Frequently Asked Questions


Preventive Care


From what age does fissure sealing make sense?
Fissure sealing makes the most sense right after the permanent molars erupt, usually at primary-school age. It protects the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces, which are often difficult to clean with a toothbrush.

Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics General Practice Information


From what age should my child first go to the dentist?
We recommend a first, no-obligation get-to-know-you visit as soon as the first baby teeth erupt, but at the latest around age three. This way, your child gets used to the practice environment early, and we can accompany dental development from the very beginning.
Do you also treat teenagers and adults, or only children?
Our focus is on pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, but we also care for teenagers until their orthodontic treatment is complete, as well as their family members.
What do you do to make sure my child isn't afraid of the treatment?
We explain every treatment step in a child-friendly way, take plenty of time for questions, and adjust the pace to each individual child. This builds trust instead of fear.
How can I make an appointment?
You can reach us by phone, email, or conveniently via our online appointment form. You will find all contact options on our contact page.

Going to the Dentist Without Fear


My child is very afraid of the dentist what can you do?
We take extra time, explain every step in a child-friendly way using the Tell-Show-Do method, and adjust the pace individually. For severe anxiety, we also offer gentle nitrous oxide sedation.
Is nitrous oxide sedation safe for children?
Yes, nitrous oxide sedation is an established, well-tolerated procedure. Your child remains awake and responsive, but feels noticeably more relaxed. We clarify beforehand in detail whether it makes sense in the individual case.
Will my child be held down during treatment?
No, we deliberately avoid any coercive measures. Your child may request a break at any time; we work exclusively with trust and patience.

Prevention & Prophylaxis for Children


From what age do I need to brush my child's teeth?
As soon as the first baby tooth erupts, it should be gently cleaned. Young children cannot yet brush thoroughly enough, so parents should brush again daily until primary school age.
How often should my child go for a preventive check-up?
We generally recommend two check-up appointments per year, so that decay and other issues can be detected early and treated gently.
Is fluoride safe for baby teeth?
Yes, at the recommended, age-appropriate dosage, fluoride is safe and effective for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing decay. We are happy to advise you on the right application.

Decay in Children's Mouths


Does decay in baby teeth even need to be treated, since they fall out anyway?
Yes, absolutely. Untreated decay can become painful, become inflamed, and even affect the development of the permanent teeth underneath. Baby teeth also serve as space holders for the permanent dentition.
How can I detect decay in my child early?
Watch for white or brownish spots on the enamel, sensitivity to sweets or cold, and visible holes. If you're unsure, it's best to schedule a check-up appointment soon.
What is fissure sealing and how does it help?
With fissure sealing, the small grooves on the chewing surfaces of the molars are closed with a thin protective coating. This prevents bacteria from settling there, significantly reducing the risk of decay.

Children's Teeth Treatment of Baby Teeth


Is it worth filling a baby tooth that is going to fall out anyway?
Yes. Baby teeth keep the space open for the permanent teeth and are important for chewing function and speech development. Early treatment prevents pain and protects dental development.
What happens if a baby tooth is lost too early?
Without countermeasures, the resulting gap can close up and narrow the space for the permanent tooth. A removable or fixed space maintainer keeps the gap open until the permanent tooth erupts.
When is a children's crown used instead of a filling?
For baby molars severely damaged by decay, a prefabricated children's crown offers more stability and durability than a large filling keeping the tooth functional until it naturally falls out.

Orthodontics for Children


From what age does an orthodontic examination make sense?
We recommend a first orthodontic assessment already in the baby teeth, usually around age 6. This allows us to detect developmental problems early and take countermeasures if needed.
Does every misalignment need to be treated already in the baby teeth?
No, not every misalignment requires early treatment. In many cases, the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth is the better time. We advise you individually on what makes sense for your child.
Are there also discreet treatment options for teenagers?
Yes, in addition to fixed braces, we offer transparent aligner trays and lingual technique both discreet solutions that are barely noticeable in everyday life.

Orthodontics for Teenagers


What discreet braces are available for teenagers?
We offer transparent aligner trays and lingual technique, in which the brace works from the inner surface of the teeth and is invisible from the outside. There are also tooth-colored ceramic brackets as a discreet alternative to classic brackets.
Can my child continue to play sports with braces?
Yes, for sports with a risk of injury, we recommend an individually fitted sports mouthguard that offers good protection even with braces.
How long does orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition take?
This depends heavily on the individual findings and is usually between one and two and a half years. In a personal consultation, we will estimate the likely treatment duration for your child.

Orthodontic Referrals


What does my child need to bring to the first appointment after a referral?
Please bring the referral slip as well as any existing X-rays or medical reports. This helps us prepare optimally for the initial examination.
Does health insurance cover the cost of the initial examination?
In the case of a referral by the dentist or at your own request, statutory health insurers generally cover an initial consultation as well as an initial orthodontic examination to clarify the need for treatment.
Do you consult with the referring dentist?
Yes, we coordinate closely with the referring dentist so that the orthodontic treatment is optimally integrated into the overall dental care.

Online Appointment Booking


Can I book an appointment for my child outside of office hours too?
Yes, online appointment booking is available to you around the clock independent of our practice's opening hours.
Will I receive immediate confirmation of the booked appointment?
You will receive immediate feedback on your preferred appointment. For short-notice or urgent matters, you can also reach us by phone during our office hours.
Is my data safe during online booking?
Yes, your information is processed confidentially and in compliance with data protection regulations during online appointment booking.

Career & Job Openings


What professions are you currently looking for?
We are continuously looking for reinforcement whether as a dentist, orthodontist, prevention specialist, or for administration. You can find current job openings in our overview.
Can I also apply on my own initiative?
Yes, unsolicited applications are welcome at any time. Simply send us an email with your documents, and we will get back to you promptly.
Do you offer flexible working hours?
Yes, a good balance between work and family is important to us, which is why we offer flexible working time models.

Children


How does braces treatment work for children?
That depends on age. During the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth (mixed dentition), we take advantage of natural jaw growth. At this stage, treatment usually involves removable braces, such as single plates or gentle appliances like the Bionator.
My child still sucks their thumb – does that damage the teeth?
Yes, persistent thumb sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier are bad habits (so-called "habits") that can lead to an open bite or crossbite. Early treatment during the baby teeth phase helps prevent more severe misalignments later on.
When should I take my child to the orthodontist for the first time?
Initial orthodontic check-ups are usually recommended from the age of 3 to 5 to detect misalignments in the baby teeth early. If there are no abnormalities, the age of 8 to 9 during the tooth change phase (mixed dentition) is ideal for the first examination.
From what age does health insurance cover braces for my child?
Statutory health insurance covers the costs for children and adolescents when there is a medical necessity. This is classified according to the orthodontic indication groups (KIG levels 3 to 5). We check this classification directly during the first examination.
How can dental misalignments in children be prevented?
Some jaw anomalies are genetic and unavoidable. However, many misalignments develop through avoidable habits. To prevent maldevelopment, harmful habits such as thumb sucking, intensive use of pacifiers or feeding bottles should be stopped by the age of three at the latest. Mouth breathing with open lips, incorrect swallowing patterns (where the tongue presses against the teeth), and lip biting should also be addressed early.
Thorough oral hygiene and a tooth-friendly diet protect against premature loss of baby teeth.
Are pacifiers and thumb sucking harmful to the teeth?
Yes, persistent thumb sucking or intensive pacifier use beyond the third year of life damages dental development and can lead to an "open bite" or deformed jawbones. The consequences are often pronounced dental misalignments and associated speech disorders such as lisping.

Adolescents


Is there a completely invisible type of braces?
Yes, the so-called lingual technique offers an aesthetically perfect and virtually invisible alternative to conventional braces. The brackets are custom-made and bonded to the inside of the teeth. The treatment can go completely unnoticed by others in everyday life or at school.
Another alternative are aligners. The transparent, nearly invisible dental aligners are hardly noticed in everyday life and allow for an elegant correction without drawing attention.
How long do aligners need to be worn daily?
The duration of treatment with invisible aligners is individual and depends on the extent of the dental misalignment. For mild to moderate corrections, therapy is usually successfully completed in approximately 9 to 15 months.
For an optimal and fast treatment result, aligners must be worn at least 18 to a maximum of 22 hours per day. The trays should only be removed for eating, drinking sugary or acidic beverages, and for dental care. Consistent wearing shortens the overall treatment time.
Are aligners suitable for adolescents?
Yes. For adolescents who prefer a discreet treatment, aligners can be a suitable alternative to conventional braces. We offer young patients a discreet correction with individually fitted aligners.

Adults


Is orthodontic treatment still possible for adults?
Yes, dental correction is possible at any age without restriction and is absolutely worthwhile in adulthood for health or aesthetic concerns. For adults, discreet and virtually invisible treatment methods such as transparent aligners or lingual braces (invisible braces on the inside of the teeth) are particularly popular.
How often do I need to visit the practice during treatment with transparent aligners?
With aligners, check-up appointments are usually every 6 to 8 weeks.
What are transparent dental aligners?
Aligners are thin, transparent plastic trays that are ideally suited for correcting mild to moderate dental misalignments. The ultra-thin trays fit precisely, are comfortable to wear, and do not interfere with speaking or laughing.
Transparent aligners are particularly suitable for adults and adolescents from around the age of 12.
How often do aligners need to be replaced with a new tray?
Depending on the misalignment and the system used, an aligner tray is usually replaced by the next tray in the treatment plan after two to three weeks. Regular check-up appointments at our practice ensure that tooth movement is progressing as planned.
How many hours a day do aligners need to be worn?
For an optimal and fast treatment result, aligners must be worn at least 18 to a maximum of 22 hours per day. The trays should only be removed for eating, drinking sugary or acidic beverages, and for dental care. Consistent wearing shortens the overall treatment time.
How long does aligner therapy take on average?
The duration of treatment with invisible aligners is individual and depends on the extent of the dental misalignment. For mild to moderate corrections, therapy is usually successfully completed in approximately 9 to 15 months.

Orthodontics


Why is orthodontic treatment beneficial?
Orthodontic treatment corrects misalignments of teeth and jaws to sustainably improve both the aesthetics of your smile and the health of the entire masticatory system. Beyond cosmetic corrections that boost self-confidence, the focus is on functional aspects: straight teeth optimise biting and chewing, which relieves the digestive system.
Complaints such as teeth grinding, jaw clicking, tension headaches, and even postural problems of the spine can be effectively prevented.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
The active treatment phase usually lasts about two to three years but depends greatly on the individual case. Key factors include the severity of the misalignment, the patient's age, and the type of braces chosen. Since the jaw is still growing in children and adolescents, therapy typically progresses faster than in adults. A precise time estimate is provided after the initial examination. The success and duration also depend significantly on the patient's reliability (compliance) in wearing removable appliances and maintaining oral hygiene.
When is the best time for the first visit to the orthodontist?
An initial orthodontic assessment is already advisable at the age of four to six to detect severe maldevelopments early. Although treatment during the baby teeth phase is rare, in serious cases early treatment with simple preventive appliances (such as space maintainers or vestibular plates) can prevent worse outcomes. The regular and most effective treatment period is usually between the ages of 9 and 11 during the late mixed dentition stage, as natural jaw growth can be optimally utilised at this time. If in doubt, parents should ask their family dentist for an assessment during the six-monthly routine check-up.
How often do I need to visit the practice for check-ups during orthodontic treatment?
The check-up intervals depend on the type of braces: for removable appliances and aligners, appointments are usually every 6 to 8 weeks, while fixed braces need to be checked and adjusted approximately every 3 to 4 weeks.

Orthodontic Prophylaxis


What should I pay attention to regarding dental care with braces?
Thorough oral hygiene is essential throughout the entire orthodontic treatment. Especially with fixed braces, plaque quickly builds up around the brackets and wires. Interdental brushes and dental floss help with precise cleaning of the gaps. The additional use of fluoride gels strengthens the tooth enamel. Supplementary professional prophylaxis measures at our practice offer the best protection against cavities.
Why do I need to go to the practice for prophylaxis?
The special advantage of professional dental cleaning at a specialist orthodontic practice is that all orthodontic appliances that would hinder a thorough cleaning are removed. Only this way can a comprehensive cleaning be ensured. Afterwards, the appliances are reinserted and optimally readjusted.
How often do I need to come to the practice for prophylaxis?
For most orthodontic patients, it is sufficient to have a professional dental cleaning carried out every three to six months. In special cases, professional cleaning at shorter intervals may be necessary.

Need for Treatment


How can I tell whether orthodontic treatment is necessary?
Typical signs include visible misalignment of teeth or jaws, an incorrect bite, difficulty biting or chewing, and recurring discomfort in the jaw joint. An orthodontic examination provides clarity on whether treatment is advisable and to what extent.
Can untreated misalignments lead to further problems?
Misalignments can create areas that are difficult to clean, which may increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Pronounced misalignments are also sometimes associated with tension in the jaw, neck and back. Whether this applies in your individual case is something we clarify together with you.
Is orthodontic treatment only relevant for aesthetic reasons?
No. Alongside the aesthetic wishes many patients have, functional aspects such as chewing, speech and breathing also play an important role. We discuss with you which medical and personal reasons apply in your specific case.

Treatment Planning


How does orthodontic treatment planning work?
The basis is a thorough examination including digital X-rays, facial photographs and a plaster model of the jaws. Using these records, we work out the right treatment path together with you.
What is a model analysis and what is it used for?
For the model analysis, we take impressions of the upper and lower jaw and use them to create a plaster model. This allows precise measurement of the teeth and jaws and forms an important basis for individual treatment planning.
Does planning also take growth and tooth eruption into account?
Yes. Especially in children and adolescents, current jaw growth and the stage of tooth eruption are factored into the planning so that treatment can be well matched to individual development.

3D Diagnostics


What is digital volume tomography (DVT/CBCT) and when is it used?
DVT is a low-radiation, three-dimensional X-ray procedure. We use it particularly for more complex misalignments, for example in cases of disturbed tooth eruption, impacted or displaced teeth, or unusual bone structures.
Does 3D diagnostics involve a high radiation dose?
Compared with conventional CT scans, digital volume tomography is considered low-radiation. We use it selectively, only when the additional diagnostic benefit meaningfully complements conventional X-ray diagnostics.
What advantage does 3D diagnostics offer for treatment planning?
The high-resolution, three-dimensional images show the structures of the jaw in detail and without distortion. This supports us in precise planning as well as in monitoring the course of treatment.

DentalMonitoring App


What is the DentalMonitoring app and what is it used for?
The DentalMonitoring app allows the progress of your orthodontic treatment to be followed digitally. Using regular scans taken with the app and the corresponding scan box, interim steps of the treatment can be made visible.
What do I need to use DentalMonitoring?
You only need a smartphone with the DentalMonitoring app and a DentalMonitoring scan box. Our team will explain how to use it in detail; no special prior knowledge is required.
Does the app replace regular check-up appointments at the practice?
No. DentalMonitoring complements personal care but does not replace the necessary check-up appointments at the practice. If anything unusual appears in the scans, we will contact you additionally if needed.