All orthodontic therapies are only effective when carried out in conjunction with systematic preventive dentistry. The latter must be based on the work of Axelsson and Lindhe. Both domestic and professional oral hygiene measures are critical to maintaining oral health and preventing therapy-related damage to dental hard substances and soft tissues. The systematic prevention workflow must be based not only on dental biofilm management, but also on the patient’s complex medical and dental conditions. Schlagwörter: adult orthodontics, biofilm, periodontal disease, preventive dentistry