Does my son need braces?
ap-pa-REC-kyo — double 'p', then 'ch' hard before 'kyo'. Stress on third syllable.
Ask the dentist or orthodontist when concerned about a child's teeth alignment. A very common question in Italian dental studios.
'Apparecchio' literally means device or appliance — in dental context it means braces. 'Fare l'apparecchio' (to do the braces / to get braces) is the colloquial Italian expression. For girls: 'Mia figlia deve fare l'apparecchio?' The orthodontist is 'ortodontista'.
Ha bisogno di un apparecchio fisso o mobile?
Does he need fixed or removable braces?
Two types: 'fisso' (fixed brackets) and 'mobile' (removable aligners)
Quanto dura la terapia con l'apparecchio?
How long does brace treatment take?
Typically 18-36 months for full orthodontic treatment
A che età è meglio iniziare?
At what age is it best to start?
Early orthodontic assessment is recommended around age 7-8 in Italy
Orthodontic treatment in Italy is private and costs €2,000–5,000 for full treatment. There is no SSN coverage for standard orthodontics. Modern options include 'allineatori trasparenti' (clear aligners, like Invisalign) which are popular among Italian teenagers and adults. Italian orthodontists ('ortodontisti') are specialists who complete additional training after dental school.