Questions & answers on 3TO braces and ingrown nails

Question: Where can I get treatment with 3TO braces?

Answer: Nail correction using braces may only be administered by trained and experienced medical staff or by qualified 3TO specialists - these are generally chiropodists, podologists and physicians.


Question: Are these braces suitable for everyone?

Answer: 3TO nail braces are generally suited for all cases of ingrown or involuted nails. Special braces are available for infants and small children. The 3TO brace and the podofix active adhesive brace can also be used by persons who are allergic to nickel, as they are also available in nickel-free steel.


Question: Can the corrective nail brace avoid surgical intervention?

Answer: In most cases, yes. Brace therapy has established itself as an almost painless treatment of ingrown nails, which is of particular benefit to children and diabetic patients. Unlike surgery, this treatment usually does not affect your daily routine


Question: Is the treatment painful?

Answer: Inserting or attaching the brace generally is hardly noticeable. You may, however, experience pain, if the surrounding tissue is inflamed. Anaesthetics will not be required. Most patients feel significant relief of the nail fold immediately after the brace has been activated.


Question: Will I be able to do sports during the treatment?

Answer: The nail brace usually does not affect your daily routine. You can practice sports or water activities as usual. In case of strong inflammation, however, we recommend not to do sports until the toe has healed completely. If you do competitive sports, please discuss this issue with your therapist.


Question: Can I wear the corrective brace in water?

Answer: The brace remains attached to the nail even in water - in the swimming pool, sauna or bathtub. However, you should not stay in the water for more than 30 consecutive minutes.


Question: How long does the brace have to stay on the nail?

Answer: Depending on the individual case, the brace has to stay on the nail from 4 to 12 weeks, growing forward together with the nail. The nail brace is repositioned and reactivated until the nail has regained its natural, healthy growth.


Question: How much does brace treatment cost?

Answer: The costs depend on the difficulty and duration of the treatment. For the first application of the brace between EUR 20 and EUR 90 are charged generally, depending on the brace type and the extent of the treatment. Your health insurance provider may partially cover the treatment. Please ask your therapist.