Orthodontics for children and adults

While orthodontics is often first thought of for aesthetic reasons, the benefits of orthodontic treatment are far more numerous. Poorly positioned teeth and jaws can cause functional problems and can be difficult to clean. Poor teeth cleaning leads to plaque build-up on the teeth, and contributes to the development of cavities and gum disease (e.g. receding gums). Due to the pain involved, chewing may be impaired and become less efficient, impacting your diet and digestion. Dental malposition can also cause excessive tooth wear, as well as pain in the jaw, head, neck and facial muscles.

While the advantages of orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® clear aligners (for children or adults, for example) are manifold, we’ve listed the most common here:

1. Restores an optimal occlusion: good contact between upper and lower teeth promotes good chewing.
2. Prevents tooth wear: when alignment is optimal, tooth wear is minimized. Your tooth enamel and the shape of your teeth are preserved.
3. Improved oral health: abnormal positioning of your teeth or jaw can lead to gum pain and inflammation. Teeth that are harmoniously aligned provide better access for cleaning.
4. Restores a harmonious appearance: optimal alignment brings self-confidence. Restore your radiant smile and boost your self-confidence.

The cost of orthodontic treatment can only be determined after a thorough dental check-up with your orthodontist. The check-up is carried out at the dental clinic, in the presence of the specialist. This gives the orthodontist an overview of your current oral condition, and X-rays can be used to perform a complete check-up. You discuss the various treatment options and define the desired result together. The price of orthodontic treatment is therefore determined only after an examination by one of our orthodontic experts. Several factors need to be taken into account:

• the technique used
• duration of treatment
• present malpositions
• the desired end result also influences treatment costs

These aspects should be discussed with our orthodontists.

Find your orthodontist.

Changing orthodontist during treatment in Switzerland is entirely possible, and can be motivated by a variety of reasons, such as relocation, dissatisfaction with current treatment, communication problems with the current practitioner, or a preference for a different type of braces.

To change orthodontists, there are several important steps to follow:

1. Inform your current orthodontist of your decision. He or she is responsible for the maintenance of your orthodontic appliances and the monitoring of your oral health, and will pass on your file and all relevant information to the new practitioner.
2. Make an appointment for an initial consultation with your new orthodontist. This appointment will enable the new specialist to assess your oral health and understand the complexity of your case. It’s also essential that you bring along all documents relating to your current treatment, such as X-rays or dental impressions.
3. Ensure transparent communication with the new orthodontist. Explain your expectations and the reasons why you have decided to change practitioners. It’s important that the new orthodontist understands your needs and preferences to continue treatment effectively.

In Switzerland, orthodontic treatment is not covered by basic health insurance (LAMal), which reimburses dental care only if it is required as a result of serious illness or accident. To obtain reimbursement for orthodontic expenses, it is essential to take out supplementary dental insurance.

Here are some key points about the reimbursement of orthodontic treatment by supplementary insurance companies in Switzerland:

• Contracts specify the percentage of coverage, which can vary from 50% to 90%, and the remaining amount is paid by the patient.
• Insurance companies may specify a maximum age for coverage, often between 18 and 25, after which they no longer cover orthodontics.
• There may be an annual or total cap on care reimbursement, which limits the amount the insurance will pay in a year or over the entire course of treatment.

On average, supplementary insurances offer 75% reimbursement, with annual ceilings generally varying between CHF 1,000 and CHF 15,000. We recommend that you take out insurance with a maximum coverage of at least CHF 5,000 to ensure that you are properly insured.

For children, reimbursement details may vary, and it is advisable to compare the benefits of different insurance companies. In general, you’ll still have to pay part of the costs, even with insurance coverage.