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"People used to think that when they are over thirty, braces are no longer worth the trouble. That's no longer the case. Today, we have patients of all ages - and more and more who come in for themselves. They want to feel good, they want to smile. And we know how to give them that beautiful smile," says Sandra Hlinovská, MDDr. Sandra Hlinovská, head of orthodontics at AKESO Polyclinic in Prague.
Invisible revolution, visible self-confidence
Orthodontic treatment looks completely different today than it used to. It doesn't involve impressions, pain or years of discomfort. Thanks to modern scanners, a perfect 3D digital model of the teeth is created, which the doctor uses to plan the entire treatment from A to Z. And instead of metal locks, you get unobtrusive transparent foils - so-called aligners. You change them every 7-14 days and simply put them on yourself at home.
"Invisible braces have many advantages. You can take them off for a while when you need to - for example, when you eat, brush your teeth or for a photo shoot. They are more hygienic, more comfortable and practically painless during treatment. You can even play sports in them without any problems," explains Eva Colella Purkarová, MDDr. Eva Colella Purkarová, an orthodontist at AKESO Polyclinic, whose adult patients are becoming more and more interested. "Thanks to this, we also have patients who always said they would never go into braces. And suddenly they find out that it's not so bad - on the contrary, it's actually very easy and comfortable."
Orthodontics that adapts to you
The modern approach to teeth straightening doesn't just mean better materials, it also means a change in philosophy: treatment adapts to the patient, not the other way around. And every step is planned to fit into your life.
"Orthodontics doesn't have to be about sitting in a waiting room for two hours every month. We use clever tools that give us perfect control over the treatment - and at the same time, patients are not tied to frequent visits," says MD Dr. Hlinovská. "Digital technology is great, but the most important thing for us is trust and communication. Treatment is always individual."
Why braces do more than just give you a beautiful smile
Aesthetics is only one side of the coin. The correct position of the teeth has a major impact on the health of the entire oral cavity - and often the entire body. A bad bite can affect digestion, pronunciation, posture, and even sleep.
"We see patients who for years thought their headaches, jaw pain or even sleep disorders were related to something else. It wasn't until an orthodontic examination that the cause was found to be a bad bite or jaw position," points out Colella Purkarová, MD. "Orthodontics not only addresses aesthetics, but also function. It helps prevent cavities, inflammation or overcrowding of the teeth and damage to the enamel. It's comprehensive care."
Orthodontics as part of a lifestyle
People today are no longer ashamed of braces. On the contrary - they are becoming a normal part of the lifestyle. Influencers on social media show the course of treatment as a path to a better version of yourself. Brands are producing stylish cases for braces. And men are becoming as interested in dental care as women.
"We're seeing the shift in the dentist's office as well - patients aren't asking if, they're asking how. They want to know what we can do for them. They're motivated, they want to smile, they want to be healthy. And that's the best motivation. It's not just about straight teeth. It's about how they make you feel. And that is what gives our work real meaning," summarizes MDDr. Hlinovská.
And when is the best time to start? The answer may surprise you: any time. At thirty, forty or sixty. "Teeth move all your life. Orthodontic treatment makes sense at any age - it's just a matter of finding the right method and motivation. In addition, therapy is commonly combined with other disciplines and care - for example, physiotherapy, jaw joint counselling, periodontics, implantology, stoma surgery and, of course, dental hygiene. We offer all of this at AKESO Polyclinic and are able to provide comprehensive care for our patients," adds Colella Purkarová, MD.
How much does a beautiful smile cost? Less than you would expect
One of the most common reasons why people put off braces for a long time used to be finances. Today, however, there are a number of options to tailor your treatment to your means - whether it's choosing the type of braces or the actual method of payment. Orthodontic treatment is not a cheap affair, but thanks to the wide range of different types of braces available, almost everyone can choose. Basic fixed braces (for example, metal braces) tend to be more affordable, while the modern invisible option belongs to a higher price category. However, the difference often corresponds to comfort, aesthetics and length of treatment.
"At AKESO Polyclinic, we always look for a way with the patient that matches not only their health needs but also their financial situation. We offer different types of treatment, and if necessary, we can also create a payment plan or advise on how to use health insurance contributions," says Sandra Hlinovská, MD.
Think about the insurance company - it can contribute
When it comes to children or adolescents, health insurance companies can also contribute to some types of braces. In the case of adults, contributions are usually more related to dental hygiene, which is closely linked to orthodontic treatment. However, some insurance companies offer bonus programmes that can be partially used for braces - especially in the context of preventive programmes.
It is also important to know that you are paying not only for the braces themselves, but for the entire care, which includes the initial consultation, 3D scan, treatment plan, regular check-ups, braces kits, retention after treatment and follow-ups. However, when you consider this around and around, you are investing in something that will last a lifetime - a beautiful and healthy smile.
"Patients today know it's not an unnecessary expense. It's an investment that boosts their self-esteem every day - at work, in relationships, every time they look in the mirror. And besides, we only have one permanent tooth," adds Sandra Hlinovská, MD, with a smile.
Are you interested in orthodontic treatment? Visit AKESO Polyclinic in Prague's Nové Butovice and start your own journey to a smile you will be proud of.
