Our methods & techniques
Our methods and techniques for holistic, efficient orthodontics
Lasting tooth correction and jaw reshaping with light forces. The result is balanced with the musculature – and stays stable for that reason.
◍ Holistic
Light forces
Sustainable
What “holistic” means here
Even though crooked teeth are a common reason for contacting an orthodontic practice, that finding usually has other causes underneath it. Discrepancies between tooth and jaw size, misaligned jaws, obstacles to growth and muscular dysfunction are frequent causes. We address those causes first.
That is why we first correct the bite with a functional orthodontic appliance (a Twin Block, for example), create space and remove obstacles to growth. Only then is the position of the teeth changed, using a small fixed brace (mini brackets) and with attention to every detail. The aim is an individual, optimal repositioning of teeth and jaws in balance with the musculature.
Dr Jelena Schmitz is a Specialist Orthodontist and founded her practice in Frankfurt-Sachsenhausen in 2002. Trained at the Eastman Dental Institute in London among other places, she continues to train regularly, mostly internationally, at courses and congresses.
She is a mother of two and therefore knows what most parents' days look like; she helps patients fit orthodontic treatment around a very demanding daily routine. More about the practice and her professional background
That is why we first correct the bite with a functional orthodontic appliance (a Twin Block, for example), create space and remove obstacles to growth. Only then is the position of the teeth changed, using a small fixed brace (mini brackets) and with attention to every detail. The aim is an individual, optimal repositioning of teeth and jaws in balance with the musculature.
Dr Jelena Schmitz is a Specialist Orthodontist and founded her practice in Frankfurt-Sachsenhausen in 2002. Trained at the Eastman Dental Institute in London among other places, she continues to train regularly, mostly internationally, at courses and congresses.
She is a mother of two and therefore knows what most parents' days look like; she helps patients fit orthodontic treatment around a very demanding daily routine. More about the practice and her professional background
Treatment in four steps
1
Bite correction through jaw reshaping and creating space
With a functional orthodontic appliance we reshape the jaw and create space.
2
Correcting the position of the teeth
A small fixed brace moves the teeth into the right position.
3
Fine-tuning the bite
We adjust the bite with attention to every detail.
4
Retention
Retainers secure the result long term.
Effective functional orthodontics
Twin Blocks, activators and bionators activate the muscles of the face. Once the movement pattern of the muscles has changed, the body's own cells are activated and form new bone to stabilise the desired jaw position over the long term.
These appliances are usually worn only for a few hours in the afternoon and overnight – the school day is not affected.
Functional orthodontics works in children and teenagers. As long as growth is present, small impulses are enough to bring about large changes.
One side effect matters to us: this kind of muscular and skeletal change encourages a competent lip seal and with it the shift from mouth breathing to nasal breathing. Nasal breathing is one of the basic conditions for a healthy immune defence.
Functional orthodontics works in children and teenagers. As long as growth is present, small impulses are enough to bring about large changes.
One side effect matters to us: this kind of muscular and skeletal change encourages a competent lip seal and with it the shift from mouth breathing to nasal breathing. Nasal breathing is one of the basic conditions for a healthy immune defence.
Twin Block
Activator
Muscular change
Nasal breathing
Light forces, lasting balance
What matters is the balance between the muscles of the tongue and the lips. When that interplay is right, the result stays stable. Light forces are kinder to teeth and roots and more comfortable for our patients. Our guiding principle: as much as necessary, as little as possible.
Treating sustainably – for long-term results and for the environment
Our holistic method
• Recycling of the materials we use
• Frequently biocompatible materials
• Fewer appliances, less material
• Results that stay stable long term
Aligners (clear plastic trays)
• Part of modern orthodontics
• We use them selectively, but less often
• Higher material use, as the trays are single-use
• Longer treatment times with pronounced misalignments
Clear plastic trays are part of modern orthodontics. For the reasons above we use them less often, and when we do, very selectively.
No overtreatment
Orthodontics is a very broad specialist field. That tempts many practitioners into drawing on a very wide range of it – over years and with a large number of appliances, even where there is no indication for treatment on that scale. Dr Schmitz uses few appliances and efficient ones. Treatment takes around two years in total.
◷
No endless treatment programmes
Treatment lasts as long as necessary – not longer.
✓
Only treatments that make medical sense
No appliance without a clear benefit.
€
An honest assessment
Clear and honest diagnosis, even if no treatment is required.
In many cases within 1.5 to 2 years
Because we make use of growth, and because Dr Schmitz carries out new treatment steps individually at every check-up, sometimes several at once, the goal is often reached within two years. The average treatment time in Germany is four to five years or longer.
Let us look at your case
No obligation · Consultations on Tuesdays from 5 pm
Frequently asked questions about the method and the appliances
How does a fixed brace work?
We use small fixed braces (straight-wire mini brackets). The treatment is based on the Bennett/McLaughlin system, which involves high-quality brackets, precise bracket positioning, matching archwire forms and precise, light forces. Years of professional experience are a further basic requirement for perfectly formed dental arches with an optimal change to the bite.
What is a Twin Block?
A removable functional orthodontic appliance that changes muscle function and induces a gentle reshaping of the jaw. Being in two parts it is very comfortable, and because it is so well accepted it takes effect quickly.
How often do the appliances have to be worn?
Usually only for a few hours in the afternoon and overnight. The school day is not affected.
Is the method also suitable for adults?
No. Functional orthodontics works through growth – with adults we treat differently. You can read more on the page for adults.
Do you also work with clear plastic trays, known as aligners?
Aligner therapy is part of modern orthodontics. Because treating pronounced misalignments of the teeth and jaws with aligners takes longer than the method described above, we do use them, but less often. Which route is right for you is something we discuss at the initial consultation.
Does the result stay stable?
That is what the method aims at. Where results are optimal and in harmony with the chewing and facial muscles, they remain stable with good cooperation. After the active phase of treatment, retainers are used to hold the result.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No. You can book an appointment with us directly. If you do have a referral, feel free to bring it along.
Do teeth have to be extracted for the treatment?
In the vast majority of cases, no. What matters is the right timing for the first consultation, so that growth and the reserve space provided by individual milk teeth can be used.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
As a rule, very soon. We do not have long waiting times. Simply book online or call us.
Curious whether our method suits you?
Book online via Doctolib · Consultations on Tuesdays from 5 pm · ☎ +49 69 66129982