Questions ?
Our FAQ
Below we answer the most frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions about service and patient care
How does orthodontic treatment work?
1. planning – classification
Since January 1, 2002, those insured by statutory health insurance funds have been required to be classified into “orthodontic indication groups” (KIG). Health insurance companies provide subsidies for severity levels 3, 4 and 5.
2. diagnostic methods
Profile and en face photographs, photographs of the teeth, impressions of the upper and lower jaw and production of plaster models for metric analysis, overview x-rays and lateral cephalometric x-rays. In our practice, all x-rays are taken using the latest digital technology with minimal radiation exposure. We will advise you in as much detail as possible about treatment options, cost coverage by health insurance companies, the start and duration of treatment, the necessary cooperation and oral hygiene as well as any other questions you may have.
3. treatment
The result of the intensive and comprehensive diagnosis is the individual treatment plan. This determines the individual treatment steps and treatment methods.
At what age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
A visit to an orthodontist can be useful from the age of 4. However, most orthodontic treatments are started a little later. For treatment to be successful, it is very important to start treatment at the optimum time.
Can orthodontic treatment also be carried out on adults?
With modern techniques and materials, there is no longer an age limit. Treatment with splints (Invisalign) or lingual brackets (brackets bonded to the side of the tongue) also means that the visual impairment is much less than it used to be.
Does orthodontic treatment always have to be carried out with fixed braces (brackets)?
Always? No!
Whether removable or fixed braces are the best therapy for you or your child will be determined after an individual examination and evaluation of the diagnostic documentation. In a separate appointment, I will explain to you in detail the necessary therapeutic measures and the advantages and disadvantages of an alternative therapy.
What happens after the treatment?
Successfully completed orthodontic treatment often means a new, more positive phase in a patient’s life. However, the treatment results achieved are not always permanent.
In orthodontics, a distinction is made between the treatment phase and the retention phase (stabilization period). After treatment, it is particularly important that the treatment result is maintained during the retention phase and that the teeth do not move back into their original position. Particularly after the removal of fixed appliances, it is therefore necessary to temporarily stabilize this condition with retention plates or removable braces and thus maintain it permanently.
How does the first appointment work in ours?
At the first appointment, we will get an overview of your current dental and jaw situation and your wishes. A detailed discussion is followed by a clinical examination, during which we check whether and which orthodontic treatment makes sense. If treatment is recommended, we will discuss the next steps, possible treatment options and clarify initial questions about duration and costs.
What should I bring to the first appointment?
Please bring your health insurance card, any x-rays or findings and a current list of medications. In the case of children, any bonus booklet, referrals from the dentist and – if available – documents from previous treatments are also helpful. This enables us to get a complete picture and avoid duplicate examinations.
How can I make an appointment - by phone or online?
You can book your appointment by phone, e-mail or conveniently online via our partner platform Doctolib. You will find the direct link to online appointments on the website under “Book an appointment”. This allows you to choose a suitable appointment at your leisure, even outside office hours.
What does it mean that your practice is an "ordering practice"?
As an appointment-based practice, we plan an individual time frame for each patient so that we can advise and treat them without rushing. Nevertheless, delays can occur in everyday life – for example in the event of unexpected questions, emergencies or anxious children. We ask for your understanding and try to make waiting times as pleasant as possible, for example with drinks in the waiting area.
What do I do if I cannot keep an appointment?
If you are unable to keep an appointment, please inform us as early as possible so that we can make the time available to another patient. Short cancellations are often easiest by telephone, alternatively you can also contact us by e-mail. For longer treatment appointments in particular, early cancellation helps to keep the scheduling stable for everyone involved.
Does statutory health insurance cover the costs of orthodontic treatment?
The statutory health insurance companies cover the costs if there is a medical necessity and the treatment usually begins before the age of 18. The basis is the classification of the tooth or jaw misalignment into so-called orthodontic indication groups (KIG). The regulations are quite complex in detail – we will explain to you in a personal consultation whether and to what extent costs can be covered in your case.
How are the treatment costs billed and can I pay in installments?
Our practice invoices via a dental billing company (ZAB). Before treatment begins, you will receive a transparent cost plan in which all services are listed. Payment modalities and installments can be agreed individually so that the costs remain fair and easy to plan.
How often do check-ups take place during treatment?
The frequency of check-ups depends on the type of treatment. For fixed braces, appointments are usually every 4-8 weeks to activate wires and check progress. For removable braces and aligners, the intervals may vary slightly. In the treatment plan, we will discuss with you how often you should come to the practice with your child or by yourself.
What do I do in an emergency - for example, if a bracket comes off or a wire sticks?
In the event of acute problems such as a loose bracket, a pricking wire or severe pain, please call the practice. We can often give you initial tips over the phone, such as the use of protective wax, and offer an emergency appointment at short notice. Do not attempt to bend or remove wires or brackets yourself to avoid causing additional damage.
Do you only treat children and adolescents or adults too?
Our practice treats children, adolescents and adults. For children, the focus is on early childhood and adolescent treatments, while for adults we offer a wide range of inconspicuous solutions such as tooth-colored brackets or Invisalign. This means that teeth can be corrected at any age to suit the patient’s individual situation.
How long do I have to wait on average for treatment to start?
The waiting time until the start of treatment depends on the current workload and the scope of the planned therapy. As a rule, we can offer initial consultation appointments promptly; the actual treatment then begins once the diagnostics have been completed and the cost coverage has been clarified. As KFO Bayern is represented at several locations, planning can often be flexible – we will find a suitable starting time together.
Are there special services for patients (e.g. media contributions, information)?
In addition to the service descriptions, you will also find references to media reports about our practice on our website. These articles provide additional insights into our working methods, our treatment concept and current trends in orthodontics. In addition, we will inform you in detail and in plain language about all the important steps of your treatment in personal consultations.
PRESS
Press Release No. 2/2026 / July 2026
Orthodontic Treatment During the Summer Break: Why Summer Is a Good Time to Start At the start of the summer break, the dental office provides information about invisible braces and what travelers should keep in mind during treatment Garmisch-Partenkirchen, July 2026 – As the summer vacation season begins , the
Press Release No. 1 / 2026 / January 2026
Orthodontics in the Zugspitze Region: KFO Garmisch-Partenkirchen Combines Modern Medicine with a Personal Touch Garmisch-Partenkirchen, January 2026 – The Garmisch-Partenkirchen Orthodontic Practice offers patients in the region a modern facility for state-of-the-art orthodontic care. The practice is led by Dr. Matthias Epple, D.D.S., and Dr. Christian Reder, D.D.S., who are
