The importance of choosing the right orthodontist in the Netherlands
When moving to a new country, the list of things to arrange can be almost endless. Finding the right orthodontist, while it may not always be top priority, is an important part of settling into your new home.
Expats arriving in the Netherlands may find the process complicated, especially as orthodontic treatment can vary from country to country.
If you were to compare 10 different specialists, none of the treatment plans would be exactly the same. The orthodontist that you choose, therefore, has a big impact on both the success of your treatment and your overall satisfaction.
Below, Dr M. Gordjestani, PhD, from Expat Orthodontics shares how to choose the right orthodontist for you.
Difference between a general dentist and an orthodontist
Navigating a new health care system is always confusing, so let’s first clear up the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. While some general dentists may refer to themselves as a “dentist for orthodontics” or “tandarts voor orthodontie”, this does not legally make them an orthodontist.
A dentist for orthodontics performs general dental procedures in addition to orthodontic treatments, such as filling cavities, routine bi-annual check-ups, and placing crowns.
A registered orthodontist focuses exclusively and 100 percent on specialised medical orthodontics and no longer performs general dental treatments.
How orthodontists train in the Netherlands
Orthodontics in the Netherlands is held in high regard internationally, primarily due to an intensive, controlled training programme. After completing a six-year-long university degree in dentistry, future practitioners must then complete a four-year academic specialisation before becoming orthodontists.
Orthodontists must then register in the Dutch BIG register (the Individual Healthcare Professions Act register), as required by law.
A medical speciality with invisible risks
Many people may not realise that orthodontics is, in fact, a medical speciality and orthodontic treatment is classed as a delicate medical intervention to correct teeth positioning and remodel supporting bone tissue and jaw structure.
Dr Gordjestani believes that many people these days "desire an aesthetically pleasing and straight smile. A natural dentition boosts self-confidence and provides a positive appearance. As orthodontists, however, we primarily look at what is invisible.”
Dr Gordjestani compares orthodontics to “the tip of an iceberg. It is about the position of the tooth roots, the jaws, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).”
Unfortunately, however, complications can occur. Root resorption (radicular resorption) is potentially the most well-known example, where the roots of teeth and molars shorten due to the pressure of shifting teeth.
“We must carefully monitor how these structures react when we move teeth. Because this process is unique to every patient, periodic check-ups every four to five weeks are essential. This allows us to monitor the invisible biological processes and make timely adjustments,” explains Dr Gordjestani.
Regulated orthodontic costs in the Netherlands
Many internationals discover that orthodontics in the Netherlands is significantly more affordable than in their home country. This is often because rates are regulated by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (Nederlandse Zorgautoriteit or NZa).
This means that orthodontic treatment costs the same wherever you are based in the country. Any cost variations between practices stem solely from the laboratory fees used. Expat Orthodontics chooses to work exclusively with the best, high-grade materials and advanced equipment.
Stick to recognised orthodontists for treatment
Nowadays, there is a large online market for cheap braces and poorly functioning clear aligners (invisible braces). Despite slick social media advertisements, these budget solutions are quickly experiencing complications due to poor treatment planning.
Expat-friendly orthodontist in the Netherlands
Expat Orthodontics in Amsterdam is a professionally independent organisation made up of five private orthodontic practices. With four locations in Amsterdam and one in Diemen, they treat hundreds of children and adults annually.
To meet the high demand from non-Dutch speakers, Dr Gordjestani has launched a website in English. This platform enables internationals to easily find reliable information and make an informed choice from one of the five certified practices in Amsterdam and the surrounding area.