FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get the best service at our clinic?

It's very important to us to provide every patient with excellent service. To help with that, please be friendly and respectful with us – we really value pleasant, cooperative patients.

If something doesn't go as expected, please let us know calmly.

We always try to fix the situation and find a solution that works for you.

A trusting, warm relationship with our patients is our top priority.

What is orthodontic treatment with aligners?
  • Our clinic uses a removable aligner system designed to straighten teeth.
  • The treatment uses nearly invisible removable aligners, replaced with a new set every 7-14 days.
  • The aligners are made individually for your teeth.
  • With each aligner change, the teeth gradually move into place each week, according to the treatment plan created by the orthodontist.
What's good about aligner treatment?
  • Aligners are nearly invisible and don't affect your social life.
  • Treatment is easy to plan in advance, and you can visualise the future result.
  • Fewer and shorter visits.
  • Less pain, since teeth move gradually and very gently, and aligners don't rub against the cheeks or lips.
  • Very few emergency visits (except when additional attachments are used).
  • Advantages of removable aligners: you can eat anything, hygiene is easier to maintain, and the risk of decay is lower.
  • Well suited for people who play contact sports or musical instruments.
Who are aligners suitable for?
  • Adults, and children in the mixed or permanent dentition.
Who are aligners not suitable for?
  • People who doubt their ability to use a removable appliance consistently, or who have poor self-discipline.
  • Not recommended for patients who have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene.
  • Patients with a severe deep bite. These respond better to treatment with braces.
How do I start treatment?
  • Before a consultation or diagnostic visit, your teeth must be treated and clean! Please book a check-up with your dentist, and a professional cleaning (with your dentist or hygienist) if needed, before the diagnostic visit.
  • After the consultation and diagnostics, the orthodontist prepares an individual treatment plan and confirms the cost of treatment.
  • After discussing the treatment plan, the first set of aligners is ordered.
  • At the treatment-start visit, attachments are bonded to the teeth and the use of the aligners is explained.
How long do I need to wear the aligner each day for treatment to be effective?
  • The aligner must be worn 21-22 hours a day. It should only be removed for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing your teeth. Wearing it consistently ensures the teeth move as planned and treatment progresses on schedule.
  • Aligners can be out of the mouth for a maximum of half an hour at a time.
  • Avoid days without the aligner. Even one day without it can cause several aligners' worth of relapse, leaving shifts that don't correct themselves. Relapse means treatment takes longer.
What determines the length of aligner treatment?
  • The complexity of the treatment and the condition of the teeth
  • The extent of tooth movement needed and the number of corrections
  • How consistently the aligner is worn
  • The patient's individual response to treatment
What shouldn't you do with aligners in your mouth?
  • Eat
  • Chew gum
  • Drink very hot tea or coffee
  • Clench your teeth together forcefully
What can you drink with aligners in?
  • Water
  • All other drinks either stain the aligners and teeth or cause a strong acid attack
How do aligners affect speech?
  • You may notice a slight lisp at first, which goes away within 1-7 days. The more you wear the aligner and talk, the faster your tongue adjusts
What should I do if an aligner is broken or lost?
  • Try inserting the next aligner. Let us know about the problem.
  • Use a chewie to help the aligner seat properly.
  • Wear the aligner a bit longer to make up for the missed wearing time.
  • If you can't insert the next aligner, contact us right away.
How can I get in touch with you?

There are several ways to reach us. Our preferred and most effective channel is live chat, where you can easily ask both administrative and treatment-related questions. You'll find the chat button on our website.

We mainly use the phone when we need to share important information with you or discuss treatment matters in more detail. Since our team's resources are limited, we may not always answer the phone right away.

You can also email us or reach us through social media.

How do I book a visit?
Please use our online booking system. We've tried to present the visit types as clearly as possible. If you're not sure which visit to choose, or want more information, send us a message – we're happy to help!
Can I choose which doctor I book my appointment with?
We work as a team at our clinic. All patients are shared between us, and we've clearly divided the stages of the treatment process. Dr Petšjonkina focuses mainly on treatment planning, while Dr Paalberg is responsible for the patient's wellbeing at the clinic. So both of us take care of getting you the best possible result!
What happens at a routine check-up visit?

A routine check-up is a short appointment where we assess how well the aligners fit, the patient's diligence, oral hygiene, and whether the teeth are moving as planned. At some visits we also separate teeth as needed, or check, replace or adjust the attachments on the teeth.

If needed, we offer an additional visit for first aid.

If you'd like to meet the doctor between scheduled visits, for example to discuss a longer question, you can book a paid interim consultation.

Do you also treat younger children?

Absolutely! Early treatment often helps create better conditions for jaw development and the eruption of permanent teeth. For example, if a child has a narrow upper jaw, we start by widening the upper arch before aligner treatment, to ensure the best results.

Please note: unfortunately we currently don't have a contract with the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa), so all orthodontic treatment for children is fee-paying.

My child is 9 years old and early aligner treatment has been recommended, but I'm not sure they can manage it.
Children this age generally respond very well to treatment. They're motivated and careful, and their teeth move faster than an adult's. Sometimes they need a little help handling the aligners day to day. Hygiene is easier to maintain since the aligners are removable. Children can also eat anything, since the aligners are removed for meals. Tooth sensitivity is minimal compared with braces, which makes treatment more comfortable.
What is retention, and why does it matter?
This is the stage after treatment where the teeth are held in their correct position once orthodontic treatment ends. It's very important, because without retention the teeth can shift back towards their original position. Retention appliances, or retainers – such as night-time aligners or a wire – keep the treatment result stable long-term and preserve your beautiful smile.
Can every orthodontic problem be solved with aligners?
There are always exceptions, but in general most orthodontic problems can be solved with aligner treatment. We fairly often use additional elements such as hooks and elastics, and less often other supporting elements, such as temporary orthodontic mini-implants or partial bonding on the back teeth. In more difficult cases, aligner treatment can also be combined with orthognathic surgery.
How do I clean my aligners?
  • Use a toothbrush with longer bristles and a special cleaning product made for aligners. An unscented liquid soap or mild dish soap also works.
  • Brush the aligner twice a day, both inside and out.
  • Rinse the aligner thoroughly after every meal.
What should I do with used aligners?
  • Be sure to keep all your aligners at home, as they may sometimes be needed again during treatment. Once treatment is finished, you can throw them away.