Dental Hygiene & Prevention
Professional dental hygiene is not just about clean teeth — it is about protecting the foundation that makes all other dental and orthodontic treatment worthwhile. At Vunder Orthodontics, hygiene and prevention are an integral part of every patient’s care, not an afterthought.
Whether you are in active orthodontic treatment or simply maintaining your oral health between visits, our hygiene team provides personalised, professional care that reduces inflammation, lowers the risk of cavities, and keeps your smile healthy long-term.
Treatments
Dental Hygienist Appointments
Regular appointments with our dental hygienist go beyond surface cleaning. We remove plaque and tartar build-up in areas that daily brushing and flossing cannot reach — helping to prevent gum inflammation, cavities, and the progression of periodontal disease.
Each appointment is tailored to your individual needs, whether you are currently in orthodontic treatment, have a history of gum issues, or simply want to maintain excellent oral health.
What's included
- Professional removal of plaque and tartar
- Assessment of gum health and early signs of inflammation
- Personalised home care advice and technique guidance
- Tailored recall intervals based on your individual needs
Preventive Care with a Prophylaxis Assistant
Our prophylaxis assistants provide targeted preventive care as part of your regular visits — focusing on cleaning, early detection, and practical guidance to help you stay ahead of dental problems before they develop.
This level of care is especially valuable for patients in active orthodontic treatment, where appliances create additional areas where plaque can accumulate and hygiene requires extra attention.
What's included
- Professional cleaning and polishing
- Targeted care for patients with braces, aligners, or lingual appliances
- Fluoride application for enamel protection where appropriate
- Guidance on products and tools for effective home care
Team of Experts
Our team brings together specialist orthodontic expertise, preventive dental care, and a shared commitment to personalised treatment. Every member of the Vunder Orthodontics team is dedicated to making your experience — and your results — the best they can be.
It means a lot to me when patients realise how much they themselves can do for their oral health.
Certified Dental Hygienist (HF)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a professional dental hygiene appointment include?
A professional dental hygiene session includes the removal of stubborn deposits and tartar, cleaning of the interdental spaces, polishing of the tooth surfaces and personalised brushing instruction. Where indicated, the Airflow method is used to gently remove staining and plaque even in hard-to-reach areas. The appointment ends with a fluoride application, which strengthens the enamel and helps prevent cavities.
How often should I come for dental hygiene?
We recommend two to three dental hygiene sessions per year, depending on your individual risk for cavities, gum inflammation and tartar build-up. During orthodontic treatment with a fixed brace, we recommend more frequent appointments – typically every 3 to 4 months – to reliably prevent decalcification and cavities. We agree the right rhythm with you individually.
What is Airflow cleaning?
Airflow cleaning is a professional method in which a fine jet of water, air and a mild cleaning powder gently removes stains and plaque-containing deposits. The technique reaches even difficult areas between brackets, around implants and along the gum line. It is particularly valuable for patients with fixed appliances, since it cleans the very spots that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.
How do I brush my teeth with a fixed brace?
A particularly thorough oral hygiene routine is essential with a fixed brace, as plaque accumulates easily between brackets and wires. We recommend an electric toothbrush or a specialised orthodontic manual toothbrush, interdental brushes for the gaps and a fluoride toothpaste. At VUNDER ORTHODONTICS you receive detailed personal brushing instruction at the start of treatment.
What are decalcifications ("white spots") and how do I prevent them?
Decalcifications, also known as “white spots”, are whitish, matt patches on the tooth enamel that can develop from plaque accumulation around the edges of brackets. They are the most common unwanted consequence of inadequate hygiene during fixed brace treatment. They are prevented through consistent daily brushing, regular dental hygiene appointments and – for high-risk patients – additional fluoride applications.
What can I do to prevent cavities and gum inflammation?
Effective prevention rests on thorough daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily cleaning of the interdental spaces with floss or interdental brushes, a low-sugar diet and regular professional dental hygiene sessions. Risk factors such as smoking, frequent snacking and dry mouth additionally elevate the risk. At every hygiene session we assess your individual risk profile and adapt our recommendations accordingly.
Is dental hygiene covered by health insurance?
Mandatory basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) does not cover dental hygiene appointments as a rule. Some supplementary dental insurance policies (Zahnzusatzversicherung) contribute to preventive measures depending on the contract. During orthodontic treatment, dental hygiene sessions are often an integral part of the treatment concept; their cost is transparently itemised in the cost estimate.
How important is prevention for brace wearers?
During brace treatment the risk of cavities, decalcifications and gum inflammation rises significantly, as brackets and wires make plaque removal harder. Consistent prevention – daily hygiene, regular dental hygiene sessions and fluoride where indicated – is therefore at least as important as the orthodontic treatment itself. With lingual appliances the decalcification risk is demonstrably around ten times lower, but consistent hygiene remains essential.