Modern braces: Effective and esthetic

Braces are an orthodontic appliance used to correct misaligned teeth and optimize the position of teeth and jaws. By applying targeted pressure to the teeth, they are slowly moved into the desired position. There are different types of orthodontic appliances. Fixed braces consist of brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected with wire arches. These allow the teeth to move continuously. Removable braces can be inserted and removed independently and are usually used for minor corrections. Another option is invisible braces such as Invisalign. These consist of transparent plastic splints that are almost invisible and are replaced regularly.

Which braces are right for you depends on the individual misalignment of your teeth, the desired treatment result and your personal needs. We will be happy to advise you personally to find the best solution for you.

In our practice, the focus is on you as a patient. We attach great importance to personal and individual care that takes your specific needs and wishes into account. Our team will take the time to provide you with comprehensive advice and work with you to develop the optimum treatment plan. We follow you closely throughout your treatment and are always available to answer your questions and concerns. Our family atmosphere and our dedicated team ensure that you always feel well looked after and valued by us.

Brackets are small holders that are glued to the teeth for fixed braces and serve as attachment points for the archwire. They are usually made of metal or ceramic and enable precise control of tooth movement. In contrast to removable aligners such as Invisalign, which mainly perform tilting movements, brackets allow more comprehensive control over complex tooth movements. This includes, for example, rotations, shifting teeth to the correct axis or moving entire tooth roots within the jaw.

Due to the fixed connection with the teeth, brackets work around the clock and ensure a continuous transfer of force. This makes them particularly effective for severe malocclusions or complex corrections that would be difficult to achieve with removable braces. Depending on the individual treatment goal, fixed braces with brackets may be the best solution. We will be happy to advise you to find the right method for your needs.

There are different types of braces, which are used depending on the misalignment of the teeth, age and individual needs. Fixed braces consist of small metal or ceramic brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected with an archwire. This method is particularly effective for more complex tooth corrections. An alternative option is removable braces, which are mainly used for minor misaligned teeth or in the early growth phase. They usually consist of a plastic plate with integrated wires and can be inserted and removed independently.

For patients who prefer an inconspicuous solution, there are almost invisible braces such as Invisalign. These transparent plastic aligners are custom-made and replaced regularly to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. Depending on your initial situation and personal wishes, we will be happy to advise you on which braces are the best choice for you.

Lingual braces are a special form of fixed braces in which the brackets are attached to the inside of the teeth. This makes them completely invisible from the outside, which makes them an ideal solution for patients who want discreet tooth correction. Like conventional fixed braces, lingual braces also work with brackets and wire arches that exert targeted pressure on the teeth and move them into the desired position.

A key difference to traditional fixed braces is that they are custom-made. As the inside of each patient’s teeth is shaped differently, the brackets are custom-made to ensure an optimal fit and a high level of comfort. This special adaptation ensures that the brackets are particularly flat and take up less space in the mouth, making them more comfortable to wear.

Lingual braces are particularly suitable for complex tooth movements and are just as effective as traditional fixed braces. They enable precise corrections in all three spatial directions and can correct both misaligned teeth and bite anomalies. Compared to aligners such as Invisalign, it offers a continuous 24-hour effect and is therefore often quicker to treat.

As fitting and fabrication is more complex than with conventional braces, the costs for lingual braces are generally higher. We will be happy to clarify in a personal consultation whether this method is the right choice for your individual tooth correction.

Yes, teeth can also be corrected in adulthood without any problems. While orthodontic treatment used to be carried out mainly in childhood and adolescence, more and more adults are now opting for braces to correct misalignments and improve their dental health. Thanks to modern techniques such as invisible braces (e.g. Invisalign) or inconspicuous ceramic brackets, dental corrections can be discreetly integrated into everyday life.

Orthodontic treatment in adulthood can not only bring aesthetic benefits, but also reduce functional problems such as jaw joint problems or incorrect loading of the teeth. As jaw growth is complete in adulthood, some movements can take longer than in children, but with the right method, almost all misaligned teeth can be treated successfully. In a personal consultation, we will clarify which treatment method is most suitable for you.

The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on various factors, including the type of malocclusion, the chosen treatment system and the individual reaction of the teeth to the braces. As a rule, treatment with fixed braces lasts around 1.5 years. Removable braces or transparent aligners such as Invisalign can also be worn for several months to years, depending on the initial situation.

For minor corrections, treatment can be completed after just a few months, while more complex tooth movements or the correction of a faulty bite can take longer. The patient’s cooperation is also crucial to the success of treatment – especially with removable aligners or loose braces. Regular check-ups and consistent wearing of the appliance help to keep the treatment time as short and effective as possible. We can give you a more precise assessment of your individual situation in a personal consultation.

The cost of braces treatment depends on various factors, including the type of braces, the complexity of the tooth correction and the duration of the treatment. Fixed braces with metal brackets are generally the most cost-effective option, while aesthetically unobtrusive alternatives such as ceramic brackets or invisible aligners such as Invisalign are more expensive. Another option is lingual braces, where the brackets are attached to the inside of the teeth so that they are not visible from the outside. This method is particularly discreet, but requires precise individual adjustment, which can affect the costs.

For children and adolescents, statutory health insurance covers the costs of orthodontic treatment in part or in full, provided a certain misalignment is present. For adults, the costs are generally only covered in the case of severe jaw misalignment. Private health insurance or supplementary insurance may cover the costs, depending on the tariff.

To give you an exact idea of the costs involved, we will draw up an individual treatment and cost plan before treatment begins. In a personal consultation, we will inform you in detail about the possible costs, financing options and any reimbursements from your health insurance company.

Good oral hygiene is particularly important during treatment with braces, as plaque and food debris can adhere more easily to the brackets, wires or aligners. With fixed braces, teeth should be brushed thoroughly after every meal to prevent tooth decay and inflammation. In addition to a normal toothbrush, special interdental brushes help to keep the spaces around the brackets and wires clean. A toothpaste containing fluoride and an antibacterial mouthwash can also help protect against tooth decay.

Dental care is somewhat easier with removable aligners such as Invisalign, as the aligners are removed before eating. However, the teeth should always be cleaned thoroughly before reinserting the aligners to prevent bacteria from accumulating under the aligners. The aligners themselves should also be cleaned regularly with a soft toothbrush and clean water.

During orthodontic treatment, depending on the type of braces, there are some dietary recommendations to prevent damage to the braces and maintain dental health. For fixed braces with brackets and wires, hard foods such as nuts, raw carrots or hard bread crusts should be eaten carefully or cut into smaller pieces, as they can damage the brackets or wires. Very sticky or chewy foods such as chewing gum, caramel or chewy sweets should be avoided as they can wrap around or stick to the brackets.

Highly sugary foods and drinks such as sodas or sweet snacks should also be reduced as they increase the risk of tooth decay, especially in the areas around the brackets where plaque can accumulate more easily. After eating, care should be taken to clean the teeth thoroughly to remove any residue.

With removable aligners such as Invisalign, there are fewer restrictions as the aligners are removed for eating. However, it is important to brush your teeth after every meal before reinserting the aligners to avoid tooth decay and discoloration.

In a personal consultation, we will be happy to give you further tips on how you can optimally adapt your diet during treatment in order to protect your braces and your teeth in the best possible way.

Invisalign and fixed braces are two different methods of straightening teeth, each with their own advantages. Invisalign consists of transparent, removable plastic aligners that are custom-made and changed every few weeks to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. The aligners are virtually invisible and are very comfortable to wear as they do not contain any brackets or wires. As they can be removed for eating and dental care, there are no dietary restrictions and oral hygiene is easier than with fixed braces.

Fixed braces, on the other hand, consist of brackets that are glued to the teeth and connected with wires. This method enables precise control of tooth movement and is particularly effective for complex malocclusions. As the brackets work around the clock, the duration of treatment can be shorter than with aligners in some cases. However, there are some dietary restrictions, as hard or sticky foods can damage the brackets. Dental care is also more time-consuming, as food debris adheres more easily to the brackets and wires.

Which method is the better choice depends on the individual malocclusion, the patient’s aesthetic wishes and discipline. While Invisalign offers a discreet and flexible solution, fixed braces are particularly suitable for more complex corrections. We will be happy to help you find the optimal treatment method for your needs in a personal consultation.

The use of state-of-the-art technology in our practice enables us to carry out dental corrections precisely, efficiently and comfortably. We use digital 3D scanners to create exact images of your tooth and jaw structure, which serve as the basis for the individual planning of your treatment. These precise diagnostics allow us to accurately predict the course of treatment and optimize its duration. Our modern materials and appliances, such as self-ligating brackets, reduce friction and enable smoother tooth movements, which increases comfort and can shorten treatment times.

The frequency of check-ups depends on the type of braces and the individual course of treatment. With fixed braces, check-ups are usually required every six to eight weeks. The brackets and wires are checked, readjusted if necessary and the progress of tooth movement is checked. These regular adjustments are necessary to achieve the desired tooth position and ensure that the treatment is progressing optimally.

With Invisalign or other aligner systems, the check-up appointments are usually somewhat less frequent, as the patient changes the aligners independently. During these visits, Dr. Horvath checks the progress of the treatment and ensures that the new aligners are working as intended.

Once orthodontic treatment has been completed, it is important to permanently stabilize the result achieved. Without appropriate aftercare, the teeth could slowly move back into their original position. To prevent this, so-called retainers are usually used.

The retainers hold the teeth in their new position. There are removable retainers, which are worn at night, and fixed retainers, which are attached to the inside of the front teeth as a thin wire. The choice of retainer depends on the individual tooth position and the recommendations of the orthodontist.

Regular check-ups ensure that the treatment result remains stable in the long term. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are also important to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. In a personal consultation, we will explain which retention method is best for you and how you can keep your new smile permanently.

During orthodontic treatment, you may experience slight pain or a feeling of pressure in the first few days after the braces have been fitted or readjusted. This is completely normal and shows that the teeth are reacting to the gentle force of the braces. The discomfort usually subsides on its own within a few days.

With fixed braces, brackets or wires can be unfamiliar at first and rub against the cheeks or tongue. In such cases, special protective wax helps to relieve the affected areas. A slight feeling of pressure can also occur with Invisalign aligners, especially after changing to a new aligner.

Yes, pronunciation may be temporarily impaired, especially in the first few days after braces are fitted. This mainly affects removable braces, Invisalign aligners and lingual braces, as the tongue first has to get used to the new situation in the mouth. Sounds such as “S” and “Sch” in particular can sound a little unfamiliar at first.

With fixed braces on the outside of the teeth, there is usually minimal interference as the tongue hardly comes into contact with the brackets. Lingual braces, which are attached to the inside of the teeth, can mean a major adjustment at first, as they slightly restrict the tongue area. Even with Invisalign, there may be a short adjustment period as the aligners slightly alter the airflow in the mouth.

The good news is that the tongue gets used to the new braces within a few days to weeks. With a little practice, for example by consciously speaking or reading texts out loud, pronunciation can be improved quickly. If problems persist after a longer adaptation period, we can make individual adjustments to optimize wearing comfort.

If a bracket comes loose, a wire sticks out or other damage occurs to the braces, an appointment for repair should be made as soon as possible. Damaged braces can delay treatment or cause uncomfortable pressure points in the mouth.

In the case of fixed braces, a protruding wire can be temporarily covered with protective wax or carefully bent into a more comfortable position with tweezers. If a bracket is loose, it should be left in place if possible and not removed on its own.

Removable braces or aligners should be checked for cracks or fractures. A damaged splint should no longer be worn as it can have a negative effect on tooth movement. Instead, the orthodontist should be informed immediately in order to find a solution.

In an emergency, we are always available for a quick repair or adjustment so that your treatment can continue without interruption. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any problems – we will be happy to help you.

With removable braces or Invisalign aligners, consistent wearing is crucial to the success of treatment. If they are not worn regularly, progress slows down or the teeth may even move back to their original position. To achieve optimum results, aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours a day and only removed for eating and dental care.

Even after active treatment is completed, it is important to wear the retention appliances (e.g. removable retainers or fixed wires) as recommended. Otherwise, the teeth may shift again, which can lead to further corrections.

With fixed braces, there is no risk that they will not be worn, but the active cooperation of the patient is also important here. Regular check-ups are essential to ensure that the braces are working correctly and that the treatment is going according to plan.

If you have any difficulties wearing your braces, please contact us – together we will find a solution to make your treatment as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Yes, sports are also possible with braces. However, special care should be taken with contact sports such as soccer, handball or martial arts. Brackets or wires could injure the lips or cheeks through knocks or blows in the mouth area. To minimize the risk, it is advisable to wear a special mouthguard that fits over the braces and can be individually adjusted.

For patients with Invisalign or other removable aligners, there is a lower risk of injury as there are no fixed brackets in the mouth. Nevertheless, the aligners should be removed and stored safely as a precaution during intensive sports.

If you play sports regularly, we will be happy to advise you on the best protection options for your braces so that you can remain active without worrying.

Yes, it is possible to play a musical instrument with braces, but depending on the instrument and type of braces, there may be a short period of familiarization. Especially with wind instruments such as the trumpet, clarinet or saxophone, fixed braces can be unfamiliar at first, as the lips press against the brackets. This can lead to slight pressure points or changes in the playing feel.

However, with a little practice, the lips usually get used to the new situation quickly. In some cases, wearing a special wax on the brackets can help to reduce friction and make playing more comfortable. For musicians who regularly play wind instruments, lingual braces or Invisalign can be a good alternative, as they have less impact on the lips.

If you have any concerns about your instrument, we will be happy to advise you individually and give you tips on how you can get used to playing with braces as quickly as possible.

Orthodontic treatment corrects misaligned teeth and jaws with the help of braces or aligners. It uses gentle, continuous forces to move the teeth into the desired position without the need for surgical intervention.

Oral surgery, on the other hand, is used when braces alone are not enough to correct a severe jaw misalignment. In such cases, surgery may be necessary, for example to adjust the position of the jaw or to correct a pronounced misalignment of the upper or lower jaw. These procedures are usually planned in collaboration between orthodontists and oral surgeons.

Whether purely orthodontic treatment is sufficient or a surgical procedure is necessary depends on the individual jaw situation. We will be happy to clarify which treatment option is the best choice for you in a personal consultation.

The removal of wisdom teeth is only necessary if they are actually causing problems. In many cases, wisdom teeth have enough space and do not negatively affect the position of the teeth. However, if there is a lack of space, the wisdom teeth grow crookedly or exert pressure on the surrounding teeth, removal may be advisable in order to avoid crowding or displacement.

We check whether the wisdom teeth need to be removed on an individual basis using x-rays. If braces treatment is planned or already in progress, we will be happy to advise you and decide together whether removal is necessary or whether regular check-ups are sufficient. Our aim is always to find a gentle and sensible solution for your dental health.

In our family-run practice with over 40 years of experience, we attach great importance to individual care and customized solutions for our patients. Our orthodontic specialist, Dr. Nicole Horvath, will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic goals. We offer a variety of modern braces, including aesthetic ceramic brackets and virtually invisible internal braces, to meet both functional and cosmetic requirements. Our goal is to help you achieve a radiant smile that boosts your self-confidence and improves your quality of life.