Braces for adults – costs, types and treatment options (2024)

Why do adults need braces?

Reasons why adults need braces can vary.

• Either the malocclusion has only developed in adulthood,
• or it is a consequence of a childhood malocclusion that has not been corrected.

Our teeth continue to shift throughout our entire lives. Misalignments such as crowded teeth might therefore only develop over time and teeth straightening becomes necessary only in adulthood.

Additionally, if the new bite has not been fixed in place properly after orthodontic treatment (e.g. with wire or aligner retainers), the teeth might also move again and a new treatment is required.

Teeth straightening for adults – aesthetic reasons

Just as with children and teenagers, teeth straightening for adults may not always be necessary because of medical reasons. However, since our teeth continue to shift throughout our entire lives, it is still recommended to get your teeth straightened to avoid problems later in life.

Teeth straightening for adults may often be necessary for aesthetic reasons. If you are ashamed of your smile and prefer to hide your teeth, it is difficult to make a confident impression. After all, smiling is a very important part of our non-verbal communication, and having straight teeth can boost your self-confidence.

Adult braces vs. braces for teenagers

Generally speaking, everyone with a permanent dentition can have their teeth straightened. In children and adolescents whose jaws are still growing, some tooth and especially jaw movements may be easier than in a fully grown jaw. It is therefore crucial to get advice from experienced and expert dentists. They can assess which is the best method for your case to achieve the desired result.

Teeth straightening options for adults

In each age group there are different teeth straightening methods and types of braces. Depending on the malocclusion and the budget, some are more suitable than others. In the overview below, we’ll compare different options for teeth straightening for adults.

Clear braces for adults

Many adults do not want conventional, fixed braces with brackets. Especially people with customer contact often look for more discreet options. And clear braces is one of them.

Key facts:

• Suitable for mild to moderate malocclusions
• Wear time of 22 hours per day
• Treatment time of 3–12 months
• Discreet, removable and transparent
• Result depends on patient’s cooperation
• Available from CHF 3,490 or from CHF 70/month

In some cases, Night Aligners (transparent night-time braces) might also be the right choice. They work on the same principle as traditional aligners with a few small differences.

Key facts:

• Suitable for slight malocclusions
• Wear time of 8 hours per night
• Treatment time of 4–14 months
• Discreet, removable and transparent
• Result depends on patient’s cooperation
• Available from CHF 3,490 or from CHF 70/month

Dental brackets for adults

Particularly complex cases can sometimes only be treated with conventional dental brackets. Dental brackets guarantee very promising and precise treatment results, but are too visible for many and often appear childish.

Key facts:

• Also suitable for complex malocclusions
• Made of metal or ceramic
• Treatment time of 1,5– 2 years
• Are fixed and cannot be removed
• Highly visible, high-maintenance and require many dental appointments
• Up to CHF 15,000 in Switzerland

Lingual braces for adults

Lingual braces are fixed braces with brackets placed behind the teeth. Many adults prefer them to conventional brackets placed on the outside of the teeth because they are not visible. However, this method is time-consuming, expensive and sometimes painful.

Key facts:

• Metal brackets and wires are attached behind the teeth
• Also suitable for complex malocclusions
• Not visible to others
• Treatment time of 1,5– 2 years
• Are fixed and cannot be removed
• Can impair speech
• High-maintenance, sometimes painful and require many dental appointments
• Up to CHF 15,000 in Switzerland

Adult braces: cost overview in Switzerland

The costs of orthodontic treatment for adults in Switzerland vary depending on jaw misalignment and the selected treatment, but generally start at around CHF3,500.

Aligners tend to be cheaper than transparent aligners, traditional metal braces or lingual braces. The need for fewer check-ups and the inexpensive materials mean orthodontic treatment with aligners is available from as little as CHF3,500. More traditional methods, such as metal braces on the outside or inside of teeth, often add up to around CHF15,000.

The cost of treating misaligned teeth with braces varies greatly from person to person. Other treatments or aids required may be added to the costs. In any case, it is advisable to discuss the options with a specialist orthodontist.

We suggest requesting a price estimate for a clearer picture of the costs. At bestsmile, you will receive support and advice from our specialist dentists from your very first appointment. You will be able to discuss the upcoming treatment with them and will be aware of the costs of your dental correction from the outset.

The discreet look, best Swiss quality and fair price make transparent aligners a particularly trendy type of braces for adults.

In everyday life, people around you will hardly notice the transparent braces and you can remove them yourself at any time. This will allow you to keep an impeccable oral hygiene since you can brush your teeth normally.

What costs are covered by health insurance?

In the case of teeth straightening for adults, it greatly depends on the individual case and the supplementary insurance. For more information on whether your treatment is covered by your insurance, it is best to contact them directly.