Orthodontics
The most important functions of the system are chewing, speaking, swallowing and sucking, but movements of the mimic muscles and sensory perceptions are also influenced by interactions with the craniomandibular system), digestive or, in complicated cases, the cardiovascular system. Misaligned teeth and jaws can also lead to temporomandibular joint problems, gum disease or jawbone erosion in the long term. Orthodontics has many advantages and it is worth setting the course for a healthy chewing apparatus at a young age.
The areas
Braces
Braces are made of metals such as titanium, plastic or ceramic. Depending on the reason for treatment, the dentist uses fixed or loose braces. Children are usually treated with loose braces, as this gentler form is supported by the existing tooth growth. Invisible braces are an aesthetic option, especially for adults.
Removable individualized stretching devices
1) For upper jaw Mew Stage I and
Mandibular Wong (type of bioblock)
This method is suitable for children aged 4-10 years with milk teeth and early mixed dentition. The appliances are useful for narrow and very narrow dental arches (especially transverse and sagittal underdevelopment).
The aim is to treat and promote controlled jaw growth in the optimal direction and size.
- An improvement in posture, for optimal tongue position, chewing function, breathing, sleeping, speaking and facial growth
- Achieving a normal closed mouth, lip closure and physiological lower jaw position with the correct tongue position (Go Packs Exercises).
- The forces exerted act upwards and forward.
The strengths of the appliances lie in the rapid expansion of the upper and lower jaw in all three dimensions, but this is very dependent on the application technique and the cooperation of the patient.
The common goal: healthy children through healthy growth and straight teeth.
2) Orthotropics according to Mew (type of bio block)
Orthotropics is a specialist area of orthodontics that focuses on controlling growth in the facial area, thereby contributing to overall improved muscle function and head movement. Orthodontic treatment based on the principles of Orthotropics provides more space for the teeth and tongue. The focus of this treatment method is not on correcting the position of the teeth alone, but on the holistic view and improvement of head and body posture, as well as breathing. This method is suitable for children aged 4-10 and is therefore often used to treat a class II bite correction (lower jaw bite position).
Important additional information:
Since orthodontic appliances can impair the child’s myofunction, it is recommended that the child remove the Bioblock once a day, wear the Myobalancer appliance for one hour and then immediately reinsert the Bioblock. The child being treated is instructed to adjust the expansion screw(s) by a quarter turn twice a week for the first 2 weeks, then if possible once a day by a quarter turn until sufficient dental arch development is achieved. A check-up is carried out every two to four weeks, during which the device is adjusted and the correct adjustment is checked. The Bioblock should not be used for longer than four to six months.
Myobalancer (M.E.A Medical Equilibrium Active Balancer)
The development of the Balancer is the result of a long research work, both at the structural level and in terms of materials. In addition to the Eptamed team, four other companies with different competencies in the fields of chemistry and technology took part. Thanks to this collaboration, particularly effective structural solutions have been developed that lead to the highest possible optimization of the result after treatment. On a technical level, a special blend of plastic granules has been developed that has received USP Class VI approval, the most stringent in the medical field. This guarantees compatibility with the oral mucosa. This peculiar mixture allows the M.E.A Balancer to be rigid and at the same time flexible, which brings with it a pleasant feeling of well-being.
Thanks to its shape and structure, the balancer can restore the balance of the entire temporomandibular joint, resulting in a huge improvement on the levels of aesthetics and posture. The device is designed to position the tongue in the correct position, promote nasal breathing, relax the mouth and facial muscles and harmonize phonation. Eptamed technology helps restore balance and harmony to the body, preventing bruxism, headaches, back pain, difficulty concentrating and other complaints associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Classic Style Fixed Braces
Braces in Classic Style – the fixed braces with mini brackets
Safe & Reliable
Fixed braces are the classic in orthodontics for children! It is the most commonly used method for correcting the position of teeth in children and adolescents.
How fixed braces work:
To move the teeth, small brackets are attached to the teeth using dental adhesive. There is a slot in each bracket (the so-called slot) through which a wire (the treatment arch) is placed. The orthodontist uses the slot or arches to set how each tooth should move into the optimal alignment.
Modern arches & brackets – gentle & individual
To ensure that misaligned teeth in our young patients are corrected particularly gently and comfortably, we use modern, thermo-superelastic archwires that exert the optimal force on the tooth to be moved 24/7 and at mouth temperature. Our brackets are made from high-quality materials in a mini format. To protect your teeth and for a better look during the braces period!
Mini brackets are popular with children and parents
Mini brackets are more delicate and optically more discreet than standard brackets; they offer great advantages for your child: They require less surface area on the tooth and the teeth are therefore easier to clean. The frictional resistance on the archwire of the braces is lower, making the treatment gentler, less painful and shorter. Tooth damage occurs significantly less often. An additional payment for dental health is a sensible investment and is therefore recommended by us.
Stabilization follows the braces
It doesn’t work without them! Without stabilization, the orthodontic treatment would have been in vain. That’s why the braces period is always followed by the retention phase, in which the aim is to maintain the achieved result using retainers until the teeth have grown firmly into their new position.
Duration & costs
Treatment with fixed braces for children usually lasts two years and is covered by health insurance companies at 50-80% up to the age of 26.
New Style modern aligners (braces)
Aligner therapy for teenagers
Aligners instead of braces. That means transparent splints made of biocompatible plastic instead of visible braces, removable instead of fixed, modern instead of classic. Orthodontic aligner therapy has many benefits. Adults have been wearing aligners for many years and teenagers now want them too: correcting misaligned teeth with Invisalign aligner therapy.
Transparent & modern
The fascination of the aligner treatment lies in the unique aesthetics and the inconspicuousness of the aligner splints during the treatment period. Invisalign aligners are wafer-thin, custom-made and transparent plastic splints. They are made from physiologically harmless materials and are therefore also very suitable for allergy sufferers who react strongly to metals. Because aligners are removable, they appeal to adults and teenagers alike. Especially when it comes to eating, dental care or playing music with wind instruments, removable aligners are a clear plus in terms of comfort compared to fixed braces. But simply removing them also “tempts” some young people into wearing them inconsistently. It is important to know: The Invisalign procedure only works with sensible, disciplined 22-hour-a-day consistency! Aligners are not suitable for every young person – but they are suitable for most. Parents know their child best and can therefore easily assess whether aligner therapy is suitable.
Invisalign is based on modern, digital 3D technology, which, among other things, means that usually only one impression is taken by the orthodontist and that this digital impression is also very pleasant and easy for your child. Another plus: check-up appointments with the orthodontist are fewer overall with aligner therapy! As with orthodontic treatment with fixed braces, the stabilization phase with retainers follows the completion of Invisalign treatment.
Children
Gentle and child-friendly orthodontics
Hand in hand with parents, children and teenagers!
Orthodontics for children and teenagers is particularly important to us! Especially in childhood, we can achieve so many great things with small means. We would be happy to fulfil almost every wish of your children. But the wishes of children and teenagers are not always in harmony with the resources and views of their parents. This makes it all the more important for you as a family to find an orthodontic solution that makes you happy together – regardless of whether your family has statutory or private insurance!
What health significance does the correct position of teeth have for the human organism?
The chewing organ can only fulfil its daily functions when the teeth are in optimal position. These functions include, for example, effortless food intake with the functions of biting, chewing and swallowing. The position of the teeth and jaws influences pronunciation and breathing. If the teeth and jaws are positioned symmetrically and harmoniously, this also contributes to a straight head and body posture. The bite therefore affects the entire body! And ultimately not to be neglected: a harmonious, individually beautiful face contributes to our self-confidence.
How can you meaningfully support your child during orthodontic treatment?
During the braces period, please pay attention to daily oral hygiene, regular prophylactic treatments at the dentist and check-ups at the dentist! The teeth must be healthy before orthodontic treatment so that they remain healthy during treatment and after treatment. The risk of tooth decay can be reduced with preventative fluoride administration. A healthy diet is the perfect way to support your child.
When should your child see an orthodontist?
We recommend a preventive check from the age of 6!
It starts with orthodontic prevention and early treatment:
We recommend your child’s first visit to the orthodontist between the ages of 5 and 6. Treatment is usually not given at this age, but an orthodontist can already recognize at this point whether treatment is required. The start of treatment can therefore be planned perfectly and efficiently! During the orthodontic check-up, orthodontics focuses primarily on the healthy position of the jaws. Childhood has a decisive advantage in orthodontics: the upper jaw is now in its growth phase, which means that at this age we can make good use of the natural human jaw growth and gently guide it in the right direction. Even at a later age, orthodontics can influence misalignments of the upper and lower jaw. But correction will never be as easy as it is with young children!
Early orthodontic detection also includes questions about any existing “habits” (bad habits), such as thumb sucking, lip biting or tongue pressing. It’s not about whether your child might have one of the habits, but rather how we can support you so that their tooth and jaw development is not negatively affected. Breathing through the nose instead of unhealthy breathing through the mouth is also important for health, and orthodontics in children can also have a wonderful effect on healthy breathing with small means.
Teeth grinding usually does not need to be treated orthodontically, as long as there are only milk teeth. On the contrary, grinding in children is often physiologically necessary. Since the jaw and chewing muscles do not always develop at the same time during the growth phase, a baby tooth can temporarily stand in the way of the process. By grinding, annoying corners are then simply sanded away.
For us, the timely detection and elimination of orthodontic malfunctions and undesirable developments is one of the most valuable tasks in orthodontics! In childhood, we can easily move the teeth and jaws with small means and thus make our contribution to the health of our children. A wonderful opportunity that we can recognize and want to take advantage of during preventive care.
Adult
Who said braces are for children?
Healthy & happy in your social life
Our team of orthodontists in Munich specializes in aligner therapy with Invisalign and Spark, invisible braces for adults and the treatment of dysgnathia in adults!
We have a lot of know-how, a lot of experience and constant training when it comes to the perfect smile for adults. Even if many patients did not have the opportunity to have their teeth professionally and permanently corrected in their childhood, today, thanks to modern treatment methods, what was missed in childhood can be made up for in terms of beautiful teeth. Braces and aligners for adults differ from braces for children in that they are even more aesthetically pleasing. We advise you on the subtle options for straightening your teeth in adulthood.
Modern aligner therapy with transparent splints enables a gentle and almost inconspicuous treatment time. Modern tooth position corrections for adults meet high aesthetic standards and do not affect speech or professional and private activities. No fashion trend, no trendy hairstyle or no charm in the world has as much magical appeal as a radiant smile! With orthodontics at the Alpstein Clinic dental practice, we help you express your personality through your unmistakably unique and beautiful smile. Take advantage of modern, almost invisible orthodontic treatment options for adults. It’s worth it, you’ll be amazed at how attractive teeth and a functionally optimal bite relax, enrich your life and support your health and charisma.
Better now than never Invisalign
Aesthetic aligner therapy for adults & teenagers
Modern orthodontics relies on efficient innovations.
What is Invisalign?
The orthodontic method is one thing above all: it is discreet (almost invisible) to wear, easy for you to use and uncomplicated in everyday life! Invisalign is the “smart braces” for the modern lifestyle. It is the plastic splint (aligner) that you pull over your teeth for 18 to 22 hours a day. With Invisalign, only a few appointments (but still important check-ups) with your local orthodontist are required. Today with your family elsewhere, in four weeks in Dubai and only in eight weeks back to the orthodontist in Gais – Invisalign makes it possible.
Invisalign is based on digital progress and individual lifestyles. The innovative tooth position correction system impresses with digital scans, an exciting accompanying app and 3D simulation. See a preview of what you can look like afterwards!
Charm instead of clasp:
Transparent, wafer-thin and comfortable aligners made of plastic replace the classic metal braces look with Invisalign. An aligner set is manufactured individually and uniquely for each owner. Invisalign is not braces – Invisalign is aesthetics. We can do “simple & fast” as well as “complex & patient” – depending on the initial position of your teeth. What is always important to us is a result that makes you shine and supports your dental health and optimal bite.
How Invisalign works
The aligner therapy:
Ultra-thin, transparent aligners (plastic splints) exert gentle pressure on your teeth until they are finally in the desired position. The orthodontic Invisalign correction consists of an aligner set, with a splint being worn for 7 to 10 days. You then replace this with a new aligner, which moves the teeth a little further. In our orthodontic practice, you can receive Invisalign aligners approximately 6 to 10 weeks in advance. However, we would still like to see you regularly for check-ups! If you are travelling or live abroad, we can pack your aligner set for up to a maximum of 6 months in advance (provided your teeth are healthy and the diagnosis allows treatment without personal check-ups for this period.) How many aligners are ultimately necessary for a beautiful and healthy tooth positioning result depends on the personal correction needs of the teeth. Even if aligners demonstrate great flexibility in everyday life, they still have to be worn for 18 to 22 hours a day so that you and we can say:
This is the desired success!
A lot is possible:
In general, we can use the Invisalign method to treat both mild and complex tooth misalignments in our practice. For complex orthodontic treatments with Invisalign, we usually also need attachments (small “composite rectangles”) that are glued to the tooth. The charm remains with them – simply tooth-coloured, they adapt optimally to the invisible correction.
Control appointments are necessary:
Invisalign is a way to correct tooth misalignment that is aesthetic and easy to use in everyday life. Despite everything, regular check-ups with the orthodontist are still necessary with this procedure! When we correct the position of your teeth, we never treat aesthetics alone. Equally important is the correct contact between the teeth of the upper and lower jaw, which determines whether you can bite and chew well and without pain. Orthodontics is aesthetics and health in symbiosis, and beautiful teeth only get their shine when the teeth are healthy, the bite and the chewing system are functioning and the teeth visually shine in their position.
Invisalign benefits
- Aesthetic, almost invisible tooth misalignment correction
the aligner therapy - Comfortable to wear
- Suitable for everyday use: Aligners are easy to use and can be quickly removed for eating and dental care
- Lifestyle-compliant: The treatment is also suitable for busy people and frequent travellers
- Predictable: Thanks to advanced 3D computer technology, you can see in advance what your result may look like
- Convenient preparation: All necessary impressions are made digitally
- Individually tailored: Invisalign offers the right aligners with various sets from small to complex corrections
Dentosophy
What is Dentosophy?
Our teeth and especially the position of our teeth tell us a lot about people. The “Dento-Sophie” (Greek “wisdom of teeth”) includes much more than a functional treatment of slate teeth. Physical aspects of jaw (mal)function are taken into account, but emotional components also play a major role in offering truly holistic support to the patient. Dentosophy therefore offers a natural therapeutic approach that involves the entire person on all levels: physical, mental and emotional. It is possible to draw conclusions between the mouth situation and overall well-being – and to have a positive effect on this.
Holistic – what does that mean?
In our diagnostics, we don’t just limit ourselves to the mouth and head.
We assess the body in its entirety (posturology). To do this, we look at the patient in motion. In this way, we draw conclusions about the extent to which the position of the jaw influences the entire posture.
Holistic also means that we approach the patient with a humanistic attitude. It is our goal to bring balance not only to the jaw, but to the entire person with body, mind and soul.
Biomechanics – what is it?
Biomechanics (or posturology from the English “posture” for posture) is a diagnostic method that looks at the muscular support system. Scientific studies show that the position of the jaw has a significant influence on posture. Our brain uses a finely branched nerve network to collect information about where we are in three-dimensional space – and whether something needs to be corrected so that we stay upright! The position of the lower jaw is one such source of information (just like the eyes, the vestibular system, the skin, the soles of the feet and much more). At first, it seems unusual for our patients when we ask them to get up from the dentist’s chair to carry out certain movements. This and other biomechanical tests provide us with important information as to whether the position of the lower jaw negatively affects posture – and which device we can use to train the muscles so that the body learns to establish physiological movement patterns.
This concept is expanded into the so-called RMB (Rhino-Masticatory Biomechanics) to link the physiological complex of the respiratory organ nose, chewing apparatus and postural apparatus.
How does this work?
With dentosophy we initially train the tongue function, lip closure and nasal breathing in the mouth, the so-called myofunctional therapy. This guides jaw growth in a gentle, natural way. The so-called balancer, who is selected individually, provides support as a trainer. The patient wears this soft silicone device for approximately 1 hour a day, during the night. There are also 5 minutes of breathing exercises a day. In this way, the tongue learns to work optimally with all facial muscles.
Nasal breathing is activated. There are positive feedbacks in the entire supporting system via the muscle chains. In many cases, fixed braces can be avoided. As a holistic discipline, dentosophy is dedicated to general health and the harmonization of the teeth and mouth.
WHO benefits from dentosophy?
Children with crowded teeth primarily benefit from dentosophy. This is often accompanied by mouth breathing, an incorrect swallowing pattern, snoring and/or poor posture. We support our little patients with a gentle, holistic method that can be easily integrated into everyday family life – provided that the children cooperate and the parents lovingly remind them to wear the device. Experience has shown that the treatment takes around 1.5 years and fixed braces can often be avoided.
Patients (children 3 to 12 years) with:
- open mouth posture
- incorrect tongue position
- incorrect swallowing
- recurring infections in the throat/ears
- Allergies
- Bad posture
- Pronunciation problems (lisp)
98% of patients suffer from misaligned teeth
Our teeth have to withstand various influences every day and we notice immediately if our chewing organ is not functioning properly. Pain, posture problems or even premature tooth loss can occur, especially if the jaw is misaligned. It may seem that misalignment only affects a small group of people, but it affects 98% of patients. In the other 2%, the teeth sit properly, i.e. in the right position to perform optimally. An important prerequisite for a healthy, even set of teeth is the harmonious interlocking of the teeth in the upper and lower jaw. If this interlocking is disturbed because teeth are too close together or interfere with each other, teeth are subject to incorrect loads. Everyone is probably familiar with grinding their teeth at night. This can also lead to loss of tooth structure with loss of bite height.
A statement from
Heike Lehmann-Oettmeier
We ensure your well-being with healthy and sparkling white teeth.