Orthodontic treatment for adults

Q: Are braces covered by health insurance?

Supplementary orthodontic insurance must be taken out in order for treatment to be covered. In Switzerland, basic health insurance does not cover dental or orthodontic treatment unless the need for treatment is the consequence of a serious illness listed in the Ordinance on Compulsory Health Care Insurance (OPAS).

Q: How can I get reimbursed for adult braces if I have a dental plan that covers orthodontics?

Adult orthodontic treatment is not systematically included in supplementary dental insurance. Unfortunately, every insurance policy is different, and you should check with your insurance company to find out the details of your coverage.

What is adult orthodontics?

Tooth relocation can be performed at any age, provided that the patient’s oral health is good: healthy gums and a healthy periodontal support apparatus. Orthodontic treatment in adulthood is tailored to the patient’s goals, needs and requirements.
Orthodontic treatment for adults is relatively similar to that for children. New reasons for orthodontic consultation arise in adulthood after tooth loss and the desire to close spaces without having resorted to conventional methods of tooth replacement (removable appliances, dental implants…).

When should adult braces be fitted?

There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment! Although some treatments based on growth modification are no longer possible in adulthood, dental relocations are possible at any age. Good occlusion, good oral health and an aesthetic smile are the main motivations for our patients in this age group.

Adult orthodontics can be useful or even essential in certain cases:

– better positioning of teeth in preparation for prosthetic work (bridges, crowns, dental implants) ;
– multidisciplinary teamwork case planning;
– removal of problematic teeth (complicated root treatment, advanced decay, caries, etc.) by extracting them and closing the spaces.

traitement orthodontique pour adultes à genève

Adult physiology

As with children, orthodontic tooth movement is achieved by light forces from the appliance. Movement is generally slower, as cell renewal is less rapid.

While tooth position can be corrected at any age, jaw position can only be corrected during growth.

Prerequisites for orthodontic treatment

A full oral and dental check-up must be carried out before treatment begins. Dental care is generally comprehensive and multidisciplinary: hygienist, dentist, periodontologist, implantologist, etc…. It is important to maintain good dental hygiene throughout the treatment period. Any cavities must also be treated before treatment begins. As periodontal disease is more common in adults, the periodontium also needs to be cleaned up in the event of problems. Inadequate periodontal attachment can be a contraindication to orthodontic treatment. It is therefore essential to assess the patient’s oral health before starting orthodontic treatment.

Invisible orthodontics, a frequent desire of adults

Adults are sometimes reluctant to embark on orthodontic treatment because of long months with unsightly braces. The use of invisible braces (Invisalign, Incognito) is possible, and in some cases offers an aesthetically acceptable solution.

How much do adult braces cost?

The cost of orthodontic treatment for an adult is not necessarily more expensive than for a teenager, but depends on the complexity of the problem.

Many adults prefer to wear invisible braces (aligners): this solution generally does not significantly increase the cost of treatment. Unfortunately, however, it cannot be applied in all cases.

It’s best to consult an orthodontist for a precise estimate, as each problem requires its own specific treatment. Only an orthodontist will be able to make a treatment proposal and give you a quotation once a full diagnosis has been made.

Are braces covered by health insurance?

How can I get reimbursed for adult braces if I have a dental plan that covers orthodontics?

How can I finance adult orthodontics?

An estimate will be drawn up for you, taking into account the type of appliance, treatment time and difficulty, as well as the objectives to be achieved. At the Centre Médico-Dentaire Balexert, you always have the option of requesting a payment arrangement at no extra cost, enabling you to pay for your treatment in monthly instalments.