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Teeth that overlap, an upper jaw that sits far ahead of the lower jaw, or permanent teeth that cannot find enough space: in childhood and adolescence many misalignments can be corrected with comparatively little effort, because the jaw is still growing and we can guide that growth. At our practice in Singen, Dr. M.Sc. M.Sc. Martin Jaroch, a dentist with a Master of Science in orthodontics, plans every treatment digitally – and talks it through calmly with you and your child before anything happens.
When should my child have a first orthodontic check-up?
Ideally while there are still baby teeth in the mouth: at primary school age the incisors change, and we can already see whether there is enough room for the teeth that follow and how the upper and lower jaw relate to each other. Many parents also come because their child's dentist has noticed something – or because their child is unhappy with their teeth.
A check-up does not automatically mean braces. Often our first recommendation is to wait and monitor development at regular intervals, so that treatment starts when it brings the greatest benefit.
At home, look out for signs like these:
the upper front teeth stick out noticeably, or the lower ones bite in front of the upper ones
the front teeth do not touch when your child bites together (open bite)
baby teeth fall out very early or very late
permanent teeth come through clearly crooked or out of line
Early treatment: when waiting is not the best option
With some findings it makes sense to intervene in the early mixed dentition. Early treatment aims to guide jaw growth in the right direction and make later treatment simpler. Whether your child would benefit, we decide after the diagnostic work-up.
Your first appointment
Conversation: we ask about medical history, habits such as thumb-sucking, and what you and your child would like. You can fill in the medical questionnaire online beforehand.
Examination: we look at the teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints.
Digital 3D scan and photos: instead of impression material we use an intraoral scanner – usually much more pleasant for children.
X-rays if needed: to assess jaw growth we take a lateral cephalometric X-ray (FRS) where necessary. More about our digital diagnostics.
Recommendation: we explain whether and when treatment makes sense, which brace is suitable and roughly how long it will take.
Which brace suits my child?
Fixed braces: brackets and wire stay on the teeth throughout treatment and work without your child having to do anything. They are also suitable for larger tooth movements. Types, care and everyday life with brackets are described under Fixed braces for children.
Removable braces: depending on the findings, removable appliances may also be an option. They only work if your child wears them for as long as agreed.
Invisalign First® and Invisalign Teen®: clear aligners that are taken out to eat and brush and worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. Invisalign First® is designed for children in the mixed dentition, Invisalign Teen® for teenagers with permanent teeth. More under Invisalign® for kids and teens.
What we recommend depends on the misalignment, the stage of development and how reliably your child can cooperate. In some cases we combine several approaches one after the other.
What does health insurance cover?
For children and teenagers with German statutory health insurance, we assign the misalignment to one of five orthodontic indication groups (KIG) at the examination. From KIG 3 upwards, and if treatment starts before the 18th birthday, the insurer covers treatment with fixed or removable braces.
During treatment you first pay a 20 per cent share – 10 per cent for the second and each further child in treatment at the same time and living in the same household. If your child completes treatment as planned, the insurer refunds this amount.
If you would like anything beyond the statutory benefit – such as tooth-coloured brackets or aligners – we discuss the additional costs with you beforehand. For privately insured children, reimbursement depends on the policy. For an overview, see Costs & billing.
Good cleaning, good support
Plaque builds up more easily with braces. We show your child how to clean teeth, brackets or aligners properly and recommend regular professional teeth cleaning during treatment. Routine check-ups and preventive care for children continue as usual – see Dentist for children. What helps with a loose bracket or a poking wire is explained under Orthodontic emergencies.
After braces: the retention phase
Especially in teenagers, the jaw and face keep growing for a while, and teeth tend to drift back to where they were. That is why every treatment is followed by a retention phase: with a fixed retainer – a fine wire on the inside of the front teeth – or with a removable retainer that is usually worn at night. Removable retainers are often worn for many years. How long in your child's case, we discuss at the end of treatment.
Frequently asked questions from parents
At what age do braces make sense?
It depends on the findings, not on the date of birth. We treat some misalignments as early as the mixed dentition. The best time for a first check-up is primary school age.
How long does treatment take?
How long treatment takes depends on the findings. We discuss duration and costs after the diagnostic work-up.
Does health insurance pay for Invisalign®?
Whether and to what extent health insurance contributes, and what costs you will have, we discuss at the consultation.
Do braces hurt?
After braces are fitted or adjusted, many children feel pressure for a few days. This is part of the tooth movement and usually eases soon.
We live in Switzerland – can we still come?
Yes. From the Schaffhausen area it is around 20 minutes by car. What you need to know about travel, billing and documents is explained under Dentist for Swiss patients.
Request an appointment: request your child's first appointment online – on working days we usually reply within 24 hours.
Which type of braces would you like?