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Perhaps a gap or a crowded front tooth bothers you. Sound planning needs more than this single view of your smile. The relationship between the upper and lower jaws and the condition of your teeth and gums also need examination. Some movements can be planned well with aligners; others may require additional measures or a different treatment.

Ask specifically: what is a realistic aim given my findings? What are the limitations? Which alternatives are suitable? An on-screen visualisation shows a planned course. It does not guarantee that your teeth will move exactly that way or within exactly that time.

Aligners also need cleaning after removal. The British Orthodontic Society describes using cold water, a toothbrush and a suitable cleaning method. For your particular aligner, follow the advice of your treating practice and the manufacturer; not every tooth-cleaning product is automatically suitable for every plastic. Ask to be shown how to clean the inside and outside and which additional cleaners may be appropriate. BOS: Patient information on aligners

A small bag with the agreed care items is useful when you are out. Put aligners straight in their designated place, rather than having to search for them among napkins, cutlery and packaging. This organisational habit is simple but makes the day easier to manage.

A removable retainer is worn according to a personal schedule. A fixed retainer is typically bonded to the inner surfaces of the front teeth and stays there. Both types need attention: consistent wear matters for removable retainers; a fixed retainer needs careful cleaning and checks of its attachment. The suitable option or combination is chosen individually. BOS: Differences between retainer types

Ask to see the chosen retainer in a mirror. Ask how you might recognise a change and which areas need particular care when cleaning. A “small wire behind the teeth” should not remain an unseen part of treatment that you know nothing about.

A veneer is a thin facing attached to the front surface of a tooth. It can, for example, change the visible shape or colour. A crown, by contrast, covers considerably more of the tooth. Veneers can be made from ceramic or composite; the materials and how they are used differ. ADA: Veneers

Ask for the aim for each tooth to be explained. “A more harmonious smile” sounds pleasant but is still too vague for a decision. Which corner, width or colour difference is to change? And which individual features do you deliberately want to keep? Your wishes can be specific without becoming a firm promise of results.

Some veneers require a small amount to be removed from the front of the tooth; not every restoration needs the same preparation. The British NHS expressly notes that not every veneer requires tooth preparation by grinding. This does not, however, establish whether a version without such removal is suitable for an individual tooth. NHS: Dental veneers

If enamel is removed, that change cannot be reversed. Before treatment begins, therefore, ask what preparation is planned and why. Terms such as “minimal” or “non-prep” do not replace that explanation. ADA: What to consider before a veneer

Brush twice daily for about two minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Clean outer, inner and chewing surfaces in a consistent order. Include the backs of the front teeth and the gumline. More pressure does not make cleaning more thorough.

Highly abrasive products are not a useful shortcut to a fresher appearance. If you are unsure, bring your toothpaste and brush to your appointment. This makes it possible to discuss the actual products rather than search for a supposedly essential specialist brand.

American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: Brushing Your Teeth · Cleveland Clinic: Veneers, reviewed 18 July 2022

Healthy teeth and gums are essential before whitening. Checks include decay and conspicuous or leaking fillings and crowns. Teeth that are already sensitive also need discussion. An unremarkable colour in a photograph cannot replace this examination. BZÄK: Requirements and possible side effects

It helps to describe symptoms specifically at your appointment: how long has the sensitivity been present? Does it affect one tooth or several? General health conditions, medicines and previous dental treatment are also part of the dental history. Additional investigations depend on the findings; not every consultation automatically requires a new X-ray. NHS: What is discussed at a dental examination

Whitening agents can lighten natural tooth substance. An existing ceramic crown or tooth-coloured filling does not become correspondingly lighter. Whitening a neighbouring tooth can therefore reveal a colour difference even though the restoration itself has not changed. The American Dental Association recommends recording existing restorations during the examination and discussing expectations in advance. ADA: Whitening

A simple hypothetical example: a front tooth crown currently matches its neighbours well. If those teeth become considerably lighter, the previously matching crown may look darker by comparison. This does not prove that it has suddenly become stained or damaged. It initially shows that the surrounding colours have changed. This example explains a possible effect; it does not describe a specific case from our practice.

Do I need a white diet for 48 or 72 hours?

That is not a universal time limit for every whitening treatment. For fläsh, the manufacturer specifies four hours. Other systems, additional treatments or your findings may require different advice. The reviewed clinical studies do not establish a blanket restriction to white foods for several days.

When should I call the practice?

For severe, worsening or persistent symptoms, or changes that worry you. New swelling should also be assessed promptly. This guide does not replace an examination. During treatment, report pain or burning immediately.

Professional teeth cleaning also addresses soft deposits, accessible spaces between teeth and external staining. Depending on the situation, it includes smoothing and polishing surfaces and suitable fluoride applications. Another important part is advice on daily care: which interdental brush fits, and where are deposits easily left behind when brushing?

Cleaning is adapted to your teeth and restorations. It complements oral care at home. It does not specifically lighten the natural tooth colour as whitening does; removing surface deposits may simply make teeth look brighter.

The KZBV recommends cleaning between teeth daily in addition to brushing twice a day. Set aside a fixed, easily accessible place in the bathroom and choose a time when you are not rushed. A useful question at your appointment is: “Can you show me on my own teeth how to reach the difficult areas?” KZBV: Prevention and early detection

You can bring three observations to your next discussion: where is it difficult to reach? Where does the floss catch? Which aid feels comfortable to hold? These specific details are more helpful than searching for a product claimed to be best for everyone.

The right amount matters particularly for children. Excessive intake over a longer period during tooth development can promote dental fluorosis. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) therefore points out that accidentally swallowed toothpaste needs to be included in the assessment. It recommends fluoride for decay prevention particularly as a local application to the teeth and advises against using it as a regular food supplement. BfR: Fluoride — questions and answers, March 2026

A simple way to prepare for your appointment: photograph the toothpaste tube you use and note any other fluoride-containing products. For children, include any fluoride tablets too. This makes it possible to discuss use more specifically than saying “We use children's toothpaste”.

A simple description helps: since when, in which area and on what occasions. Does it happen when brushing, cleaning between your teeth or even without touching? Have you also noticed swelling, pain or bad breath? You do not need to identify the cause yourself. The observation alone is a good reason for an appointment. The British health service, the NHS, recommends dental assessment for bleeding, painful or swollen gums. NHS: Gum disease

Write down a few clear details rather than constantly checking your teeth. For example: “For a few days, the same area on the lower right has bled when I brush.” Even if you do not know exactly which tooth is involved, you can show us the area at your appointment.

One early detection examination is the Periodontal Screening Index, or PSI. A special probe is used to check for signs of disease in the tooth-supporting structures. The result helps assess whether a more detailed examination is needed. An abnormal screening score is not yet a complete diagnosis. Depending on the findings, further examinations and, if appropriate, X-rays may follow. KZBV: Der Parodontale Screening Index

People with German statutory health insurance are generally entitled to a PSI every two years; special billing rules apply during systematic periodontitis treatment. This describes an early detection service. Symptoms should be mentioned regardless of that interval. Ask for the result to be explained and what specific next step follows from it. KZBV: PSI and statutory health insurance benefits

Daily care should continue to include gentle brushing with fluoride toothpaste and suitable cleaning between the teeth. If you are unsure, ask to be shown the technique. If your gums are very painful or clearly swollen, or teeth have newly become loose, call promptly to arrange an appropriate appointment. NHS: Care and reasons for an urgent examination

You do not need a perfect care routine or a complete explanation for the conversation. What matters is working out together what is behind the bleeding and which care or treatment suits your findings.

In tooth decay, bacteria in dental plaque produce acids from sugar. If more minerals are lost over time than are replaced, the enamel changes. An early lesion may look whitish even though the surface has not yet broken down. At this stage, the process can be arrested under suitable conditions; fluoride and minerals from saliva support remineralisation. However, an existing cavity does not grow back in this way. NIDCR: Early decay and cavities

Disease activity and visibility are not the same: even an arrested lesion may remain visible as a spot. Before making a cosmetic change, we therefore clarify whether active decay needs treatment. Clinical study of inactive white spots

Several aspects are assessed together: the junction between filling and tooth, how securely the material is held, possible fractures, forces when biting and signs of decay. Symptoms also matter. The international FDI criteria expressly distinguish between function, biological condition and appearance. A colour change is therefore different from a confirmed defect. Professional publication on the FDI criteria

For the conversation, describe as precisely as possible what you have noticed. Is it a visible area? Does food get caught there more often? Or has the tooth recently started reacting when you chew? These observations allow a more focused discussion than assuming a filling is simply “too old”.

Inside a tooth is the pulp, a tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. It can become diseased through deep decay or injury, for example. If this tissue can no longer recover or has already died, root canal treatment may be an option. This treats the diseased tissue inside the tooth; the natural root is intended to be preserved. DGET: Patient information on root canal treatment

The decision therefore involves more than how much a tooth currently hurts. The German Society of Endodontology and Dental Traumatology explains that preserving a tooth may be possible even with considerable symptoms. An examination must establish their cause and which treatment may be suitable. DGET: Patient questions

• Inlay: an indirect filling fitted inside the tooth.
• Partial crown: a restoration that may also cover weakened parts of the chewing surface.
• Full crown: more extensive coverage of the prepared tooth.

All three are fitted onto or into an existing tooth. They do not replace a missing tooth root. IQWiG: Arten von Zahnersatz

Go to the explanation: Inlay · Partial and full crowns · Questions for your appointment.

Take your wishes seriously: perhaps comfortable chewing is your priority, or perhaps the visible gap when speaking. Also say if you would like to avoid surgery or have limited time for treatment. These details do not replace the clinical findings, but they belong in the discussion of a suitable approach.

A comparison of the options that are actually suitable, with a clear process and individual costs, can help. You do not need to choose “bridge” or “implant” beforehand. First ask for a reasoned recommendation and an explanation of the alternative. This helps you make a decision you understand and can live with day to day.

Spaces between teeth vary in width. The German Dental Association recommends interdental brushes particularly for open spaces; floss may be suitable for tight contacts. Their use should be explained individually. BZÄK: Floss and interdental care

A bridge also has areas beneath the replacement tooth. Ask specifically which aid can reach these areas in your particular design. Have its use demonstrated and, if possible, try it yourself. The aim is not to own as many brushes or types of floss as possible. What matters is reaching the intended surfaces effectively and gently.

Muscles relax during sleep. This can change the space available for breathing around the tongue, soft palate and other tissues. Airflow through a narrower area can make tissues vibrate. The source of the sound differs between people, so a single tip or an off-the-shelf aid is not automatically suitable for everyone.

Restricted nasal breathing, individual jaw and throat anatomy, alcohol in the evening or sleeping on the back can play a role. Body weight and certain medicines can also affect breathing during sleep. This does not mean snoring is always self-inflicted or will disappear after one change. Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own.

MedlinePlus: Snoring – adults, reviewed July 3, 2025 · IQWiG: Obstruktive Schlafapnoe, aktualisiert am 8. Juli 2026

Observed pauses in breathing, repeated gasping or choking during sleep and marked daytime sleepiness are particularly important. Morning headaches and concentration problems can occur too, but are not specific to sleep apnoea. Describe what is happening without assigning yourself a diagnosis.

If you are struggling to stay awake while driving, do not continue driving and seek timely medical advice. Severe acute breathlessness while awake is different: do not wait for a snoring appointment. Call 112 for this emergency.

IQWiG: Obstruktive Schlafapnoe, aktualisiert am 8. Juli 2026 · NHS: Snoring, reviewed August 4, 2023 · gesund.bund.de: Notaufnahme

This type of appliance consists of two custom-fitted splints for the upper and lower jaws. Connectors link them and hold the lower jaw in an adjusted, more forward position during sleep. This can create more space in the throat. The precise setting is tailored to the individual. DGZS: Treatment with dental appliances

A mandibular advancement device may be an option for suitable people with mild or moderate sleep apnoea. It may also be an alternative if CPAP therapy cannot be used adequately. This does not mean that everyone who snores needs such a device, or that it treats every case of sleep apnoea sufficiently. IQWiG: When a mandibular advancement device may be an option

Do not independently replace prescribed CPAP treatment with an appliance.

AI-generated

The sequence depends on the findings and coordination between the professionals involved. Responsibilities should be clear: who assesses breathing during sleep, who fits the appliance and who checks its effect? The steps below describe the principle, not a guaranteed process or fixed number of appointments at SMD.

1. Assessment: a clinician evaluates symptoms, observations and, where indicated, sleep measurements.
2. Dental examination: teeth, supporting tissues, existing restorations and jaw function are assessed.
3. Making and fitting the device: individual impressions or digital records and a bite registration provide the basis; fit and handling are checked.
4. Adjustment: advancement is changed according to the agreed plan while symptoms and tolerance are monitored.
5. Effectiveness and follow-up: in sleep apnoea, the treatment effect is medically assessed; teeth and bite continue to be monitored over time.

G-BA: Änderung der Behandlungs-Richtlinie zur Unterkieferprotrusionsschiene, Beschluss vom 6. Mai 2021 · AADSM: Dental Sleep Medicine Standards for Screening, Treatment, and Management of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Adults Using Oral Appliance Therapy, 2025

It helps to have each step demonstrated when the appliance is supplied and then practise it yourself. Written instructions are useful, especially when several parts or settings are involved. The following overview does not replace instructions for the specific device.

1. In the evening: clean teeth and interdental spaces as advised, then insert the appliance using the demonstrated technique.
2. In the morning: remove it carefully and look for visible cracks, loose connectors or sharp areas.
3. Cleaning: where specified for the device, gently clean it with cool to lukewarm water and a suitable soft brush.
4. Storage: follow instructions on dryness, moisture, ventilation and a protective container; protect it from heat and damage.
5. Record uncertainties: report new discomfort, changes in fit or renewed breathing concerns to the treating team.

Optimal Sleep Pathway, February 2025, Appendices D/E: Mandibular Advancement Devices / Managing your Mandibular Advancement Device · Veterans Health Library: Mouthpieces for Sleep Apnea, reviewed May 1, 2025