PODOBRACE podiatry clip.
Medical Braces for Ingrown Toenails
Orthonyxies are three-part podiatric braces used for the conservative treatment of ingrown toenails. At the Pedimed Center, we use the PODOBRACE podiatric brace, made of high-quality implant-grade steel, CE certified and registered as a medical device. In podiatry, it is applied for the conservative treatment of ingrown toenails and represents an alternative to surgical procedures. The same type of wire is also used in orthodontics and in the treatment of jaw fractures.
Three-part podiatric orthonyxia
Three-part podiatric orthonyxies are an advanced approach to the treatment of ingrown toenails. They consist of a central part, which transmits the main force, and two lateral parts, which adjust the pressure on the edges of the nail. This system allows for precise correction of the nail shape and reduces pressure on the soft tissues, which quickly relieves pain and increases treatment effectiveness.
Three-part orthonyxies are indicated when simpler methods are not sufficiently effective. The braces are made of metallic materials such as stainless steel or titanium, ensuring durability and flexibility. Placement is painless, non-invasive, allows for a quick return to daily activities, and provides long-term nail shape improvement without surgical intervention.
The metal braces are individually adapted for each nail. Their mechanism of action is similar to orthodontic appliances: wires are placed laterally under the nail plate, connected dorsally with a common loop, and fixed with a special gel. This lever creates a force that lifts the nail plate and immediately relieves pain. Monthly follow-ups and tightening of the loop are recommended according to symptoms. Local or oral antibiotics are not required, as their use is not recommended and does not improve outcomes. Simple hygiene measures and antimicrobial sprays are usually sufficient.
The placement of three-part orthonyxies is safe, simple, and cost-effective. Surgery, anesthesia, or recovery are not required, as the procedure provides immediate pain relief and enables normal daily activities. Orthonyxies can be used for extended periods and have no contraindications; they are suitable for children, diabetic patients, and even in cases of local infection.
WHO IT IS FOR
When is a brace the right choice?
We recommend a brace when:
- the nail is growing into the skin and causing pain along its edge,
- the ingrowth keeps coming back despite regular trimming and care,
- the nail plate is strongly curved,
- you have already had nail surgery and the problem has returned.
The brace is also suitable for children and people with diabetes, and it can be used when there is a local infection.
HOW IT WORKS
How is the brace fitted?
- Examination: the podiatrist examines the nail and surrounding skin and cleans the nail edge.
- Shaping: the brace is shaped specifically for your nail.
- Fitting: the two side parts are placed under the edges of the nail plate, joined with a loop and fixed with a special gel. The pain usually eases straight away.
- Check-ups: about once a month we check the nail and tighten the loop if needed.
- Removal: once the nail has grown out in the correct shape, the brace is removed.
Fitting takes about 30 minutes. How long you wear the brace depends on how your nail grows and on its shape. You will get an estimate at your first visit.
PRICES
Price of a brace for an ingrown toenail
- Fitting a PODOBRACE podiatry brace: €140
- Check-up: €25
- Repositioning and refitting the brace: €50 (1 nail) / €90 (2 nails)
- Removing the brace after treatment: €25 (1 nail) / €45 (2 nails)
Prices are the same at all three locations: Ljubljana Bežigrad, Ljubljana Šiška and Novo Mesto (Slovenia).
BEFORE AND AFTER
Medical brace – before and after treatment
Ingrown toenail with a fitted brace – at the start and after completed treatment
Strongly curved toenail – at the start and during treatment with a brace
CLIENT EXPERIENCES
What our clients say about brace treatment
A summary of client reviews on Google (more than 380 reviews across three locations, average rating 4.7):
- Where cutting did not help: several clients write that the brace permanently straightened the nail after repeated cutting had not solved the problem.
- Relief at the first visit: clients describe how the brace eased their discomfort as early as the first visit.
- Children too: parents report successful treatment of ingrown toenails in children.
- After recurrence or surgery: some clients came because the ingrown nail had come back – even after surgery – and solved the problem with a brace.
- A long-term solution: clients appreciate that we do not just relieve the immediate pain but gradually guide the nail back to normal growth.
Treatment with a brace is a process: the nail needs several months to grow out in the correct shape, so regular check-ups are needed in between.
Treatment of ingrown toenails with a medical brace at Center Pedimed has also been covered by Slovenian media, including 24ur, Vizita, Slovenske novice and Dolenjski list. Pedimed in the media
A survey of our clients: we also checked how effective braces are with a survey of 64 clients we treated with a three-part brace. Read the results in our research on the effectiveness of ingrown toenail braces.
what customers say about us
Customer reviews
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Ingrown toenail braces: frequently asked questions
A medical (podiatry) brace is a thin wire made of medical-grade steel that the podiatrist fits onto the nail. It gently lifts the edge of the nail so that it no longer grows into the skin. The PODOBRACE brace is CE-certified and registered as a medical device.
No. Fitting is painless and needs no anaesthetic.
Yes. The brace does not get in the way of wearing shoes, sport or other activities.
Yes, children and people with diabetes can wear it too.
We recommend a check-up about once a month.
Yes. We often see clients whose ingrown toenail came back after surgery.
No. The PODOBRACE brace is fitted by a trained professional, as it is shaped to your nail and needs regular check-ups.
In Google reviews, clients most often mention that the brace straightened the nail when cutting had not helped, that their discomfort eased after the first visit, and that the treatment also works for children. Treatment takes several months, until the nail grows out in the correct shape.
EXPERT HELP
Didn’t find your answer?
Every foot is different. If you have more questions about braces or would like a personal opinion, book an examination at Center Pedimed. Read more about causes and other treatment options on the Ingrown toenails page.
Our clinics
Where we fit ingrown toenail braces
Ljubljana Bežigrad
Peričeva 21, Ljubljana (next to the Bežigrad Health Centre)
Phone: +386 31 796 740
Ljubljana Šiška
Rakuševa ulica 16, Ljubljana
Phone: +386 51 443 100
Novo mesto
Mali Slatnik 13b, Novo mesto
Phone: +386 51 480 800
Opening hours in Ljubljana: Monday to Friday 7 am – 8 pm, Saturday 7 am – 3 pm. In Novo mesto we work by appointment; the clinic is closed on Saturdays. All three clinics are in Slovenia.
You will be treated by podiatrists and medical pedicurists – meet our experts and read how we take care of hygiene and instrument sterilisation.
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