANCE CAUSE PAIN ON THE GUMS?

By using our self-ligating High-Tech Bracket System, less power has to be applied to attain tooth movement. Thus most of our patients do not feel any discomfort. During the first days following insertion (and after each reactivation), the pressure of the brackets may trigger slight pains. We recommend at this time to avoid eating hard chunks such as bread crust, etc.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO EAT EVERYTHING ONCE THE BRACKETS ARE IN PLACE?

In the first post-insertion days the intake of soft food only is preferable. What should be definitely avoided is chewing gum and other sticky sweets or tough meat as well as hard-to-bite chunks like crust of dark bread, nuts, apples, etc…. After one to two weeks there are no more restrictions.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS REGARDING FOOD IN CASE OF DETACHABLE BRACKETS?

The detachable bracket has to be removed during food intake. Thus there are no restrictions at any time.

DOES THE FIXED APPLIANCE LEAVE ANY TRACES ON THE TEETH AFTER REMOVAL?

No, provided proper oral hygiene is carried out. We will instruct you accordingly. At every checkup we examine the quality of oral hygiene.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE DURATION OF TREATMENT IN ADULTS?

Duration may differ considerably. Minimal corrections may be carried out within a few months. Major corrections of malocclusions may take up to two years.

IS THERE A GUARANTEE THAT THE TEETH WILL ALWAYS REMAIN STRAIGHT AFTER THE END OF TREATMENT?

As is the case with everything else in the body, the teeth and their position may change during the course of life. There are many natural causes (f.i.eating, speaking….) and unnatural ones (f.i.nocturnal grinding) which may induce a change in the position of the teeth. However, with a good result of the treatment and proper after-care, patients may expect that the straight teeth will retain their position for a long time and in the ideal case maybe for a lifetime. Should nevertheless any changes occur, they would be of a minor degree compared with the situation before the onset of treatment and the teeth could be set straight again by a minimal after-care procedure.

WHAT WOULD BE THE COSTS OF TREATMENT?

Costs depend on the duration of treatment and the type of brackets used. When you come for the advisory session, we will be in a position to give you details and can also inform you whatever the contribution of social security would be.

IS THE INSERTION OF FIXED BRACKETS PAINFUL AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

The insertion of fixed brackets is not painful and takes about an hour – including instructions. At this point we give general advice, also pertaining to oral hygiene. In the first few days following insertion only soft food is recommended. Especially tough or sticky pieces like chewing gum but also hard edibles like dark bread crust, nuts or apples should be avoided. After one to two weeks restrictions may be lifted.

WHAT ABOUT DIETARY RESTRICTIONS IF THE APPLIANCES ARE DETACHABLE?

The detachable appliances have to be removed during the meal. Therefore there are no restrictions at any time.

DO THE FIXED BRACKETS CAUSE PAINS ON THE GUMS?

By using our self-ligating Hightech-Bracket System, less power is needed to reposition the teeth. Most of our patients do not report any discomfort. In the first few days after inserting (and after every reactivation), the pressure of the brackets may cause slight pains. During this period any hard chunks of food like bread crust should be avoided.

DO THE FIXED BRACKETS LEAVE ANY TRACES ON THE TEETH AFTER REMOVAL?

NO! However, prerequisite is proper oral hygiene, details of which we would explain to your child. Maintaining healthy teeth is our most important aim and for this purpose we also need the cooperation of our young patients.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE DURATION OF TREATMENT IN CHILDREN?

The duration may differ. Sometimes one year is sufficient with orthodontics. If malocclusions of jaw and teeth are involved, the treatment of children and adolescents should still not exceed three years.

IS THERE A GUARANTEE THAT THE TEETH WILL REMAIN STRAIGHT FOREVER?

Just like everything else in the body, the teeth and their position may change during the lifetime. There are many natural causes (f.i. eating, speaking) and also unnatural one (f.i. nocturnal grinding) that may induce a change of position. However, if the result is positive after-care is done regularly and properly, patients may expect their teeth to remain straight for a very long time (in the ideal case perhaps for the whole life). Should there nevertheless be any changes, (compared to the initial state of repair) they would be of a minor nature and may be corrected at any time by a minimal after-car procedure.

WHAT WOULD BE THE COSTS OF THE TREATMENT FOR MY CHILD?

Expenditures depend on the duration of treatment and the type of brackets needed. During the initial interview, we will be in the position to give you exact details and also inform you about the amount the social security would contribute.