We practice early, teen and adult orthodontics

No, wearing “pads” does not hurt. The force exerted on the teeth depends on the wire that is placed. At first it is very thin and very flexible (made of nickel-titanium). As the alignment progresses, the wire becomes thicker and more rigid, which allows a more precise alignment. At the most, one can generally speak of an embarrassment to chewing the first days after placement, when the tension “surprises” for the first time the tissues surrounding the dental alveolus. Eventually everything passes as if a movement was revived before it stopped. Like a ball that rolls and for which one must exert an additional thrust not to let it slow down.

No, pads do not damage the teeth. When the tooth is placed, each tooth is mechanically cleaned (brushing) and chemically (special enamel preparation product). The lips are separated by a “mouth opening” which protects against a new contamination of the saliva. A liquid “glue” is brushed on the tooth, then the “paste” adhesive is placed on the base of the plate and applied to the tooth, hardening is obtained by UV light photopolymerization. In this way, And the tooth is waterproof. The glue used is a “composite” resin, it is the same product that currently allows in most cases to treat cavities or to reconstitute fractured teeth. This composite is stable for at least five years. If under the wafer the tooth is protected around the exposed part of the tooth, the brushing must eliminate at least twice a day any food residue or deposit that would eventually cause decalcification zones, caries, Inflammation of the gums (see section on brushing).

Yes, in most cases because it is not only the alignment of the teeth on the jaw that is important but also the relations between the teeth of the upper and lower jaw, so-called “occlusion”. For treatment to be a real functional and “medical” benefit for tooth longevity and jaw balance and not just a “decorative” anterior alignment, contacts between cusps and pits ( Grooves) are established in a balanced manner, without causing any deviation or twisting of the “closing path” of the lower jaw. This may cause discomfort or pain in the joints (temporomandibular joints) or mechanical trauma on the teeth (dental arthritis). It should be noted, however, that the final “occlusion” is only achieved at the final stage of the orthodontic treatment, and that during the treatment the imbalances are permanent.

The teeth respond to the mechanical pressure by a movement. Their cells move with them thanks to a complex cellular mechanism, which causes the bone to be removed (resorbed) on the compressed part (in the direction of displacement) and a reformation (apposition) on the “stretched” part (Position from which one moves away) from the alveolus. A tooth is partly “aerial” or external (dental crown) and partly “immersed” or internal, in the bone alveolus (tooth roots). The pressure exerted on it is not felt in the same way over the entire length of the tooth according to the place of application of the force and the biological resistance to movement. A removable device can not precisely “calibrate” the amplitude of the force, nor can it precisely orient this force according to the desired (more or less at least radicular or coronary) movement. A removable device can not easily exert a vertical force, but it is very difficult and unpredictable to exert a “force torque” allowing the rectification of a dental axis or the rotation of a “round” tooth. A removable device performs only “toggle” effects of teeth or small-amplitude movements on “flat” teeth (incisors). They are currently used essentially for stabilization after treatment or, in some cases, for the treatment of mild malformations which do not require the application of force torque, root or vertical movement.

We must avoid all that is:

• Sticky (caramels, nougats, etc.)
• Brittle, crunchy (nutshell, gnawing a pencil, etc.)
• Sandwiches too thick
• To nail his nails
• All that can exert forces of a nature to take off the “wafers” or to twist the wires

This can either reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, slow it down or even introduce adverse, misdirected and poorly controlled forces (see guide for patients)

If the device is injured, the sharp, sharp part, etc. must be shown (“troubleshooting” or emergency). To the orthodontist or to one of his colleagues to make the necessary modifications. The teeth move and the relationships between the cheeks, the lips and the apparatus evolve according to the position of the teeth, the closing of certain spaces, etc. It is therefore possible that, between two appointments, there will be changes and that there will be an uncomfortable “friction”. The “kit” starting treatment contains a small box of wax with which one can cover the irritating part of the device, time to arrive at the cabinet.

Dental sensitivity often occurs within a few days of placement. It is advisable to eat easily chewable foods (soups, pasta ..) during this period.

Refunds from INAMI for orthodontic treatments.

The intervention is carried out according to a very specific scheme, adopted by INAMI. The amount of the invalidity insurance for patients benefiting from the “Small Risks” coverage is determined every two years by the dento-mutualist agreement. The intervention of the mutual for an orthodontic treatment is flat.
It remains the same whatever the type of treatment carried out, whatever the type of equipment used (removable or fixed) or whatever the number. Unfortunately, the procedure only takes place once and the patient is entitled to only one reimbursement even if a new treatment is to be undertaken. It can only take place if the request reaches the medical officer before the 15th birthday of the patient.
Beyond this date, no intervention will be granted except in rare and precise cases of derogation from the age limit rule, granted exceptionally by the INAMI Dental Technical Council.

The intervention of the mutual is lost FINALLY:

• If the patient, without the agreement of the practitioner, interrupts the treatment for more than three months
• Or fails to send to the medical officer, prior to the date of the fateful death, the notice of interruption decided by the orthodontist or attestation of care bearing the code justifying the interruption.

No action is planned to cover:

• The replacement of a lost device
• Modifications and repairs of equipment
• Uncommitted appointments that would be charged

In practice :
Before starting treatment: Mutual intervention possible every 2 years (or 1 year after preventive treatment) for:

• The orthodontic examination with data collection for the establishment of a treatment plan and preparation of models of the 2 arcades: code 305550
• Analysis of the data and establishment of a treatment plan: code 305572
• The orthodontic opinion with respect to the dentist: code 305830
• Cephalometric analysis: code 305911

Before 9 years:
Orthodontic first-line treatment (with a request for intervention in Annex 60 bis, together with code 305933: 1st package for first-line orthodontic treatment, code 305955: 2nd package at the end of preventive treatment or at the earliest During the 6th month of treatment before 9 years.

After 9 years:
Classical orthodontic treatment: at the earliest 12 months after code 305933 or if no first-line treatment (provided that a notification of intervention for orthodontic treatment is delivered to the mutual, Annex 60, imperatively before starting treatment and Before the child’s 15th birthday): codes 305616, 305631, 305675, 305653 (+ 305852).

Adults (after 18 years) receive only partial reimbursement of the first consultation before the start of active treatment via code 301092.

Your mutual insurance company intervenes in the costs of orthodontic treatment of children (if a request for intervention is sent to the mutual before the child reaches 9 years of age as part of a preventive treatment or if a notification of intervention is sent to the child In the context of a “conventional” treatment before the start of treatment and before the child reaches the age of 15. For more details, click on the following links:

• Christian Mutualities
• Socialist Mutualities
• Partenamut
• Euromut
• Symbio (search: “orthodontics”)

No. The administrative file of your child, relating to the refunds already received as part of the orthodontic treatment, will be transmitted to your request to your new mutual.

1. Click on the following links:

   1. www.dkv.be
   2. www.partenamut.be
   3. www.euromut.be
   4. www.mc.be