The desire for beautiful teeth alignment often arises in adulthood. There are now good treatment options for adults too. We would be happy to advise you about the right braces for you.

1st appointment: orthodontic consultation

The first consultation determines any existing jaw and tooth misalignments. You will be informed about treatment options and how to proceed.

2nd appointment: preparation of orthodontic records

If braces are indicated, we will prepare personal records. The upper and lower jaws are scanned with a modern 3D scanner; these teeth models are printed out for you with our 3D printer. Photos of the teeth and head are also taken, and two overview x-rays are taken. All of these records are required to create the treatment plan.

3rd appointment: Discussion of the orthodontic treatment plan

The orthodontic treatment plan will be discussed in detail with you/your child. If it is a question of several treatment options, then advantages and disadvantages will be discussed. You will also receive a cost estimate, which will be discussed with you.

4th appointment: Start of treatment

The treatment will start from the 4th appointment and the planned braces can soon be applied. It is important that the scheduled check-up dates are followed.

Removable braces

Removable braces, unlike fixed braces, can be temporarily removed from the mouth. These braces are mainly used with children. There are many types of removable braces that work in different ways. Some act on growth, others are used to correct small, misaligned teeth or to widen the upper jaw and still others are used as holding devices. Which braces are the right one is decided individually.

Fixed braces (metal brackets, archwires and ligatures)

In the case of fixed braces, small brackets are cemented to teeth, and these are connected with a wire (arch). These activation arches exert continuous pressure or tension on the teeth to move them into the ideal position. Depending on the complexity of the tooth movement, these arches are exchanged at regular intervals. It is possible to use fixed braces on the outside or inside.

Invisible fixed braces / braces on the inside / lingual technique

With the lingual technique (lingual = tongue side), special lingual brackets are cemented to the inside of the teeth so that misaligned teeth can be corrected without anyone seeing the fixed braces. The treatment is therefore ideal for people who, for personal or professional reasons, do not want to wear visible braces.

The brackets and arches of these fixed braces are individually manufactured for you in a special laboratory. A treatment device tailored to your needs is created using the latest computer technology. There are many reasons why invisible lingual braces are preferred over classic fixed braces today:

Advantages of lingual braces:

• Invisible tooth regulation
• More accurate treatment results
• Reduced risk of tooth decay
• Short treatment time
• Suitable for patients of all ages

You can find more information about invisible braces under the following link: https://www.lingualsystems.co.uk/about-win-lingual-braces/

Classic fixed braces on the outside

With this appliance, the brackets are traditionally cemented onto the outside of the teeth. We work with the modern speed-brackets. In contrast to older brackets, these no longer require rubber bands. This is optimal as rubber promotes particle build-up and thus bacterial deposits. Here, too, attempts are made to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Today, however, the trend is more towards braces that are invisible.

Aligners / clear braces

Aligner therapy (align = straighten) is used for minor tooth misalignments.

After a digital 3D scan of the upper and lower jaws has been made, the desired teeth correction can be illustrated with the help of a video. If you like the planned tooth correction, the treatment can begin.

A sequence of thin and transparent plastic splints, the so-called aligners, which are made for you, are used. Depending on the misaligned teeth, a specific number of aligners/splints is required. The transparent splints must be worn 22 hours a day and replaced every 2 weeks.

As a rule, therapy with fixed braces lasts between one and two and a half years – but this time span can vary widely and is dependent on the following factors:

• Is the treatment carried out in childhood or adulthood?
• How much do the teeth have to be moved to achieve the ideal teeth alignment?
• What is the biological reaction situation, i.e., how quickly can the body break down and build up bones?

• How good is the patient’s cooperation?
• Does the patient worry about their braces?

Since many factors are responsible for the duration of the treatment, you will receive more detailed information at the appointment.

The treatment costs vary depending on the complexity of the treatment plan. In any case, a personal cost estimate will be created which will be presented to you in a conversation. The Swiss Dentotar® tariff system is used for billing with a tax point value of 1.2.

Please find out from your supplementary health insurance to what extent you are insured, so that you can estimate the costs that you will have to pay. The supplementary insurances differ in terms of coverage and benefits per year and per case.

Regardless of the treatment method used, the subsequent retention phase is very important after the successful treatment. To prevent the teeth from shifting again and to stabilize the ideal position of the teeth, holding wires (retainers) are glued to the inside of the teeth. This wire stays in the mouth for life and should be checked regularly.

Certain tooth and jaw misalignments should be identified and treated at an early stage. A brief check-up with an orthodontist is recommended already at age 6- 8.

Orthodontics in children and adolescents
The typical age for a “classic” orthodontic treatment is between 10- 16 years of age. Exactly when braces are used depends on the individual circumstances and will be discussed with you in advance.