Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontics in Offenbach
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
A first check-up usually makes sense from the age of three to five – by then all the milk teeth are in place and misalignments or habits such as thumb sucking can already be spotted. If nothing unusual was noticed in the primary dentition, the age of eight to nine is the usual time for the first orthodontic examination.
Can adults still have their teeth straightened?
Yes, there is no age limit. What matters is healthy teeth and a stable periodontium, not your year of birth. Adults often opt for clear aligners because these are barely noticeable in everyday working life.
Does health insurance pay for braces?
For children and adolescents the statutory health insurers cover the costs if a recognised orthodontic indication exists. The initial consultation and the first examination to establish whether treatment is necessary are usually covered as well. Which services beyond that are billed privately is something we discuss with you before treatment begins.
How long do you have to wear braces?
Early treatment in the primary dentition usually takes about one to one and a half years. Regular treatment in the permanent dentition often runs for two to three years, followed by a stabilisation phase. The exact duration depends on the findings and is set out in the treatment plan.
What types of braces are there?
A distinction is made between removable appliances such as single plates or functional orthodontic devices, fixed appliances with metal or ceramic brackets, and clear plastic trays known as aligners. Which option is suitable is decided after the examination, based on age and jaw growth.
Orthodontics
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist detects, treats and prevents misalignments of the teeth and jaws. This is not only about straight teeth, but about the interplay of teeth, jaw joints and chewing muscles. The aim is a chewing system that is functionally stable and aesthetically convincing.
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
After completing dental studies, a specialist orthodontist has undergone several years of further training devoted exclusively to misalignments of the teeth and jaws. Your family dentist remains responsible for check-ups, fillings and tooth preservation and refers you to the orthodontist for the correction itself.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
You can also make an appointment without a referral. If you do have a referral note, please bring it along – as well as any existing X-rays or previous findings. That saves duplicate examinations and speeds up the planning.
What happens at the first orthodontic appointment?
During the initial consultation we record the findings, look at the position of the teeth and the bite and clarify whether treatment is needed at all. For the actual planning, impressions, photographs and, depending on the situation, an X-ray follow. We then explain the treatment path, the duration and the costs to you.
Do braces hurt?
Fitting them is not painful in itself. In the first few days afterwards, or after an adjustment, a feeling of pressure or tension can occur, which usually eases after a few days. Let us know if something is pressing – a small correction is normally enough.
Is treatment necessary?
How can I tell whether my child needs braces?
Noticeable signs are, for example, crowded or rotated teeth, a gap between the rows of teeth when biting together, a clearly protruding upper or lower jaw, permanent mouth breathing or a lisp. Only an orthodontic examination gives certainty, however, because many misalignments are hardly visible from the outside.
Are braces purely a matter of appearance?
No. Misalignments create niches that are difficult to clean and therefore increase the risk of caries and diseases of the periodontium. Biting off food, chewing and the load on the jaw joints can be affected as well.
Can headaches come from the teeth?
An unbalanced bite can be linked to headaches, jaw joint complaints, noises in the ear or tension in the neck. Whether that is the cause in an individual case can only be assessed after a functional examination – we are happy to look into this together with you.
What happens if a misalignment is not treated?
The niches that are hard to clean remain, and individual teeth continue to be loaded unevenly. That can encourage inflammation of the periodontium, tipping teeth or jaw joint complaints. As a rule, the earlier a misalignment is detected, the simpler the correction.
Treatment planning
What happens before the braces are fitted?
Before treatment begins there is the diagnostic stage: clinical examination, impressions for jaw models, facial and dental photographs and, as a rule, a panoramic X-ray. Only on this basis is the individual treatment plan drawn up.
Why are impressions of the teeth taken?
The impression produces an exact model of the upper and lower jaw. It allows the available space, tooth widths and bite position to be measured – things that cannot be assessed precisely in the mouth alone. Later the model also serves as a reference for the treatment progress.
How long does it take from the first appointment to getting braces?
The initial examination is followed by the appointment for the diagnostic records. Once models, photographs and X-rays have been evaluated, we discuss the completed treatment plan with you. This usually takes a few weeks, depending on the findings and the response from the health insurer.
Will I know in advance how long the treatment takes and what it costs?
Yes. The treatment plan records which appliance is used, in what order treatment takes place and what treatment duration is to be expected. Costs and any personal contributions are discussed with you before treatment begins.
3D diagnostics and CBCT
What is a cone beam CT (CBCT) at the dentist?
DVT is the German abbreviation for digital volume tomography, also known as cone beam computed tomography. In a single rotation around the head, the device creates a three-dimensional image of the jaw. Unlike a conventional X-ray, bone, tooth roots and neighbouring structures can be assessed spatially and without distortion.
Do I need an X-ray before getting braces?
As a rule an overview image is part of the diagnostic records, because teeth that are congenitally missing, displaced or not yet erupted cannot otherwise be identified. We only take a three-dimensional image if the two-dimensional image does not provide sufficient information.
How high is the radiation exposure from a 3D image?
We work with digital imaging technology, which requires a considerably lower dose than older film-based methods. Before every image we also check the justifying indication: an X-ray is only taken if the diagnostic benefit justifies it.
When is a 3D image necessary in orthodontics?
Typical reasons are complex malformations and misaligned teeth, anomalies of teeth and tooth roots, eruption disorders, retained or displaced teeth as well as changes in the bone structure such as cysts. In all other cases the two-dimensional image is sufficient.
Combined orthodontic and surgical treatment
When are braces alone no longer enough?
If it is not only the teeth but the jaws themselves that are clearly displaced in relation to one another or malformed, and growth has already finished, braces alone cannot compensate for this. A combined orthodontic and oral surgical treatment is then the usual route.
How does jaw surgery for a misalignment work?
First the dental arches are prepared orthodontically so that they fit together after repositioning. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon then surgically repositions the upper and/or lower jaw. Finally a short orthodontic fine-tuning phase follows.
Who performs the operation – the orthodontist or a surgeon?
The procedure is carried out by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We take care of the preparatory treatment, the planning in coordination with the surgeon and the fine-tuning afterwards. You are therefore looked after by one team throughout.
Is jaw surgery also necessary in children?
As a rule, no. As long as the jaw is still growing, many misalignments can be influenced with growth-guiding appliances. Combined treatment mainly concerns adult patients whose growth has finished.
Orthodontics for children
When should a child first see an orthodontist?
A first check-up makes sense from the age of three to five, because by then all the milk teeth are present and misalignments as well as dysfunctions can already be recognised. If nothing unusual shows in the primary dentition, a first examination at the age of eight to nine is usually sufficient.
Does my child already need braces while it still has milk teeth?
Usually not. Early treatment makes sense for example with a crossbite, an anterior open bite, pronounced lack of space, or if a child has sucked its thumb for a long time or lisps. Whether and when treatment takes place is decided by the findings.
What happens if a milk tooth is lost too early?
The neighbouring teeth can tip into the gap and take away the space for the permanent tooth. In such cases we fit a space maintainer that keeps the gap open until the successor erupts.
Is thumb sucking bad for the teeth?
Persistent thumb sucking, lip biting or tongue thrusting can change the position of teeth and jaws; these are referred to as habits. The earlier such habits are given up, the smaller the effects on the dentition.
Which type of braces do children get?
In the primary and mixed dentition we mainly work with removable appliances such as single plates or functional orthodontic devices, for example a bionator. Fixed braces are as a rule only used once the permanent dentition is in place.
Orthodontics for teenagers
At what age do you get fixed braces?
Usually between the ages of nine and twelve, when the permanent teeth have erupted and jaw growth is still ongoing. Misalignments can be regulated particularly effectively during this phase.
Are there braces that cannot be seen?
Yes. With the lingual technique the brackets are attached to the inner surface of the teeth and are almost invisible from the outside. Alternatively there are clear aligners as well as tooth-coloured ceramic brackets, which are far less conspicuous than metal.
Can you choose the colour of your braces?
With fixed braces the elastics that hold the archwire can be chosen in many colours – from discreet to boldly bright. They are changed at every check-up appointment, so the colour can be picked anew each time.
Do ceramic brackets become discoloured?
Unlike plastic brackets, ceramic brackets do not absorb colourings from food and therefore do not discolour even when worn for a longer period. At most the colourless elastic rings may discolour, and these are renewed at every check-up appointment.
Can you play sport with fixed braces?
Yes. For sports with a risk of falling or of contact we recommend a mouthguard that protects lips, cheeks and teeth. We make it individually from an impression – also to fit over fixed braces.
Orthodontics for adults
Do braces still make sense at 40?
There is no age limit. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as the periodontium is healthy and stable. Before treatment begins we therefore check the gums and the bone situation.
How do clear aligners work?
A series of precisely fitting aligners is produced with computer support for your treatment goal. Each individual aligner moves the teeth only by fractions of a millimetre; through the regular change the teeth move step by step into the planned position.
Are the aligners noticeable when I talk?
The aligners are wafer-thin and transparent and are barely noticeable in everyday life. When speaking and laughing they are usually not disturbing.
Can I eat and brush my teeth normally with aligners?
Yes, the aligners are simply taken out for eating, drinking and dental care. Eating habits and oral hygiene are therefore not restricted.
Can I see in advance how my teeth will look afterwards?
With an intraoral scanner we record your current dental situation and can simulate a possible target situation on the computer. That is a basis for planning and an illustration, not a promise of a particular result.
Clear trays and aligners
What is an invisible brace?
This usually refers to treatment with transparent plastic aligners. They are placed over the dental arch and are hard to make out even from a short distance. A second variant are brackets that are attached to the inner surface of the teeth – the lingual technique.
Do aligners hurt?
Compared with fixed appliances, aligner therapy is perceived as more comfortable by many patients. When changing to a new aligner a slight feeling of tension can occur for one to two days, which usually subsides quickly.
Which misalignments are aligners suitable for?
Mild to moderate misalignments of the teeth and narrow gaps can be reliably corrected with clear aligners. With pronounced jaw misalignments, on the other hand, fixed appliances or a combined treatment are usually required. Which option suits your case is clarified by the examination.
How many hours a day do aligners have to be worn?
So that the planned tooth movements can take place, the aligners have to be worn consistently and only taken out for eating, drinking and brushing. Around 20 to 22 hours a day is usual; you will receive the exact requirement with your treatment plan.
Referrals
What do I need to bring to my first orthodontic appointment?
Please bring your referral note, your health insurance card and all the documents you have: X-ray images, ideally digitally on a data carrier, CT or CBCT scans, MRI images, findings from previous treatments as well as surgical and medical reports.
Can I come without a referral?
Yes, an appointment is also possible without a referral. If you have been referred, please bring the referral note with you – we will then coordinate the treatment directly with your dentist.
Does health insurance pay for the first examination at the orthodontist?
To establish whether orthodontic treatment is necessary, the statutory health insurers as a rule cover the initial consultation and the first orthodontic examination. Anything beyond that we discuss with you in advance.
Can I bring old X-ray images so that no new ones have to be taken?
Yes, that is expressly welcome. Existing images spare you unnecessary duplicate examinations and help us to plan the treatment promptly. Please bring digital images on a data carrier.
Orthodontic prophylaxis
How do you brush your teeth properly with fixed braces?
What matters is a fixed sequence, targeted cleaning around every bracket and aids such as interdental brushes. We show you this in a brushing lesson directly on your own braces.
Do braces cause white spots on the teeth?
If plaque remains around the brackets for a longer period, the enamel can demineralise – visible as whitish spots. As a preventive measure we seal the area around the brackets and accompany the treatment with regular cleaning and fluoridation.
How often should you have a professional cleaning while wearing braces?
That depends on the appliance, age and oral hygiene. During treatment with fixed braces shorter intervals than usual are often recommended. We determine your personal rhythm together after the examination.
How is a removable brace cleaned?
At home you clean the brace daily with a brush and lukewarm water. At the check-up appointments we additionally clean removable braces and aligners thoroughly in an ultrasonic bath.
Your orthodontists
Who will treat me at the practice?
Treatment is carried out by the specialised practitioners of our specialist practice, supported by a well-established team. You can see who will be looking after you on this page – there we introduce the practitioners with their focus and professional background.
Will I always be looked after by the same practitioner?
We attach importance to having consistent contacts throughout the whole treatment period. During holidays or illness a colleague takes over; thanks to regular professional exchange and shared documentation the treatment plan remains the same.
Do I have to go to another practice for X-rays or prophylaxis?
No. We offer diagnostics, orthodontic treatment and the accompanying orthodontic prophylaxis under one roof. Only for surgical procedures do we work together with oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
Will I be informed about costs and risks before the treatment?
Yes. Before a treatment begins we explain in understandable terms what the findings are, which treatment options are possible, how long it takes and what costs may arise. Possible risks are also part of this conversation.
Treatment without fear
I am afraid of the dentist – what can I do?
It is best to tell us as early as when you make the appointment. We then allow more time, explain every step in advance and only start when you are ready. A purely introductory conversation without any treatment is possible at any time.
Does anything have to be done at the first appointment?
No. The first appointment is for getting to know each other, recording the findings and advising you. Afterwards you decide at your own pace whether and how to proceed.
Is orthodontic treatment painful?
Fitting a brace or an aligner is not painful. In the first few days afterwards and after adjustments a feeling of pressure or tension can occur. We plan the treatment so that discomfort stays as low as possible, and you can ask for a break at any time.
Is there a brace that is barely visible?
Yes. Clear aligners and brackets on the inner surface of the teeth are barely noticeable in everyday life. Whether one of these options is suitable for your findings is something we clarify during the consultation.
Orthodontics for Heusenstamm
Is there an orthodontist for Heusenstamm?
We treat patients from Heusenstamm at our specialist orthodontic practice at Darmstädter Straße 15 in 63069 Offenbach. From Heusenstamm the practice can be reached in a few minutes by car.
Which types of braces do you offer?
We offer the entire spectrum: clear aligners, fixed braces with metal or ceramic brackets as well as removable appliances. Which option is suitable is decided by the findings.
Do you also treat adults from Heusenstamm?
Yes. Our patients include children, adolescents and adults. For adults, clear removable aligners are of particular interest because they are barely noticeable in everyday working life.
Orthodontics for Sprendlingen
Where can I find an orthodontist for Sprendlingen?
Our specialist orthodontic practice is located at Darmstädter Straße 15 in 63069 Offenbach. We regularly treat patients from Sprendlingen and the rest of Dreieich.
What treatment options are there?
Clear aligners, fixed braces as well as removable appliances. After recording the findings we suggest the suitable option to you and explain the procedure, the duration and the costs.
From what age does treatment make sense?
A first check-up makes sense from the age of three to five; regular treatment usually begins between the ages of nine and twelve. For adults there is no age limit.
Orthodontics for Neu-Isenburg
How can crooked teeth be straightened?
For children and adolescents, fixed braces, removable braces or clear aligners are possible options. As long as the body is still growing, misalignments can be influenced particularly effectively. With adults, aligners are predominantly used.
Is there an orthodontist near Neu-Isenburg?
Our specialist orthodontic practice is located at Darmstädter Straße 15 in 63069 Offenbach and is easy to reach from Neu-Isenburg. We treat children, adolescents and adults.
When is the right time for a consultation?
As soon as you notice something about your child's tooth position or your dentist raises the subject with you. A first orthodontic examination clarifies whether and when treatment makes sense.
Orthodontics for Dreieich
Can you still get braces as an adult?
Yes. There is no age limit for tooth corrections as long as the teeth and the periodontium are healthy. In a fully grown jaw the treatment proceeds differently than in adolescents and calls for corresponding experience.
Which braces do adults choose most often?
Most often the choice falls on aligners – almost invisible, transparent and removable trays. They are barely noticeable in everyday working life and can be taken out for eating and dental care.
Where is the practice located?
At Darmstädter Straße 15 in 63069 Offenbach. From Dreieich we are easy to reach by car and by public transport.
Orthodontics for Muehlheim
From what age do braces make sense?
A first check-up makes sense from the age of three to five. Regular treatment usually starts between the ages of nine and twelve, when the permanent teeth are there and the jaw is still growing. For adults there is no age limit.
What types of braces are there?
Loose, that is removable braces, fixed braces with brackets, and clear aligners. Which option is possible depends on the findings, age and treatment goal.
Do you treat patients from Mühlheim?
Yes. Our specialist orthodontic practice at Darmstädter Straße 15 in 63069 Offenbach treats patients of all ages from Mühlheim and the surrounding area.
Orthodontics for Steinheim
Are braces still worth it at 30 or 40?
What matters is the condition of the gums and bone, not your age. More and more adults are opting for a correction because clear aligners are barely noticeable in everyday life.
Why do adults often choose aligners?
Above all because they fit into everyday life: the aligners are simply taken out for eating and dental care and are hardly noticeable when speaking.
Where do you treat patients from Steinheim?
At our specialist orthodontic practice at Darmstädter Straße 15 in 63069 Offenbach. We treat children, adolescents and adults.
Orthodontics for Obertshausen
What are aligners?
Aligners are transparent, removable and almost invisible tooth trays. They are made as a series on the basis of digital planning and move the teeth step by step into the planned position.
How often do you have to come for check-ups when wearing aligners?
The course of treatment is checked regularly. We set the intervals individually; as a rule they are longer than with fixed braces, because no archwires have to be adjusted.
Do you also treat children from Obertshausen?
Yes. Our patients include children, adolescents and adults. With children, removable or fixed appliances are used depending on the findings – not always aligners.
Directions and contact
How do I make an appointment?
The quickest way is by phone on 069 24743210 during our consulting hours. Alternatively you can use the contact form on this page or send us an e-mail to info@offenbach-kieferorthopaedie.com. We will then get back to you with a proposed appointment.
When is the practice open?
We are here for you Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:30. You will find the current consulting hours at the top of this page.
Where is the practice and how do I get there?
You will find us at Darmstädter Straße 15 in 63069 Offenbach. Using the map on this page you can have a route calculated directly.
Who do I turn to outside consulting hours?
Outside our consulting hours, at weekends and on public holidays the dental emergency service in Hesse can help. In life-threatening emergencies please call the emergency services on 112.
What should I do if a bracket comes off or a wire is poking?
Please contact the practice so that we can schedule an appointment at short notice. A protruding wire end can be covered temporarily with orthodontic protective wax. A loose bracket is not an emergency, but it should be reattached soon.
Contact and appointment request
Can I also request an appointment online?
Yes. Simply fill in the form on this page – form of address, name, e-mail and your request are enough. We will get back to you with a proposed appointment. You can reach us by phone on 069 24743210.
How long does it take to get a reply?
We usually process enquiries submitted via the form within the next few working days. If it concerns acute complaints or an appliance that has come loose, please call us directly – that is quicker.
What information is needed for an appointment request?
Your name, an e-mail address for our reply and a brief note about your request: initial consultation, treatment for a child, aligner treatment or something else. A telephone number helps us in case we have any queries.
Do you treat patients with statutory health insurance?
Yes, we treat patients with statutory and with private health insurance. For children and adolescents the statutory health insurers cover the costs if a recognised orthodontic indication exists.
Is my data from the form transmitted securely?
The transmission is encrypted, and we use your details exclusively to process your enquiry. You will find the particulars in our privacy policy.