Orthodontics (braces)

When do you need braces?

Braces straighten crooked teeth. Straight teeth look good and are easier to keep clean. Regular teeth also ensure proper biting, chewing, speaking, and laughing. Oral habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or pacifier use change the shape of the jaw and the position of the teeth. Early loss of a baby tooth due to an accident can also hinder oral development and growth.
Brace treatment is possible at any age. Increasingly, adults are choosing braces. Children are best treated between the ages of 10 and 15. At this age, jaw growth can still be influenced, and the space created by tooth loss can be utilized.

Treatment

1. An initial visit to the orthodontist or dentist
The dentist has indicated that you or your child may need braces. In some cases, the dentist can treat you themselves, but they can also refer you to an orthodontist or dentist specializing in braces. An initial appointment will then follow. Alternatively, an appointment (F121A) will be scheduled because you feel you need braces.

2. Preliminary Examination
To prepare an analysis, treatment plan, and estimate, the practitioner needs dental models and photographs. For these, the codes F125A, F126A, F155A, F156A, F157A, and F158A will be charged. View the current orthodontic rates.

Orthopantomogram (OPG)

Lateral Skull X-ray (RSP) with analysis

3. Follow-up Appointment
During this consultation (F122A), the treatment plan and estimate will be discussed.

The treatment plan: this specifies the type of braces to be fitted and how long they should be worn. This is always an indication. The duration depends on whether the brace is worn sufficiently. And for children, the transitional phase and growth also play a role.

The estimate: this lists the treatment codes for the proposed treatment. Multiple braces may be necessary to achieve a good final result. Each brace placed and the associated appointments are listed on the estimate. Any technical costs are also included. Were technical costs incurred, but the amount is missing? Then the orthodontist can inquire about the costs for you with their dental laboratory or supplier.

You will receive an invoice for the preliminary examination and the follow-up consultation. The next invoice will arrive when the first brace is placed. The first brace consultation will be performed and invoiced the following month. The practitioner will agree with you how often you will be expected for a brace consultation. The brace consultation may only be charged once per month, despite multiple visits in the same month. 4. Treatment
The treatment will be carried out as discussed during the follow-up consultation. If the treatment does not go as planned and takes longer or is more expensive, the practitioner will inform you in a timely manner. Additional photographs may need to be taken. Sometimes the orthodontist will want to know how your mouth is doing during this time.

5. End of Treatment
Once the treatment is complete, the braces will be removed. The practitioner will charge F492A for this. This fee also includes the costs of placing retention appliances (a splint or night brace). If additional retention appliances are placed (for example, a splint and a night brace are made), you will see F813A on the invoice.

6. Follow-up Check-up
The practitioner will want to see you a few more times after the brace treatment to check whether the results are maintained and to check whether the retention appliances are still in place. Codes F531A, F532A, and F533A are used for follow-up checks. The code that applies to you depends on the braces you were wearing.

Types of Braces

There are many abnormalities that warrant treatment. Each abnormality requires a different approach and therefore a specific brace. The costs are divided into ten categories:

Category 0: This code is used for trainers to unlearn abnormal mouth and tongue behavior. Fitting takes place at the dentist's office. The treatment to unlearn this behavior is performed by a speech therapist. Fitting also includes an explanation of the abnormal mouth and tongue behavior, instructions on wearing the trainer, and checking the wearability of the appliance. This service includes a referral to a speech therapist.

Category 1: This category includes removable braces such as expansion plates or plates with tongue barriers. If treatment involves vacuum-formed covers and the total number of covers is fewer than eight, this category is billed.

Category 2: placing a simple brace to influence jaw growth with, for example, a headgear (outside brace), palatal bar or lingual arch.

Category 3: Placing removable braces to influence jaw growth. An example is a block brace (activator).

Category 4: Placing banded jaw correction appliances such as Herbst, MARA, or RME. These braces are intended to influence jaw growth.

Category 5: Placing fixed braces for one arch. The material and/or technical costs must be invoiced separately. This only concerns the costs of the brackets and arches used.

Category 6: Placing fixed braces for both arches. The material and/or technical costs must be invoiced separately. This only concerns the costs of the brackets and arches used.

Category 7: Placing vacuum-formed appliances obtained through a digital setup. This equipment consists of at least eight vacuum-formed corrective pockets. Category 7 is invoiced once, not per jaw.

Category 8: Placing brackets on the lingual and/or palatal (inside) sides of teeth, for one arch. Material and/or technique costs must be invoiced separately. This refers exclusively to the costs of the brackets and arches used.

Category 9: Placing brackets on the lingual and/or palatal sides of teeth, for both arches. Material and/or technique costs must be invoiced separately. This refers exclusively to the costs of the brackets and arches used.

Treatment Duration

The duration of the treatment and the result depend on several factors. Primarily, dental development, growth, adaptability, perseverance, and the patient's cooperation are influential.
In addition, the position of the jaws is important in determining the duration of the treatment. In children, for example, preliminary treatment may be necessary to correct the jaw position (block braces). Afterward, the teeth can be straightened independently.
After treatment, changes in your teeth may also occur. Therefore, the practitioner often recommends wearing a retainer or splint.

Costs

The cost of braces depends on the type of abnormality in your mouth, the type of brace needed, and your preferred materials. Ask your practitioner about the options, a treatment plan, and a cost estimate. View current orthodontic rates.
Orthodontics is not covered by basic health insurance, not even for children. To be eligible for reimbursement, you must take out supplementary dental insurance. Click here for tips on taking out dental insurance.

Risks

Initially, you need to get used to braces. Eating can be painful, and sometimes the brace presses against your jaw, tongue, or cheek. You usually get used to your braces after one to two weeks. However, when the braces are adjusted, you may experience some discomfort again. If you don't clean your teeth properly, stains and cavities can develop, and your gums may recede. If you experience problems with your jaw joint, report this to your practitioner.
Orthodontic treatment can cause root shortening (root resorption). Wearing your braces or not wearing them, and biting your nails or thumbs during treatment can be a cause. Root resorption stops when treatment is completed.

Source: KNMT and NVvO