ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT / BRACES
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT / BRACES
WHY AN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT AT ZÜRI ZAHNI?
The latest technology
We have a fully digitalized and modern clinic infrastructure. Our team is open minded, forward-looking and is always up to date with the latest trends and dental technology.
Invisible treatment devices
Tired of visible braces? We offer invisible orthodontic appliances/braces that achieve highly precise treatment results.
Gentle on the teeth
Our goal is to optimize your tooth alignment without endangering your oral health. We support and advise you across multiple disciplines, even after your orthodontic treatment has been completed.
INTERVIEW WITH Aline Joos
WE OFFER THE ENTIRE SPECTRUM OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS
Classic braces
Tooth misalignments can be corrected the classic way with visible metal brackets. Since these braces are visible, they are mainly used on children.
Invisible lingual braces
These revolutionary braces are attached to the inside of the teeth and are called lingual braces. The braces are individually manufactured in a special laboratory so that the lingual brackets can be ideally positioned and produce more accurate tooth movements.
Clear aligners / splints
If the tooth misalignment is light to moderate, tooth corrections with transparent, removable aligners/splints are possible. This popular, removable treatment method allows good oral hygiene, is practically invisible and uses in the majority of cases, tooth-colored plastic attachments. They work efficiently and precisely.
PRE-TREATMENTS IN CHILDREN
During growth, a positive impact can be achieved on both, the skeletal/jaw position and the dentition. This can reduce the future treatment time for fixed braces and minimizes the associated risks and side effects.
Palate expander
A palatal expansion always comes into play when the upper jaw is too narrow to match the lower jaw. Since the mid-palatal suture isn’t yet ossified in children, the upper jaw can be widened. To keep the result of the expansion stable, the device is left in place for several months after the active treatment
Lingual arch
A lingual arch is used when space in the lower jaw is to be retained as a consequence of premature tooth loss or tooth replacement.
Distaliser (Carriere® Motion Appliance)
The distaliser consists of a lingual arch and two “rods” attached to the upper jaw. These allow a set-back lower jaw to be brought forward with elastic bands. It is important that these are always worn throughout the therapy and are only removed to eat.
Lip bumper
This u-shaped device can be easily inserted and removed. Ideally, it should only be removed to eat. The aim of the appliance is to resolve crowding of the lower jaw front teeth by relieving pressure from the lip.
Monoblock
This removable orthodontic appliance brings a set-back lower jaw forward. Simultaneously, it can lift a deep bite or close an open bite. At Züri Zahni, these braces are equipped with a monitoring chip, so that the exact amount of time that it is being worn, can be monitored. In this way, we increase the cooperation and motivation of our young patients.
Removable plates
Removable plates can be indicated for both the upper and lower jaw. The plates are individually constructed based on the purpose they have to serve: some are equipped with springs or expansion screws, while others have frontal or lateral bite blocks.
THREE STEPS TO A BEAUTIFUL SMILE
Which braces are right for your situation will depend on multiple factors. The optimal appliance for you will be found based on the nature and extent of your existing tooth misalignment, as well as your individual wishes and circumstances.
Every correction to any misalignment of the teeth and jaws is exactly tailored to your needs and geared towards long-term success.
We will advise you in an initial consultation.
1. Appointment and initial examination
Call us to make an appointment for an initial examination/consultation.
We will gladly accept personal requests, and you will be informed about all the treatment options.
2. Preparation of documents
In order for us to be able to work out your treatment plan, we prepare your personal documents – including 3D jaw scans, X-rays and photos. Your individual treatment plan will be drawn up on the basis of these documents.
3. Discussion of the treatment plan
Your documents and the treatment plan will be discussed with you in detail. The administrative aspects like estimation of costs and dental insurance coverage can also be clarified here. The planned treatment can now be started anytime.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US
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GET ADVICE FROM OUR EXPERT
Dr med. dent. Aline Joos would be more than happy to answer your orthodontic treatment questions. She develops your individual treatment plan and carries out the therapy.
Züri Zahni will support you however they can on your journey and will always be there for you.
Questions & answers
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 the actual tax point value.
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.
The prerequisite for orthodontic treatment in adults is the health of the teeth and periodontium. As we work in an interdisciplinary manner in our practice, we recommend that you clarify this before starting orthodontic treatment. If your dental health is ensured, nothing stands in the way of orthodontic treatment. Even demanding situations can be treated with invisible braces (lingual technique). Therapy with transparent splints/aligners is also suitable for minor tooth misalignments.
