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Züri Zahni

Disclaimer

general dentistry – V 4.0, 23.10.25

Dear Patient,

We warmly welcome you to Züri Zahni and thank you in advance for the trust you place in us. An examination and/or a possible therapy is planned for you.

Before we begin, we kindly ask you to read the following information and give us your consent by signing.

At Züri Zahni, we treat you according to the latest standards and findings of science. Despite high quality standards and careful work, complications may occur or pain may arise.

Points to be noted:

Dental Treatment

Local anaesthesia:
Depending on the treatment, a local elimination of pain sensation may be necessary. Despite professional application, general or local side effects are possible: intolerance to the substance used (allergy), reactions in the cardiovascular system (palpitations, drop/increase in blood pressure, dizziness), bruising (haematomas). In rare cases, nerve fibres may be damaged during a conduction anaesthesia. As a result, a temporary facial asymmetry or temporary – in very rare cases permanent – sensory disturbances (tingling, altered sensations up to numbness) in the corresponding area may occur. Please refrain from eating while the anaesthesia is active, as this may lead to bite injuries, burns, or frostbite.

Tooth preservation/extraction:
It may be necessary to shorten a tooth in length or, depending on the degree of destruction, to remove it.
Teeth, especially in the context of root canal treatment, extraction, removal of old or deep crowns/fillings, crown/bridge preparation, removal of deep caries or tartar removal, may fracture and sometimes can no longer be preserved.

Root canal treatments:
A root canal treatment is an attempt to save the tooth (success rate of 90% for first treatment, 60% for re-treatments/revisions after previous root canal therapy). Long-term preservation is not guaranteed. Rarely, root canal instruments may fracture, or a complicated root canal anatomy may prevent optimal therapy. In such cases, the tooth may no longer be worth preserving, or the treatment may only be performed as a compromise, which can be impaired in the short, medium, or long term. In addition, the risk of root or crown fractures increases significantly during and after root canal treatment.
The occurrence of such complications is possible despite careful treatment and does not constitute a claim to free follow-up treatments or prosthetic replacement.

Pain after root canal treatment:
Even without previous symptoms, pain may occur after a root canal treatment, caused by tissue changes and the elimination of bacteria. In the worst case, swelling may develop, requiring pain management or antibiotic therapy.

Extractions:
In the context of an extraction, pain, infections, swelling, or post-/bleeding may occur. In rare cases and with certain anatomical positions of the teeth, there may be dislocation of teeth/tooth fragments into the surrounding tissue, an opening of the maxillary sinus, nerve damage, or a jaw fracture.

Reconstructions:
A reconstruction, whether a filling, crown, bridge, implant, or denture, may be damaged or loosen under heavy load. Any subsequent goodwill adjustments are based on the guidelines of the SSO (Swiss Dental Association).

Pulp reactions after conservative or prosthetic treatment:
Despite careful execution, vibration, heat, proximity to the pulp, or existing bacterial invasion may irritate the dental nerve. This can lead to acute pulpitis with severe pain or to the death of the nerve (devitalisation) – immediately or even days, weeks, months, or years later. In such cases, a root canal treatment may be necessary.

Nitrous oxide sedation:
This method helps patients, especially children, to experience treatments in a relaxed way. Side effects may include slight nausea or dizziness. Please note that the patient must not eat for at least 4 hours before the procedure and must not drink for 2 hours before. On that day, activities that could lead to accidents (cycling, scooter or roller skating, climbing, swimming, etc.) should be avoided.

Subcutaneous emphysema:
In rare cases, air may enter the surrounding tissue (subcutaneous emphysema). This may occur, for example, during the use of powder jet devices (airflow), treatment of periodontal pockets or implant surfaces, during endodontic treatments with air/water spray, during subgingival preparations with turbines, or during surgical procedures. An emphysema typically presents as swelling with a crackling sound on palpation and is usually treated with antibiotics.

Prophylaxis

Risk of loss of tooth substance or fillings:
During a dental cleaning with ultrasound, hand instruments, airflow, and polishing/cup, it may in rare cases lead to chipping of tooth substance or loosening of insufficient or non-retentive fillings (e.g., with marginal gaps, secondary caries). An intact and sufficient filling should normally not be affected. This does not constitute a claim for compensation or free replacement.

Possible pain during treatment:
During cleaning, pain and bleeding may occur, especially when inflamed gums or sensitive tooth necks are treated. Local anaesthesia can be administered if necessary.

Changes after treatment:
After treatment, the gums may recede as healing progresses, exposing tooth necks and making them more sensitive. In some cases, so-called “black triangles” (dark gaps between teeth) may become visible. This is a natural healing process and does not represent a treatment error or a complication.

Costs & Estimates

Short-term appointment cancellations
Appointments cancelled or rescheduled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged.

Request and billing of cost estimate
If you would like a cost estimate for your treatment, please let us know explicitly.
➤ The planning and preparation of a detailed cost estimate is a medical service according to the SSO tariff (Pos. 4.0252, TP 31.1–42.1) and will be charged accordingly.
➤ Organisational effort for special treatments: In individual cases – e.g., when planning general anaesthesia treatments – considerable organisational effort arises even in advance. Should the treatment not be carried out, we reserve the right to charge this effort according to the SSO tariff (Pos. 4.0252 TP 31.1–42.1 as well as 2× Pos. 4.0680 TP 71.1–96.3).

Nature of the cost estimate and additional effort
A medical cost estimate is an estimate based on the current findings and experience, not a binding fixed-price quotation.
➤ Deviations of ±15% are common in dental treatment and provided for in the cost estimate.
➤ Should greater additional effort arise during the course of treatment, this will be communicated transparently and documented comprehensively – however, no new cost estimate will be issued without explicit request.

School voucher cost regulation
With the annual school/municipal voucher, we can directly bill the dental check-up, the application of fluoride varnish, and – if provided for – up to two bitewing X-rays to the responsible municipality/school. The scope of services may vary depending on the municipality.
Please note: Services not included in the school voucher (e.g., dental cleaning or further treatments) will be invoiced privately/separately. You may possibly submit these to your supplementary insurance.
The school voucher must be presented on the day of the appointment. A subsequent submission (e.g. by post, e-mail, or at a later appointment) is unfortunately not possible for administrative reasons and due to the considerable additional effort involved. If the voucher is not available on the day of treatment, the services will be invoiced privately.

Completion of supplementary insurance forms:
The completion of insurance forms constitutes a medical service according to the SSO tariff (Pos. 4.0460, TP 65.2–88.2). These costs will be invoiced to you privately and are not covered by the insurance.

Responsibility of the patient

Billing for non-performed treatment
Regardless of the type of planned treatment, the following applies: If a treatment cannot be carried out or can only be carried out partially due to patient-related reasons or medical safety reasons – e.g., due to lack of cooperation or other individual circumstances – the reserved time or planned treatment will be billed in full. This applies to all types of appointments. We ask for your understanding that we cannot bill our provided time and personnel resources based on outcome.

Completeness of information
Please provide all health and administrative information (e.g., contact details, habits, illnesses/findings, medications) completely and truthfully and inform us immediately of any changes. Missing or incorrect information may endanger treatment and, in extreme cases, lead to serious complications. Without complete and up-to-date information, we cannot take responsibility for possible consequences.

No guarantee of success

For medical treatments, no guarantee can be given for success or durability. The result depends on many factors, some of which cannot be influenced – such as genetic predisposition, individual anatomy, tissue quality, healing ability, general illnesses, medication intake, material compatibility, as well as lifestyle (diet, oral hygiene, grinding/clenching). These influences are beyond our direct control and may limit the prognosis.

Declaration of Consent

By signing, I confirm that I have taken note of the above points and that I have been informed in an understandable way about the procedure and the risks of the examination or intervention. My questions have been answered to my satisfaction.

I hereby authorise my treating dentist and the practice staff to request access to medical records and to forward the necessary patient data – including digitally recorded medical history and treatment data – to the respective private or state institutions/authorities for assessment, invoicing, and/or collection. I release the treatment team from the duty of confidentiality towards all authorised third parties, insofar as this is required in the context of my treatment and its organisation.

I accept the updated privacy policy, the guidelines for handling patient information, as well as the digital recording, storage, and processing of my data in the practice software. I am aware that when exchanging data via classical or modern communication channels, certain residual risks may remain despite all due care. I agree that the practice may contact me using the contact information I have provided (telephone, SMS, e-mail, postal mail, chat) – including for administrative and medical matters.

I consent to the treatment.

orthodontics – V 4.0, 23.10.25

Dear patient

We warmly welcome you to Züri Zahni and thank you for placing your trust in us. You are scheduled for an orthodontic examination and/or treatment. Please read the following information carefully and confirm your agreement by signing below.

We treat patients according to the latest scientific findings and using state-of-the-art methods. However, despite the utmost care, complications and discomfort may occur.

General conditions

Cooperation and personal responsibility
The success of orthodontic treatment depends largely on your active cooperation. Failure to wear appliances, missed appointments, or poor oral hygiene can not only lead to prolonged treatment times and limited results, but can also cause malocclusion or require appliances to be worn for too long, resulting in treatment imbalance or relapse.

Duration of treatment
The duration of treatment varies from person to person. It is determined by biological factors, growth, and your cooperation. It is not possible to give an exact time frame.

Limitations of treatment
Not every desired result can be fully achieved in all cases. Skeletal malocclusions, functional disorders—such as an infantile swallowing pattern or tongue and lip malfunctions—or unfavorable growth developments can influence the result. In such cases, additional speech therapy or physiotherapy may be necessary. In severe cases, a combination of orthodontics and oral surgery may be necessary.

Appointment cancellations and punctuality
We must charge for appointments that are canceled or rescheduled less than 24 hours in advance. We also ask you to arrive on time so that our daily schedule is not disrupted and other patients are not affected. In the event of a significant delay, we reserve the right to cancel the appointment, charge the costs, and arrange a new appointment.

Preliminary treatment and prophylaxis

Basic examination before starting treatment
Before starting orthodontic treatment, we always carry out a basic examination. We need to ensure that there is no tooth decay, periodontitis, or other diseases and pathologies that could interfere with the course of treatment. This includes X-rays, checking existing crowns, implants, or root canal-treated teeth, and professional teeth cleaning.

Preventive care during treatment
Regular preventive care appointments are necessary during treatment. We generally recommend intervals of 3 to 6 months, depending on your oral hygiene and the type of appliance. If we find that your oral hygiene is inadequate, that there is a high risk of caries, or that damage is already present, we reserve the right to remove the appliances. In this case, there is no entitlement to a refund or compensation. Well-positioned teeth must not be endangered by caries or periodontal disease.

Risks associated with all types of treatment

Decalcification and tooth decay
Orthodontic appliances are dirt traps. Dental plaque can accumulate more easily and, if hygiene is inadequate, initially cause white spots (decalcification) and later tooth decay.

Gums and periodontium
The forces applied act on the periodontium (gums). In combination with poor oral hygiene, incipient gum inflammation can develop into severe periodontitis. Existing periodontitis can also worsen.

Root resorption
During tooth movement, degradation processes can occur in the area of the tooth roots, resulting in shortening of the root. In very rare extreme cases, this can also lead to tooth loss.

Inflammation or death of the tooth nerve (pulpitis/devitalization)
In rare cases, the tooth nerve can become inflamed or die. This occurs more frequently in teeth with large fillings or after previous trauma. An affected tooth can cause severe pain or become discolored over time. Root canal treatment is usually necessary to preserve the tooth.

Loosening of teeth
Orthodontic tooth movements are caused by remodeling processes in the bone. Therefore, loosening of teeth during treatment is normal and usually subsides after treatment is completed.

Gum recession
Gum recession can occur due to skeletal conditions. In some cases, periodontal coverage of such recessions may be necessary. However, these procedures are generally only performed after orthodontic treatment has been completed.

Discomfort and adjustment
After the insertion of appliances or after activations, feelings of pressure, tension, sore mucous membranes, and temporary difficulties with eating may occur. These complaints are typical side effects and usually subside after a few days.

Growth and development risks
Occasionally, jaw growth takes an unfavorable course and is difficult to influence therapeutically. This can result in prolonged treatment times and compromises in terms of the treatment outcome. Skeletal growth deviations are not always apparent at the time of treatment planning.

Tooth enamel loss
In rare cases, the removal of fixed appliances can cause superficial enamel defects.

Recurrences (relapses)
After orthodontic treatment is complete, the result is stabilized in the desired position using a retention device and/or a retainer. Since the human body is subject to a constant process of change, tooth and/or jaw misalignment can occur again despite retention.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Orthodontic treatment can improve existing problems in the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles, but it can also cause new problems such as clicking, pain, or limited mouth opening. These are not always predictable or completely treatable.

General illnesses and medications
General medical conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or hormonal changes, as well as certain medications—for example, bisphosphonates or cortisone—can slow down healing processes or influence the treatment outcome.

Contact allergies to materials
In rare cases, contact allergies may occur with the materials used (e.g., metals, plastics, adhesives, elastics). These usually manifest as redness, swelling, or sore spots on the mucous membrane or gums.

Apparatus-specific risks

Fixed brackets (vestibular)
Brackets and bands are attached with plastic adhesive. They can come loose and need to be reattached. Inadequate oral hygiene significantly increases the risk of decalcification and caries.

Lingual brackets (inside)
Lingual brackets are particularly uncomfortable and can be painful, especially in the first few days. They can injure the tongue and temporarily impair speech. In addition, their position makes cleaning difficult, which increases the risk of decalcification.

Aligners (transparent splints)
Aligners are an aesthetic and comfortable method, but they have limitations and possible side effects:

  • Movement limitations: Not all tooth movements can be performed with splints. It may be necessary to switch to fixed appliances.
  • Simulation ≠ reality: The digital treatment goal does not always correspond exactly to the actual result. Additional treatment steps (“refinements”) are often necessary.
  • Attachments: These small plastic attachments can come loose or discolor and occasionally need to be replaced.
  • Black triangles: Tooth movements can create small gaps between the teeth, which can be aesthetically disturbing. Additional measures such as composite build-ups or veneers may be necessary.
  • Aligners: Aligners can break, get lost, or cause pressure points. A stable result is only possible if they are worn consistently for around 22 hours a day.
  • Stripping: In some cases, it is necessary to remove small amounts of enamel (a few millimeters) between the teeth to create space for movement. This can cause temporary sensitivity or damage the gums.
  • Material: In rare cases, allergic reactions to the plastic may occur.

Removable and functional appliances
Their effectiveness depends heavily on consistent wear. Speech, eating, and sports may be affected. Appliances can break or, in rare cases, pieces of them may be swallowed.

Discomfort caused by appliances

After insertion or replacement of arches, retainers, or appliances, the teeth may be sensitive and pressure or tension pain may occur. Eating may also be temporarily difficult.

Brackets, wires, or bands can irritate the mucous membranes and/or tongue and lead to painful contact or friction injuries. Brackets or bands can also come loose and need to be reattached.

Brackets, attachments, and splints can become discolored during the course of treatment. Discoloration is not only caused by coffee, tea, curry, or smoking, but also by many color-intensive foods, such as berries, juices, or spices. This is a common problem that is material-related and does not constitute a treatment error.

Brackets, attachments, and splints may become discolored during treatment. This discoloration is caused by pigments in food (e.g., tea, fruit, spices) and luxury foods (e.g., coffee, nicotine). It is due to the material and does not constitute a treatment error.

Mini implants and osseous anchoring elements

Small screws or other osseous anchorage elements can be used to support certain tooth movements.

Possible risks include loosening or loss of the implant, injury to tooth roots, nerves, or blood vessels, local inflammation or infection, and initial pressure or tension pain. In rare cases, the element must be replaced or removed.

Retention

Once active treatment is complete, stabilization with a retainer is necessary. In many cases, lifelong retention is advisable.

Retainers can break, adhesive points can chip, and the composite can wear down or discolor. Repairs are therefore necessary on a regular basis, and in some cases, a retainer may even need to be replaced after a few years. Braided wires can also activate years later and trigger tooth movements that may require further orthodontic treatment. We only use rigid, individually milled retainers to minimize this risk.

In addition to fixed retainers, there are also removable retention splints (transparent splints). These require a high degree of discipline: if they are forgotten or not worn regularly, the treatment results can quickly deteriorate – even years after the end of therapy. We therefore prefer the fixed version, as it offers more reliable stabilization.

Anesthesia, surgery, and special complications

Depending on the treatment, local anesthesia may be necessary. Despite professional application, side effects are possible, such as allergic reactions, cardiovascular reactions (palpitations, drop or rise in blood pressure, dizziness), or bruising. In rare cases, nerve damage may occur, causing temporary facial asymmetry or sensory disturbances such as tingling or numbness. Very rarely, these remain permanent.

As long as the anesthesia lasts, you must not eat or drink, as this can lead to bite injuries, burns, or frostbite.

Tooth extractions may also be necessary in orthodontics. This can cause pain, infection, swelling, or post-operative bleeding. In very rare cases, it can lead to an opening in the maxillary sinus, nerve damage, or a jaw fracture.

In rare cases, dental procedures can cause air to enter the tissue (subcutaneous emphysema). This can occur during surgical procedures, root canal treatments, work with the contra-angle handpiece near the gums/subgingival preparations, or when using powder jet devices.

This is characterized by swelling with a crackling sensation when palpated, which can usually be controlled well with antibiotic treatment.

Trauma, sports, and emergencies

During sports or accidents, appliances can cause injuries to the lips, cheeks, or teeth. We therefore recommend wearing a mouthguard for all contact sports.

In case of emergencies—such as a wire piercing the gum, a bracket coming loose, or a mini implant falling out—please contact our practice immediately. As a temporary measure, you can cover the affected areas with wax or take protective measures until we can fix the problem.

Costs and cost estimates

All services are billed according to the current SSO tariff. At the beginning of treatment, we draw up a plan with a cost estimate. This serves as a guide, but is a medical estimate and not a binding fixed price.

Examination and diagnosis
The initial examination by the general dentist—including X-rays to check for caries—is not part of the orthodontic treatment and is billed separately by the general dentist.

Additional services during treatment
Regular prophylaxis sessions (e.g., DH) or interdisciplinary measures such as speech therapy are not part of the original treatment plan.

Corrections and problems during treatment
It may happen that tooth movements do not proceed as planned or are achieved to a lesser extent. In such cases, additional measures may be necessary, such as refinements, adjustments, repairs to defective appliances, measures in case of intolerance, or as a result of insufficient wearing time. Emergency appointments, e.g., for sharp wires, loose bands, or brackets, are also not included in the original treatment plan and may incur additional costs.

Aftercare and maintenance phase
After completion of active treatment, further costs may arise, in particular for maintenance, repairs, or replacement of retainers, as well as for treatment in the event of relapses (recurrences). These services are no longer part of the initial treatment cycle, but constitute a new treatment case and are billed according to the time and effort involved.

Patient responsibility

If treatment cannot be carried out or can only be carried out in part for patient-related or medical safety reasons—for example, due to a lack of cooperation—the reserved time or planned treatment will be charged in full.

Please provide all health and administrative information (contact details, habits, illnesses, findings, medications) completely and truthfully and inform us of any changes. Missing or incorrect information can jeopardize treatment. Without complete and up-to-date information, we cannot accept responsibility for any consequences.

No guarantee of success

No guarantee can be given for the success or durability/retention of the results of medical treatments. The result depends on many factors, some of which cannot be influenced: genetic predisposition, individual anatomy, tissue quality, healing ability, general illnesses, medication, material compatibility, and lifestyle (diet, oral hygiene, grinding or clenching).

Declaration of consent

With my signature, I confirm that I have taken note of the points listed above and that I have been informed in an understandable manner about the procedure and risks of the examination or intervention. My questions have been answered to my satisfaction.

I hereby grant my treating dentist and the practice staff permission to request medical records for review and to forward the necessary patient data—including digitally recorded medical history and treatment data—to the respective private or state institutions/agencies for assessment, billing, and/or collection. I release the treatment team from their duty of confidentiality towards authorized third parties to the extent necessary for treatment and organization.

I accept the updated privacy policy, the guidelines for handling patient information, and the digital collection, storage, and processing of my data in the practice software. I am aware that despite due care, residual risks exist when exchanging data via traditional and modern communication channels. I agree that the practice may contact me via my specified contact channels (telephone, text message, email, post, chat) – including for administrative and medical matters.

I am aware that the success of the treatment depends largely on my active cooperation (oral hygiene, prophylaxis recall, wearing times, check-up appointments) and that non-compliance may result in restrictions or additional costs.

I agree to the treatment.

Downloads

General dentistry – V 4.0, 23.10.25

Orthodontics – V 4.0, 23.10.25