Orthodontics

Braces for children, teenagers and adults

The full range of modern orthodontics – gentle for children, discreet for adults.

In children, we make use of natural growth to correct misaligned teeth and jaws early and gently. For adults, we favour discreet methods such as clear aligners or lingual braces. Dr Nina van Sprundel and Dr Sara Saffari work closely together to develop an individual solution.

Every treatment is based on a digital scan of your teeth, with no impression material. This allows us to plan each step precisely and show you the expected result before treatment begins. We recommend clarifying cost coverage before treatment begins.

• Deep bite and crossbite
• Congenitally missing teeth
• Crowding and gaps
• Narrow jaws

Initial consultation

The initial orthodontic consultation gives you clarity about the options in your situation.

We talk about your wishes, concerns and medical history and examine your teeth, jaws, bite and jaw joints – with photos, a digital scan or X-rays if required. We then discuss the findings and the possible treatment options.

You receive a transparent treatment and cost plan and decide in your own time whether and when to begin. You do not need a referral. For children, a first check-up is usually advisable at around 7–9 years of age; for adults there is no age limit, provided the gums and jawbone are healthy.

Orthodontic assessment for the IV

If a congenital condition is suspected, we carry out the assessment and prepare the report for the IV office.

In Switzerland, certain tooth and jaw misalignments are recognised as congenital conditions. In these cases, the Swiss Disability Insurance (IV) covers the cost of orthodontic treatment, provided a thorough assessment proves that the criteria are met.

We examine the teeth, jaws and bite, take photos, a digital scan and the necessary X-rays, evaluate the measurements according to IV guidelines and prepare the report. As parents, you register your child with the IV office of your canton of residence; we are happy to advise you on the procedure.

The IV covers medical measures for congenital conditions up to the age of 20.

• Cleft lip, jaw and palate
• Severe developmental anomalies of the upper or lower jaw
• Pronounced open bite
• Several congenitally missing permanent teeth

Removable braces

Removable braces use the growth of children and teenagers to correct misalignments gently and early.

Active plates use wire elements and a small expansion screw to move individual teeth or gradually widen the jaw. Functional appliances such as the Bionator act on the upper and lower jaw at the same time. Every appliance is custom-made.

The appliance is usually worn in the afternoon and overnight; consistently keeping to the agreed wearing time is key to success. It is easy to remove for eating, brushing and sports. For adults, clear aligners are the modern form of removable braces.

• Widening a narrow upper or lower jaw
• Correcting the bite
• Treating crossbite and deep bite
• Creating space for the permanent teeth
• Correcting tongue thrusting or mouth breathing

Bionator

A removable appliance that uses the forces of the tongue, lips and cheeks to guide jaw growth.

The Bionator is a removable appliance used in functional orthodontics. It sits loosely in the mouth and exerts hardly any active pressure on individual teeth. When swallowing, speaking and closing the mouth, it guides the upper and lower jaw into a more favourable position, and the jaws grow accordingly.

We use it mainly for children and teenagers, as it is effective as long as the jaws are still growing. It is usually worn in the afternoon, evening and overnight, but not while eating or doing sports. Treatment usually takes between one and two years.

• Lower jaw set too far back
• Increased overjet and deep bite
• Open bite
• Dysfunctions of the tongue and lips
• Habitual mouth breathing

Fixed braces

Brackets and a fine archwire move the teeth precisely into the desired position around the clock.

Fixed braces are the most established method for moving teeth precisely. Small brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected by a fine archwire. This allows even pronounced misalignments to be corrected reliably. We treat teenagers and adults with fixed braces.

You can choose between robust metal brackets, tooth-coloured ceramic brackets or brackets on the inner side of the teeth. Bonding is painless; at regular check-ups we adjust the archwires. Treatment usually takes between one and two years, after which a retainer keeps the result stable.

• Crowding, rotated teeth and gaps
• Deep bite, crossbite or open bite
• Precise alignment of individual teeth
• Preparation for implants, crowns or bridges

Concealed braces (lingual technique)

Brackets on the inner side of the teeth – invisible from the outside, with the precision of fixed braces.

With lingual braces, the brackets are attached to the inner side of the teeth. The braces are invisible from the outside, neither in conversation nor in photos. We use the INCOGNITO system, in which each bracket is custom-made for your teeth.

After a digital scan, the treatment goal is planned on the computer. The brackets are bonded painlessly in a single appointment; treatment usually takes between one and two years. As each bracket is custom-made, lingual braces are more expensive than conventional braces. You receive a transparent cost plan before treatment begins.