FAQ

Here are some common questions about SmileDesigner

CONTACT

REGISTER

hygiene

PROBLEMS

EMERGENCIES

TREATMENT

FIXED BRACES

INVISALIGN

LINGUAL BRACES

Contacting

SmileDesigner

Do you want to check when your next appointment is scheduled?

Login to our online web agenda

Do you want to cancel or change an appointment?*

To change or cancel an appointment you should contact the practice by phone. Please note that appointments must be changed or cancelled at least two working days in advance. Tel: 070-2001700 Keep a close eye on our social media for different opening hours.

*All appointments will be charged as a no-show fee if less than two working days’ notice are given. Please make sure you call during opening hours.

How do I inform you of my new home address?

Please use our Update Your Address form on our website

Do you have a question about an invoice?
What are your opening hours?

Telephone hours:

Monday to Thursday 08:00 – 11:00 & 13:30 – 16:00
Friday 08:00 – 12:00

Opening times: MvH*:
Monday: closed
Tuesday to Thursday: 08.00 – 17:15
Friday: closed
Saturday 08:00 – 17:15 (once a month)

Opening times GH*:
Monday to Friday 08.00 – 17:15
Saturday 08:00 – 17:15 (once a month)

* Opening times may vary. Please note that all treatments are by appointment only. During opening hours the practice is only open to patients with an appointment. Contact us during our telephone hours to make an appointment.

Why can’t I email the practice?

It isn’t possible to email the practice due to personal medical information not being able to be sent/received by external parties in the Netherlands.

If you want to contact SmileDesigner, please call us on 0702100700.

Registering

with

SmileDesigner

I want braces, how can I register myself?
Do I need a referral letter from the dentist if I want to start orthodontic treatment?

No, you do not need a referral letter from the dentist.

However, should your dentist have made a referral letter, it is useful to bring it with you, so we can see what the dentist’s request is.

What are the average treatment costs?

Prices for orthodontic treatment in the Netherlands are set by the government. You pay the same price wherever you go. However, there may be some differences as each orthordontist decides which materials to use and treatment methods they work with. SmileDesigner works exclusively with high quality materials which correctly support the treatment and ensure an effective and long-lasting result.

You can find all the information about fees on this page.

Hygiene &

looking after

your braces

How many times a day should I brush my teeth?

You should brush your teeth properly at least twice a day. However, we also recommend rinsing your mouth with water after every meal.

When is the best time in the day to brush my teeth?

Every morning and every evening. If you have fixed braces, make sure you also clean between the brackets every evening with the brush.

Do I need to use a different toothbrush, small brush or water flosser?

You can brush with a manual toothbrush or with an electric toothbrush. With a fixed brace, we recommend using a small brush to clean between the brackets once a day.

Do clear fixed brackets yellow over time?

Fortunately, the ceramics used to fabricate the brackets for clear braces are highly resistant to staining, so they are unlikely to become discolored as long as patients care for their teeth and gums properly.

Problems with

Braces

My rubber bands have run out, what should I do?

If you run out of rubber bands, you can drop by our practice to pick up a new bag. You can find our opening hours for both our locations on the website. Also keep an eye on our social media to see if there are different opening hours.

Gaps have appeared between my teeth, is this possible?

Yes, this is possible. To set all your teeth in a straight arch, we need to widen the arch slightly. You may get gaps between the teeth during this process. Don’t worry, we will close these gaps again at a later stage in your treatment.

What should I do if my bracket becomes loose?

If a bracket is loose this is not a problem and with your next check-up appointment we will reattach it.

Please note, if a bracket is loose where you wear a rubber band, you can contact us by phone (070 200 1700). We will then schedule an appointment to fix the bracket so you can wear the rubber bands again.

My aligner is lost/broken. What should I do now?

If your aligner is lost or broken you should switch to your next aligner as soon as possible. You then need to wear this one for 10 days instead of 7 days so that we can make sure it fits properly. If you do not have the next aligner, wear the previous aligner and contact the practice.

My wire is sticking into my cheek, what can I do?

If the wire is sticking into your cheek, you can come to our walk-in clinic at 08:00. Until then, you can put wax on the wire to prevent the wire from hurting.

Opening times of our walk-in clinic:

Margaretha van Hennebergweg 71: Tues to Thurs 8:00
Groot Hertoginnelaan 7: Mon to Fri 8:00

Keep a close eye on our social media for different opening hours.

What should I do if my fixed retention wire comes loose?

If you feel your fixed retention wire is loose, immediately start wearing the night brace as much as possible and contact the practice to schedule an appointment.

During this appointment, always bring your night brace with you to the practice too.

Emergencies

Days and times of our pain clinic walk-in

Margaretha van Hennebergweg 71: Tues to Thurs 8 a.m.

Groot Hertoginnelaan 7: Mon to Fri 8 a.m.

Keep an eye on our social media for different opening hours.

I have a pain complaint caused by my braces, what should I do?

If you have pain in your mouth caused by your braces, you can walk in at our pain complaint walk-in time at 08:00. Please note “pressure” on the teeth is normal here there is nothing we can do about it. We also do not replace loose clasps during this time.

Days and times of our pain walk-in moment:

  • Margaretha van Hennebergweg 71: Tues to Thurs 8am
  • Groot Hertoginnelaan 7: Mon to Fri 8.00 am

Keep a close eye on our social media for different opening hours.

Do you have an emergency during the practice’s opening times?

Call: 070 200 1700

Even if you already have an appointment, we may have to set aside more time or make an earlier appointment.

NB! In case of real pain, for example a wire that sticks out, we have a walk-in time every morning, Monday to Friday from 8.00 am – 8.10 am*. During this walk-in only pain complaints are resolved and therefore no brackets are replaced or checks are made.

*On Mondays and Fridays our Margaretha van Hennebergweg location is closed.

Do you have an emergency outside the practice’s opening times?

We work with Dental365 to deal with emergencies outside our opening times. The emergency dentist at Dental365 will treat any emergencies that cannot wait until the next working day. See the contact details below.

Dental365
Burg. Hovylaan 78
2552 AZ Den Haag
T: 070 204 00 10

NB! This number is only for patients receiving treatment from us.

Treatment

Which types of braces are available?

SmileDesigner works with fixed braces (Damon System), Invisalign, lingual braces and specialist equipment for young children. After an extensive check of your needs and wishes we will work with you to decide which type of brace is the most suitable to provide maximum support for the required treatment.

Do you treat adults?

If you need braces as an adult, there are several options you can choose from. The types of braces available to you depend on your situation.

For more information about which brace will suit you best, please read our article about the types of braces for adults.

What can you expect during your first appointment?

During your first appointment, our assistant will meet you and make a digital scan of your teeth. Once the scan and photos are complete, you will be met by the orthodontist who will consult the scan to discuss what needs to be done and explain your options.

We will take two more x-rays after you have seen the orthodontist and reviewed everything. We will then draw up a treatment and financial plan for you to take home with you. At your next appointment, we will fit your chosen brace.

What happens if the problems I have with my teeth are so complex that other professionals also have to get involved?

SmileDesigner is the right place for you, even for complex problems with your teeth. Dr Christina von Massow is an experienced orthodontist who, together with her team, is specialised in treating complex dental problems. If it is necessary to involve specialists from other fields, Dr Christina von Massow collaborates with a broad network of experts, including dental surgeons and speech therapists.

Fixed Brackets

How do you fit the fixed brackets?

We have a state-of-the-art technique for fixed brackets appliances which avoids the need for each bracket to be fitted individually in the mouth. Would you like to see the digital flow?

Invisalign

Are Invisalign braces always possible?

No, it not always possible to have Invisalign braces. If you want to know whether it is an option for you, you can schedule an appointment at the practice.

Are Invisalign really invisible?

Thanks to the transparent Invisalign aligners, the brace is almost invisible.

Do I also need to wear elastics with Invisalign braces?

Yes, if we want to adjust the position of the jaws, elastics will also need to be worn with the Invisalign braces.

Lingual Braces

Can anyone be fitted with a lingual brace?

Yes. Because each brace is custom made, it is suitable for everyone. This type of brace is particularly appropriate for complex treatments.

Do lingual braces hurt more than normal braces?

No, lingual braces are just different. With traditional fixed braces, the brackets sit on the front of the teeth, causing lip and cheek problems. With lingual braces, the brackets are placed on the back of the teeth and patients may have more problems with their tongue. Wax can help with this. The brace also includes small elevations on the back molars which may cause discomfort at first. However, these elevations are also used with traditional braces, so there is no difference here.

Does treatment with a lingual brace take longer than with other types of braces?

No, it does not. Treatment duration depends on the desired result, the patient’s own efforts and the orthodontist’s experience. Dr Christina von Massow has completed a special two-year master’s degree in lingual orthodontics so that she can provide optimal help for all patients.

Will I develop a lisp with a lingual brace?

Yes, due to the change in the position of the tongue, it is quite normal for a patient to lisp at first. This will stop as soon as you get used to the brace. How long this takes differs per patient. A speech therapist will be able to provide support for more serious lisping. With traditional braces, elevations (bite turbos) are also often placed on the back of the upper front teeth. These can also cause lisping at first. This procedure is the same for a fixed brace on the front of the teeth and a brace on the back of the teeth.

Is oral hygiene a problem with a lingual brace?

No, oral hygiene is similar to that of a traditional fixed brace. However, lingual braces do have one major advantage over traditional bracket braces. With traditional braces, the brackets are placed on the front of the teeth. Inadequate oral hygiene may cause white stains (decalcification) or cavities (caries) to appear on the outer surfaces of the teeth around the brackets. These stains are not caused directly by the braces but are due to poor oral hygiene resulting in a build-up of plaque around the braces. These unsightly decalcifications are permanent and not treatable. Studies (1,2,3) show that there is a higher risk of decalcification and cavities with traditional fixed braces. There is less risk of this with a lingual brace and any decalcification that does occur is on the back of the teeth where it is not visible.

Is a lingual brace really completely invisible?

The brackets and wires are on the back of the teeth and therefore not visible. If the mouth is opened very wide, the lower brackets under the tongue and the metal or blue composite elevations on the chewing surfaces will be partially visible. We also sometimes use elastic bands during treatment. We place small hooks made of tooth-coloured composite on the outside of the front teeth or small metal brackets on the back molars. These hooks and elastic bands may also be visible. However, they are a necessary part of the treatment. A lingual brace is almost completely invisible and is the most discreet brace available.