What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tooth and jaw misalignments.
Orthodontic treatment goes beyond straight teeth; our goal is a proper bite and a stable, long-lasting result.
Initial consultation
During the first consultation, we determine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary and what the ideal moment is to start.
• Around the age of 8, your dentist may refer your child — for example, in case of a crossbite or severe crowding.
• We typically see teenagers for the first time around age 11–12.
• Adults are of course also always welcome for an initial consultation.
Records: preparation for treatment
Before starting treatment, we collect all the necessary information to create a personalized treatment plan. This is called the records.
We take:
• Photos of the teeth and face
• A panoramic X-ray
• A lateral (side-view) cephalometric X-ray
• A digital scan of your teeth and bite
Treatment plan discussion
Based on the collected data, the orthodontist creates a personalized treatment plan. In a separate appointment, we discuss:
• The findings and diagnosis
• Possible treatment options
• The cost and information about reimbursement
If you agree with the treatment plan, we’ll schedule the start of your treatment together.
Early orthodontics (ages 8–9)
Not every child needs early treatment. When needed, we focus on:
• Correction of crossbites
• Bite-related problems
• Severe crowding
Usually, your dentist will notice this need in time and refer you.
Orthodontics for adolescents
Teenagers often still need growth-related appliances before we start with fixed braces.
• If necessary, we first correct jaw width or position
• Then we place brackets to align the teeth properly
• Invisible treatment with aligners (like Invisalign, Spark, or ClearCorrect) is sometimes an option; we’ll discuss this during the treatment planning
Orthodontics for adults
For adults, growth is complete, so we typically work with:
• Braces (the most commonly used solution)
• Invisible aligners, if suitable
In case of jaw position or width issues, collaboration with a jaw surgeon is often needed. We’ll refer you at the appropriate moment.
Note: For adults over age 30, we first refer you to a periodontist to ensure the teeth and gums are healthy enough to begin orthodontic treatment.