Your orthodontist in Munich-Unterföhring – Dr. von Rom

• Orthodontist or Orthodontic Specialist, in German Fachzahnarzt für Kieferorthopädie)
• General dentist with Master of Science degree (M.Sc.) in orthodontics
• General dentist practicing orthodontics

What is an orthodontist or orthodontic spechalist (Fachzahnarzt für Kieferorthopädie)?
After studying dentistry in university and working for at least for one year as a general dentist it takes a minimum of three years of specialized further education to become an orthodontist. This must occur during full time residency. During this period the focal point is exclusively geared towards orthodontics. Specialising in this field can only be garnered at accredited practices and at specialised departments at university hospitals. At the end of the residency a mandatory exam must be taken. Only if the prerequisite residency and successful participations of the exams are passed, can an orthodontist/dentist assign the title “Fachzahnarzt für Kieferorthopädie” to his designation.

What is in comparison a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in orthodontics?
Every general dentist can pursue in parallel to their day to day dental treatment responsibilities a master’s degree in orthodontics. In contrast to the specialist path described in the above, the master’s degree is obtained on a part-time basis. To provide context, an Austrian College offers this degree over the course of 6 terms conveyed over 45 days. In contrast becoming an orthodontist takes three years.

What is then a general dentist practicing orthodontics?
By law any general dentist is allowed to offer orthodontic treatments. No particular training is required nor is there a mandatory exam to be taken.

1. Timely diagnosis and approach tailored to individual requirements: Crooked teeth and jaws should be identified as early as possible but may not necessarily have to be treated early on.
2. Timing, Timing, Timing:To avoid any unwanted complications, we recommend the initial examination to take place at age 6. Developmental growth plays a critical role in determining the timing of treatment. Lower and upper jaws exhibit differing growth rates, where the upper jaw is known to conclude its final augmentation at approximately 9 years of age. A misalignment may therefore be treated with great efficacy and little complication at a primary school age. Also in some cases of severe misalignment it is sensible to seek treatment at an early age. In many other cases, however, beginning the treatment is more beneficial between the ages of 10-12.
3. Apart from congenital factors, habits can cause detrimental misalignments of the jaw. Examples of such habits are sucking of the thumb, overuse of pacifiers or incorrect swallowing mechanism to name a few. An orthodontist recognises these habits and will play a supportive role in corrective behaviour. This further illustrates the benefits of identifying issues at an early age.

As an orthodontic specialist in München-Unterföhring we are primed to identify issues from the first encounter and determine whether there is an urgent requirement for treatment or not.

Here you can learn more about the early treatment of children …

Independent of age, teeth have the ability to be orthodontically moved. Important at this stage are caries-free teeth and infection-free gums. There is nothing to stop orthodontic treatment should these factors be fulfilled. At our orthodontic practice we specialise in treatment with invisible braces. We can offer solutions that will not impede on your everyday life in Munich. Here you will find specific information regarding orthodontics for adults in München-Unterföhring. It would be our pleasure to provide personal consultation to provide the individually ideal procedure.

This is very much dependent on the severity of the teeth or jaw misalignment, as well as the age of the patient. The state defines the limits at which the public health insurance will contribute towards orthodontic intervention. We will be in a position from the initial consultation to advise whether you can expect contribution towards treatment costs.

For patients above 18 years, public health insurance will only contribute in cases of severe jaw misalignment (dysgnathia) that require a combination of orthodontics and treatment by mouth, jaw and facial surgeons.

During treatment a general contribution of 20% from the patient is expected. This amount will be reimbursed by your health insure after successful completion of orthodontic treatment.

1. Appointment: A personal meet and greet without any obligations. We are simply happy to be there for you!

The first appointment is principally there in order to get to know each other better. During the discussion we strive to ascertain your individual needs and expectations. This is the foundation of our practice and critical for your personal orthodontic treatment.

It is our aim to mutually discuss the present situation of your smile and provide our expert opinion of whether treatment makes sense or is possible. This encounter will be reimbursed by all health insurers, be it private or public. At no point during this time will you be obligated to pay or stay.

Furthermore there is no need for a referral from your general dentist. We look forward to meeting you!

2. Appointment: Preparation of diagnostic documentation

The next step towards your dream smile is to produce a detailed plan of your orthodontic treatment. A basic starting point is to compile this data set that comprises of pictures, to-scale models, x-rays etc. These will be obtained during the second appointment.

1. Digital photos: We will take professional photos of your smile, teeth and face. This allows the orthodontist to form an expert judgement on your facial type, facial symmetry and the outline of your smile line. The photos will also serve as progress point throughout the treatment.

2. Models: We will make detailed impressions of your jaw, enabling the orthodontist to identify teeth placement and their relationship with the upper- and lower jaw, giving insight into the space available for correction.

3. Digital (reduced strength) X-ray: With the aid of the most modern, digital and weakened x-ray two sets will be taken:

• The orthopantomogram (OPG) serves amongst other things to analyse the root of the teeth and the jaw bones or possible agenesis of teeth are identifiable.
• The lateral picture (FRS) will allow us to determine cranial structure, growth patterns and the relationship between the lower and upper jaw.

After all this information has been collated, it will be evaluated in detail. The analysis will support a custom orthodontic solution for you or your child. Finally this will then lead to discussing the best way forward to execute the plan.

3. Appointment: Discussion of your personal plan

• Your orthodontic findings: During this third appointment we will identify and discuss in detail the orthodontic findings. We will refrain from using technical terms, as we deem it critical to provide a comprehensive understanding.

• Your orthodontic treatment: We will illustrate how the misalignments can be rectified. More often than not there will be several alternatives to take into consideration. Subject to your lifestyle and wishes, choosing type of braces is for you to decide.

• Duration of treatment und treatment costs: Through our vast experience we will be sharing an accurate duration of treatment together with an accurate estimation of treatment costs.

Whilst the orthodontist specialises in teeth and jaw alignment, your general dentist specialises in your overall dental health. An orthodontist and dentist complement each other, not replace each other.