Your Questions Answered: Comprehensive FAQ

We offer a variety of treatment options tailored to individual needs. These include braces, aligners, and more.
Consult with our team to find the best solution for you.

Costs vary depending on the type and duration of treatment.

We'll be open about the costs during our initial consultation and, if desired, offer convenient financing options, such as monthly installments, to make costs more predictable. So, keep everything in perspective. We also offer flexible financing options, such as installment payments, to make costs more predictable.

Booking an appointment is easy! You can use our online contact form or call us directly. Our team is ready to assist you in scheduling your visit.

We utilize advanced technology such assuch as 3D imaging, fully digital measurement of temporomandibular joint movements and hinge axis, and digital scans, combined with our extensive knowledge and holistic KFO360° concept.

In case of an emergency, please contact us immediately. We prioritize urgent cases and will guide you on the next steps. We're here for you even on weekends. You can reach us at our emergency number, which we'll give you at the start of your treatment. Your health and comfort are our top priorities.

Holistic orthodontics means looking beyond just straight teeth.
We examine how teeth, jaws, muscles, tongue, breathing, and posture all interact.

When these systems are balanced, patients not only gain a beautiful smile but also improved overall health and well-being.


Our goal with the KFO360° concept is to create harmony — between bite, muscles, joints, and body alignment — for results that are both functional and long-lasting.

Your bite affects far more than just your teeth. An incorrect bite can lead to jaw joint strain, neck and shoulder tension, headaches, and even poor posture or back pain. In some cases, it can also influence breathing or digestion.

By correcting the bite holistically, we not only improve function and aesthetics but also help relieve tension and prevent long-term discomfort.

KFO360° combines orthodontics with insights from osteopathy, physiotherapy, and functional medicine.

Each patient receives a full-body evaluation — from jaw joints to posture — before we start any treatment. We don’t just straighten teeth; we restore balance to the entire chewing system.

This approach helps reduce TMJ problems, muscle tension, and relapse risks, providing a healthier and more stable outcome.

Our 360° assessment includes several detailed steps:
- Medical history: Discussion of previous conditions, habits, and family background.
- Jaw and oral examination: Checking bite, tongue position, and muscle activity.
- Osteopathic head screening: Detecting possible cranial tensions that affect jaw growth.
- Posture analysis: Evaluating body alignment with photos and clinical observation.

This comprehensive view helps us identify the real causes of misalignment — not just the visible symptoms.

Proper breathing through the nose and correct tongue posture are crucial for healthy jaw development. Mouth breathing or a low tongue position can lead to narrow jaws, misaligned teeth, and even speech or sleep problems.

With early diagnosis and special exercises, these habits can be corrected to support natural growth and stability.

We aim to treat the person, not just the teeth.

KFO360° focuses on causes rather than symptoms, ensuring long-term stability and comfort.

That means:
- A balanced bite
- Healthy jaw joints
- Relaxed muscles
- A confident, natural smile

The costs vary depending on the type of braces, the complexity of the case, and whether the treatment is for a child, teenager, or adult.

We’ll always provide a transparent cost estimate after your first consultation and discuss possible payment or insurance options with you.

That depends on your insurance type:

Public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenkasse):
The statutory health insurance covers treatment only for more severe cases (KIG level 3–5).
The basic treatment is covered at 80% (90% if two children are treated simultaneously in one family).
You pay 20% as a co-payment (Eigenanteil), which is reimbursed at the end of successful treatment.

Private or supplementary insurance:
Most private and supplementary plans cover orthodontic treatment either partially or fully — even for adults.

You’ll receive a detailed cost plan from us to submit to your insurance provider.

For publicly insured patients, the Eigenanteil is the 20% you pay privately during treatment.

You’ll receive a quarterly invoice for this amount, which is paid directly to our practice.

At the end of treatment, you submit all invoices and our confirmation of completion to your insurance — and they reimburse the full amount.

Important:
If treatment is interrupted or stopped (for example due to poor cooperation or hygiene), the insurance does not reimburse the co-payment.

Don’t worry — there are still options. Many supplementary insurance plans cover orthodontic treatments for children and adults.

If you don’t have one, we also offer 0% interest financing and flexible monthly payments (up to 36 months).

This allows you to start treatment without financial stress.

Public insurance only covers a basic treatment that is medically necessary.

Modern techniques, aesthetic materials, and additional diagnostic tools are not included — for example:
- Digital 3D scans and digital treatment planning
- Ceramic or self-ligating brackets
- Joint function measurements
- Retainers for long-term stability
- Fluoride protection and special cleanings

These can shorten treatment time, improve comfort, and deliver better long-term results. We’ll explain all optional add-ons transparently before treatment starts.

We offer simple, transparent options:
- Interest-free payment plans
- Monthly installments (up to 36 months)
- Digital billing through our secure invoice cloud

You’ll receive your invoice by email with a personal login link for easy access.

Depending on your insurance plan, repairs or replacements may not be fully covered.

We’ll always provide a cost estimate beforehand and discuss options for repair, insurance coverage, or replacement.

There are many options. A good overview of current plans and coverage can be found at www.waizmanntabelle.de

Tip: It’s best to take out supplementary insurance before the first orthodontic appointment, as existing findings are usually excluded later.

You can reach our billing team directly via:
kontakt@kfo-jilek.de

We’ll be happy to help with insurance submissions, reimbursement paperwork, or payment plan adjustments.

If your removable brace feels uncomfortable or presses, please check carefully where the pressure occurs.

At each check-up, we adjust the wires to ensure the brace fits snugly. Sometimes, the pressure feels too strong at home — that means the wire needs another small adjustment.

Please schedule an appointment and do not wear the brace until we’ve checked it.

Sometimes a wire can bend slightly or the acrylic plate itself can rub the gums. This can quickly create pressure sores.
In that case, we’ll smooth or adjust the brace and apply a healing ointment.

Please stop wearing it and book an appointment.

That usually means it was turned too often compared to the wearing time — in short: too much activation, too little wearing. You can try to improve the fit by turning it back 3–4 times, then test again. If it still doesn’t sit properly, please come in — we’ll correct it together.

If your removable brace gets damaged, what you should do depends on the kind of problem you notice:

If a wire is bent or loose and it hurts, stop wearing the brace and schedule an appointment so we can fix it.

If a wire is loose but doesn’t cause any pain, you can continue wearing it until your next visit — we’ll check it then.

If a wire has broken and feels sharp, don’t wear the brace and contact us for an appointment.

If a wire has broken but doesn’t hurt, it’s okay to keep wearing the brace until your next check-up.

If the brace feels loose or keeps falling out, please schedule an appointment — we’ll adjust it to fit securely again.

If the acrylic plate is broken and has sharp edges, stop wearing it right away and book an appointment.

If the acrylic plate is cracked but smooth and painless, you can keep wearing it for now, but if the break grows larger or it starts to bother you, please call us.

If the brace wobbles or doesn’t fit anymore, turn it back three times (using the activation key) and try again. If it still doesn’t fit properly, come in for an adjustment.

If the brace just feels uncomfortable overall, take it out and book a visit.

If the brace has broken completely in two pieces, stop wearing it and contact us immediately — we’ll make a replacement.

Our tip:
Don’t hesitate to contact us if something feels off! We’ll repair or adjust it quickly so you can wear your brace comfortably again — and your treatment stays on track.

- Always insert and remove your brace carefully.
- Take it out during sports or meals.
- Store it in its protective box when not wearing it.
- Clean it regularly and gently (no hot water!).

These simple steps help keep your brace safe and effective.

If your removable brace doesn’t fit properly or wobbles, it usually means it’s been worn too little.

What you can do:
- Turn the screw back 3 turns.
- Insert the brace again and check if it fits better.

If it’s still loose or uncomfortable, please don’t keep adjusting it — come to us so we can refit it precisely.

Often, the brace was turned (activated) regularly, but not worn enough — so the jaw didn’t adapt to the change.

No — it shouldn’t hurt. After an adjustment or when the screw has been turned, you might feel a slight to moderate pressure for a day or two. That’s normal and shows the brace is working.

If you feel strong or lasting pain, please stop wearing it and contact us. The wire or acrylic might need adjustment, or a tooth could be sensitive.

Mild pressure is normal for 1–3 days after adjustments.
If the pain becomes strong, lasts longer, or appears suddenly, this can mean:

- A wire presses too hard,
- The brace no longer fits properly,
- A pressure sore has developed, or
- A tooth is irritated.

Please contact us quickly if:
- Pain lasts longer than 3 days,
- It’s severe or disturbing your sleep,
- You can’t wear the brace at all, or
- There’s swelling or bleeding.

We’ll check the fit, adjust the brace, and make sure everything is comfortable again.

If your brace slips out of your mouth at night, it means it no longer fits properly. This is not ideal, because the constant pressure on the teeth is missing — and the treatment slows down or even stops.

Please book a short check-up. We’ll correct the fit so the brace stays in place while you sleep.

The wearing time depends on the type of misalignment and the treatment plan.

In the active treatment phase, the brace should be worn at least 14–16 hours a day — not just at night.

This phase usually lasts about 12–18 months. After that, we often recommend continuing to wear it at night for a while as a stabilizing phase.

If the brace can’t be found after searching, please contact us immediately.

We’ll arrange for a replacement so that treatment doesn’t get delayed.

Use the activation key that comes with your brace. Insert it into the visible hole and turn in the direction of the arrow until you reach the stop. Never force it further.

A few days of mild pressure or aching after getting your braces or a new wire is completely normal. Your teeth are starting to move — that’s a good sign!

What helps:
- Eat soft foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, pasta, or yogurt.
- If necessary, you can take a mild pain reliever (please follow dosage instructions).
- The discomfort usually eases after 2–3 days.

If the pain stays strong or doesn’t improve, contact us — we’ll check if an adjustment is needed.

Don’t worry — this can happen and it’s not an emergency.

Call or email us so we can replace it soon. These small parts keep the wire in place and are important for your treatment progress.

If you’re away on vacation, let us know once you return — we’ll fix it quickly.

Stay calm — that sometimes happens.
If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it as it is and don’t pull on it. If it rubs or irritates your cheek, cover it with a small piece of orthodontic wax.

Schedule an appointment soon so we can refix it properly.

Appliances such as expanders, trans-palatal arches, or pendulum devices can loosen occasionally.
It’s not an emergency, but it should be checked soon.

Please:
- Do not try to remove or move it yourself.
- If it rubs, cover the spot with wax.

Call us for a quick appointment — the sooner we re-cement it, the smoother your treatment continues.

If a wire end sticks out or scratches your cheek, that’s uncomfortable but easy to fix.

You can:
- Cover the sharp end with wax (or sugar-free gum temporarily).
- If a thin ligature wire pokes out, you may gently press it back with a clean fingernail.

Then contact us so we can shorten or reposition the wire properly.

If a thin wire has slipped out of the last bracket, try carefully to guide it back in with clean fingers or a disinfected tweezer.

If it doesn’t go back or keeps irritating your cheek, cover it with wax and contact us for a short SOS-appointment.

Yes! Small gaps can appear temporarily, especially at the beginning of treatment.

They’re part of the planned tooth movement and will close again later.
If you’re unsure, send us a quick photo or come in — we’ll explain what’s happening.

Ceramic is very hard and can wear down enamel over time. If your opposing teeth touch the brackets when biting, please book a check-up so we can adjust or protect them.

Wearing a headgear can feel strange at first or cause pressure marks. Make sure it sits correctly and don’t change the setting yourself.

If it presses or causes pain, stop wearing it temporarily and contact us — we’ll adjust it for comfort and proper function.

That depends on the complexity of the case — usually from several months up to 2–3 years.

During this time, excellent oral hygiene is essential to avoid white or brown decalcification spots.

We also recommend regular dental check-ups twice a year during treatment.

Aligners are transparent, removable plastic trays that gently move your teeth step by step into the correct position — without brackets or metal wires.

They’re almost invisible, easy to clean, and comfortable to wear.

Every 7–10 days, you switch to the next tray in the series as planned.

Our aligners are part of the KFO360° concept, which means every movement is designed in harmony with your jaw joints, muscles, and bite.

This ensures gentle, controlled tooth movement and long-term stability — not just straight teeth, but a healthy, functional result.

Each tray is worn for about 7–10 days, day and night — only removed for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing teeth.

Consistent wear of 22 hours per day is essential for success.

Changing too early or skipping trays can delay the treatment.

Don’t panic — small cracks often don’t affect the function.
If it breaks badly or becomes uncomfortable:
- Switch temporarily to the previous tray, or
- Move on to the next tray if you were close to changing days anyway.

Then please contact us — we’ll check if a replacement is necessary.

If your tray feels tight, doesn’t snap on properly, or suddenly feels too loose, please:
- Make sure you wear it long enough every day (22 hours).
- Check that you’ve changed trays in the correct order.
- Never force the tray in — it might cause pressure sores or distort it.

If the problem continues, contact us — we’ll check your fit and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Rinse them with cold or lukewarm water after each meal. Use a soft toothbrush and a drop of mild soap or a special aligner cleaning tablet — never hot water, as it can deform the material.

Avoid toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface and make them cloudy.

Attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps that help the aligner grip and move teeth precisely. If one falls off, the aligner may not fit perfectly on that tooth anymore.

Please book an appointment soon — we’ll replace it quickly so your treatment continues smoothly.

Mild pressure during the first 1–2 days with each new tray is completely normal — it means the aligners are working.

If pain persists, is very sharp, or causes sore spots, contact us — sometimes a small edge just needs to be polished.

After your teeth have been successfully aligned, they still need time to stabilize in their new positions. A retainer keeps your teeth in place and prevents them from shifting back to where they were before treatment.

Without it, there’s a high chance your teeth could move again — even years later.

There are two main types of retainers:
- Fixed (bonded) retainer – a thin, custom-made wire that’s permanently attached to the inside of your front teeth. It’s invisible, comfortable, and works 24/7.
- Removable retainer – a clear or acrylic appliance you wear mostly at night. It supports the long-term stability of your teeth after the active phase.

Many patients use a combination of both for maximum stability.

A fixed retainer can remain in place for many years (often 10 or more) as long as it’s intact and your dentist checks it regularly.

Removable retainers are worn mostly at night, initially every night, and later just a few times a week.

Your orthodontist will tell you exactly when and how to reduce wearing time — but retention is usually lifelong in some form.

Once your active treatment ends, we’ll:
- Take an impression or 3D scan of your teeth,
- Fabricate your individual retainer (fixed and/or removable),
- Check its fit and comfort during delivery, and
- Plan follow-up visits to monitor stability.

For fixed retainers:
- Brush carefully around the wire with an interdental brush or dental floss threader.
- Avoid biting very hard foods (like apples or nuts) directly on the retainer.

For removable retainers:
- Rinse with cold or lukewarm water after each use.
- Clean daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a cleaning tablet.
- Store in the box provided when not in use.

We recommend a check-up once or twice per year.

If you notice the retainer feels loose, a tooth has shifted, or the wire feels sharp, please book a visit right away.

Early correction prevents larger movements and keeps your smile stable.

If part of the wire detaches or bends, avoid pulling on it or trying to fix it yourself. Please contact us quickly — we’ll reattach or replace it.

Continuing to wear a broken retainer can lead to unwanted tooth movement.

Sometimes braces can irritate the lips, cheeks, or tongue, causing small sore spots. It’s uncomfortable but usually harmless.

What you can do:
- Rinse your mouth with chamomile or sage tea – it soothes and helps healing.
- Use a mouth gel or ointment from the pharmacy if needed.
- Cover the irritating part of fixed braces with orthodontic wax.
- If you wear a removable appliance, stop wearing it temporarily if it rubs on the sore area.

Contact us if it doesn’t improve – we’ll take a look and help.

Inflammation can occur due to pressure or rubbing from braces. It’s unpleasant but manageable.

Helpful tips:
- Maintain careful oral hygiene.
- Rinse with chamomile or sage tea.
- Use mouth gel to aid healing.
- Cover irritating spots on fixed braces with wax.
- Stop wearing removable appliances if they cause friction.

If redness, pain, or swelling persists, please contact us – we’re happy to help.

That’s a normal short-term reaction to having something new in the mouth. It usually regulates itself within a few days.

Speech difficulties are common at the beginning – especially with inner (lingual) brackets or palatal devices like expanders.

Your tongue simply needs to adapt; within a few weeks, it becomes normal again. If issues persist, speech exercises can help.

Healthy teeth and jaws are key for proper chewing, biting, and speech. Straight teeth are easier to clean and reduce cavity risk. Balanced jaws also support a harmonious facial appearance and long-term oral health.

Ideally around age six. At that stage, early signs of misalignment can already be identified and treated.

Benefits of early diagnosis:
- Easier guidance of jaw growth.
- Shorter, less invasive treatments.
- Prevention of complex corrections later.

In special cases, such as thumb-sucking or jaw asymmetry, earlier visits may be useful.

When functional or structural problems are visible — like crossbites, early tooth loss, open bites, or tongue habits. Using removable devices early helps guide jaw development.

We meet you and your child, examine the teeth and jaws gently, and discuss whether orthodontic treatment is currently needed.

We take impressions, X-rays, and photos to create an individual treatment plan with cost and insurance details.

They support healthy development of teeth and jaws and prevent long-term problems.
Key reasons:
- Easier cleaning and lower cavity risk.
- Balanced bite and reduced joint pain.
- Improved speech and articulation.
- Greater self-confidence and wellbeing.

Addressing minor issues early helps prevent complex treatments later.

Look out for:
- Early or late milk tooth loss.
- Chewing or biting problems.
- Mouth breathing.
- Biting cheeks or palate.
- Crooked or rotated teeth.
- Clicking jaw joints.

If you notice these, we recommend a first check-up around age 5–6.

Breathing through the nose filters, warms, and humidifies the air — and supports proper jaw and facial development, especially in children.

Mouth breathing, on the other hand, can lead to dry mucous membranes, open-mouth posture, narrow jaws, and misaligned teeth.

Healthy nasal breathing ensures better oxygen flow and long-term stability in orthodontic results.

Chronic mouth breathing can affect facial growth, posture, and even concentration. Children who breathe through their mouths often develop a longer face shape, narrow upper jaw, or open bite. It can also lead to fatigue, speech problems, or snoring.

Early intervention helps redirect growth and prevent these effects.

The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body — and it shapes the jaws. If it rests in the wrong position (too low or forward), the upper jaw may not develop properly.

A correct resting position (on the palate) supports wide, symmetrical growth and stable tooth alignment.

We often include myofunctional therapy or simple tongue exercises as part of holistic treatment.

Ideally around age 4–6, especially if:
- The child breathes mainly through the mouth
- There’s thumb-sucking or long pacifier use
- Speech or swallowing problems are present

Early detection allows gentle guidance of jaw growth — often avoiding later, more complex treatment.

Energy drinks often contain acid, sugar, and caffeine.

The acid attacks tooth enamel, the sugar feeds bacteria, and caffeine can strain the heart and nervous system. Even “sugar-free” versions are acidic.

Better alternatives: water, unsweetened tea, or diluted fruit juice.

Some habits, especially in early childhood, can affect proper jaw and tooth alignment:
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Mouth breathing
- Nail or lip biting
- Incorrect tongue posture or swallowing pattern

We help recognize and gently correct these habits through exercises, special appliances, or habit trainers.

- Encourage nasal breathing and good posture.
- Limit pacifier use after age 2–3.
- Make oral hygiene part of the daily routine.
- Offer crunchy foods (like carrots or apples) to train jaw muscles.
- Come for early check-ups — prevention is the easiest treatment.