Frequently asked questions.
Fewer worries, more smiles: here we answer what patients and parents most often want to know.
( Questions )
General
Does health insurance cover the costs?
For children and teenagers, statutory health insurance covers the costs when treatment is medically necessary. We advise you openly on all options and any additional services.
At what age does a first appointment make sense?
A first check-up is often useful at primary school age. For adults there is no age limit.
How long does treatment take?
That depends on your starting point. At your consultation you receive an individual plan with a realistic time estimate.
How do I book an appointment?
Online via Doctolib or by phone on 030 693 03 93 – Tue–Fri, 09:00–12:30 and 14:00–18:00. Appointments are also possible by arrangement.
Which treatments do you offer?
Clear aligners, fixed and removable braces, early treatment for children, retainers, TMJ treatment, professional teeth cleaning and home whitening – including 3D scans, digital X-rays and our own laboratory.
Which languages does the team speak?
Our team speaks German, English, Turkish and Arabic.
Where is the practice?
At Methfesselstr. 50, 10965 Berlin – right next to Viktoriapark. U6 and bus 104 stop at Platz der Luftbrücke.
( Questions )
Costs & insurance
What does statutory health insurance cover for children and teenagers?
Until the 18th birthday, statutory health insurance covers the costs when treatment is medically necessary. You get your own contribution back once treatment has been completed successfully.
And for adults?
For adults, statutory insurance pays only in exceptional cases, such as severe jaw misalignments that need combined surgical treatment. Private supplementary insurance covers part of the costs, depending on your plan.
When will I know what my treatment costs?
Before treatment starts. You receive a clear treatment and cost plan – with all options and any additional services.
( Questions )
Clear aligners
Can you see the trays?
Hardly. The aligners are transparent and fit closely to the teeth. Most people around you will not notice them.
Does the treatment hurt?
In the first days with a new tray many people feel slight pressure – a sign that the teeth are moving. It usually eases after a few days.
How long does aligner treatment take?
That depends on your starting point. After the 3D scan you receive an individual plan with a realistic time estimate.
What happens after treatment?
So that the teeth do not move back, you receive a retainer – a fine wire behind the teeth or a removable tray for the night.
( Questions )
Fixed braces
Do fixed braces hurt?
Fitting them is painless. In the first days and after adjustments you may feel pressure, which usually eases quickly.
Can I eat everything with brackets?
Almost everything. You should avoid very hard or sticky foods such as nuts, caramel or chewing gum so that no brackets come loose.
What do I do if a bracket comes loose?
Call us – we will arrange an appointment promptly. Outside our opening hours you can find the orthodontic emergency service through the KZV Berlin.
How long do I have to wear the braces?
That depends on your starting point. At the consultation you receive an individual plan with a realistic time estimate.
What are pins?
Pins are small titanium mini-screws placed under local anaesthetic, usually in the palate or between the tooth roots. They serve as temporary, fixed anchorage – for example for the TopJet, for closing gaps or for uprighting teeth – and are removed after treatment.
( Questions )
Treatment for children
At what age does a first appointment make sense?
A first check-up is often useful at primary school age – or earlier if something stands out, such as a crossbite.
Will my child still need fixed braces later?
Sometimes, yes. Early treatment can simplify or shorten later treatment, but it does not replace it in every case.
How long do removable braces have to be worn?
We decide that individually. Removable braces only work when they are worn – we discuss with your child and you how to make that work.
What should we bring to the first appointment?
Your child’s insurance card, the completed registration form and – if you have them – X-rays or reports from your dentist.
( Questions )
TMD treatment
Is jaw clicking dangerous?
Occasional clicking without pain is usually harmless. If pain, tension or a restricted mouth opening are added, the jaw joint should be examined.
How long do I need to wear a bite splint?
The splint is usually worn at night. How long depends on your complaints – we check progress regularly and adjust the splint as needed.
Can braces help with jaw joint problems?
If a misaligned bite contributes to the complaints, orthodontic treatment can relieve the jaw joints in the long term. Whether this makes sense for you, we clarify after the functional diagnostics.
When does botulinum toxin treatment make sense?
If your chewing muscles remain very tense despite a splint, or you clench and grind very hard, botulinum toxin can temporarily relax the muscles. The effect usually lasts a few months. We discuss in detail after the examination whether the treatment is an option for you.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can book an appointment directly. Feel free to bring any existing findings or X-rays.
( Questions )
Removable braces
How long does a removable brace have to be worn each day?
We decide that individually. What counts is regularity: a brace that stays in its case moves nothing.
Can my child speak normally with the brace?
In the first days pronunciation often sounds unfamiliar. That usually passes quickly – reading aloud helps with getting used to it.
What if the brace presses, no longer fits or is broken?
Call us. Please do not bend anything back yourself – our laboratory repairs or adjusts the brace.
Does a removable brace replace fixed braces?
Not always. It can simplify or shorten later treatment. Some tooth movements, however, only work with fixed braces or aligners.
( Questions )
Retainers
My retainer has come loose – what now?
Please call us promptly. As long as the wire does not sit firmly everywhere, teeth can shift. If a loose wire end bothers you, a little protective wax helps until your appointment.
How long do I have to wear a retainer?
The longer, the more stable the result stays. How long it makes sense in your case is something we discuss with you in person.
Does the wire get in the way when speaking or eating?
After a short settling-in period most people hardly feel it any more. You should avoid biting off very hard foods with your front teeth.
I was treated elsewhere – can I still come to you?
Yes. We check, repair or replace your retainer even if the treatment took place at another practice.
( Questions )
Professional teeth cleaning
Does a professional cleaning hurt?
Usually not. With sensitive teeth or inflamed gums it can be uncomfortable in places – let us know and we will work especially gently.
How often should I come?
Two appointments a year usually make sense. With fixed braces or a retainer we often recommend shorter intervals – we discuss this individually.
How long does the appointment take?
About 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the findings.
Can I have it during orthodontic treatment?
Yes, especially then. We clean gently around brackets and wires without damaging the appliance.
( Questions )
Home whitening
Does whitening damage the teeth?
With dental supervision and the right concentration, whitening is considered safe. The enamel is not removed; temporary sensitivity is possible.
How long does the result last?
Usually one to three years – depending on how much coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco is involved. The trays can be used later for touch-ups.
Can I whiten during my braces?
Ideally afterwards – otherwise darker spots would remain under the brackets. With aligners, ask us about the right time.
Do fillings and crowns get lighter too?
No. Dental restorations and fillings keep their colour, so we plan whitening before new fillings or crowns where possible.