Orthodontics in Basel

Depending on the complexity, aligner treatments typically range between around CHF 3,000 and CHF 8,000. Mild individual corrections are cheaper, comprehensive treatments of both jaws more expensive. At the Zahnärzte am Barfi practice, you receive a fixed cost estimate after the first scan.

The trays are transparent and fit closely to the teeth, making them barely noticeable in everyday life and in photos. They are not completely "invisible" on close inspection, but significantly more discreet than fixed brackets.

In the first few days with a new tray, a slight feeling of pressure is normal – a sign that the teeth are moving. Severe pain does not usually occur.

For a result according to plan, aligners should be worn around 20–22 hours a day and only removed for eating and dental care.

Basic insurance usually does not cover orthodontic treatments for adults. Supplementary dental insurance may, depending on the policy, cover part of it; for children and adolescents, a contribution is possible under certain conditions. We clarify the details individually.

• Metal brackets: the classic, robust and usually most economical variant – very efficient in complex cases.
• Ceramic/tooth-coloured brackets: kept in the colour of the teeth and therefore significantly more discreet, with the same effect as metal brackets.
• Self-ligating brackets: without rubber ligatures; the wire is held by a clip mechanism. This can reduce friction and, in some cases, reduce the number of check-up appointments.

A comprehensive treatment with fixed braces typically ranges, depending on the complexity and system, between around CHF 5,000 and CHF 10,000. Metal brackets are usually cheaper than ceramic or self-ligating systems. You receive the exact amount after the assessment.

Both correct equally reliably. Metal brackets are more robust and cheaper, tooth-coloured ceramic brackets significantly more discreet. The choice depends on the aesthetic wish, the findings and the budget.

After placement and after readjusting the wire, a feeling of pressure is normal for a few days. Irritated spots on the cheek or lip can be soothed with protective wax.

Very hard (e.g. nut shells, hard crusts) and very sticky foods should be avoided, as they can loosen brackets. Otherwise, a normal diet is possible.

Thorough brushing after every meal, supplemented by interdental brushes and, if necessary, an oral irrigator. Careful care prevents discolouration and caries around the brackets.

Yes – since they are placed on the inside of the teeth, they cannot be seen from the outside in conversation or in photos. It is the most discreet fixed treatment variant.

Due to their individual manufacture, lingual systems are usually the most elaborate variant and typically cost, depending on the case, over CHF 8,000. We prepare the exact cost estimate after the assessment.

In the first few days, a slight lisp may occur because the tongue is in contact with the brackets. This subsides in most patients within one to two weeks.

They are suitable for many, but not all cases. With very short teeth or certain bite conditions, another solution may be more sensible – we check this individually.

An initial check-up with the orthodontist is often recommended around the 7th to 9th year of life. This allows misdevelopments to be detected early and – if necessary – gently corrected during growth.

Orthodontic treatment for children often extends over several years and typically ranges, depending on the complexity, between around CHF 5,000 and CHF 15,000. After the assessment, you receive a detailed cost plan.

Basic insurance only covers orthodontic treatments in exceptional cases (e.g. recognised congenital defects via disability insurance). Many families use supplementary dental insurance, which, depending on the policy, covers part of the costs. We advise you on the options.

That depends on the findings. What is important is regular wearing time according to our instructions – only then do the braces work reliably. With good cooperation, results are often achievable within one to two years.

No. Removable braces are mainly suitable for growth guidance and simple corrections. Pronounced misalignments usually later require fixed braces or aligners.

Functional orthodontics is a form of treatment that uses the child's growth to correct jaw misalignments. Functional appliances control the position of the upper and lower jaw as well as muscle function.

It is most effective during the active growth phase, usually between about 8 and 13 years. The exact timing is determined individually based on the change of teeth and growth.

Not always. Often it lays the foundation by correcting the jaw relationship; the exact tooth position is then often optimised with fixed braces or aligners.

That depends on the type of appliance. Many functional appliances are worn mainly in the evening and at night. Consistent cooperation according to our instructions is decisive.

• Fixed retainer: a thin wire that is bonded to the inside of the teeth. It is invisible and works permanently without you having to think about it.
• Removable retainer: a transparent tray or plate that is usually worn at night and is flexible to handle. Often both variants are combined.

Because teeth tend to move back after a correction. The retainer holds them in the new position and thus secures the result of the entire treatment.

The fixed retainer is invisible and requires no thought, but needs careful care. The removable one is flexible and easy to clean, but only works with regular wearing. Often the combination is the safest solution.

For a stable result, very long-term retention is recommended. Removable retainers are often worn permanently at a reduced frequency (e.g. at night); fixed retainers usually remain in place for many years.

Then the teeth can gradually shift again and part of the treatment success is lost. A renewed correction would then be more elaborate than wearing the retainer.

The area around the wire should be cleaned thoroughly with an interdental brush and, if necessary, dental floss, in order to prevent tartar and plaque. At the check-up appointments, we check the fit.

Yes. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as teeth and gums are healthy. Many adults correct misalignments for aesthetic and health reasons.

The most discreet are aligners and lingual (internal) brackets; tooth-coloured ceramic brackets are also significantly more discreet than metal. Which solution is suitable depends on the findings.

Depending on the initial situation, usually between 6 and 24 months. Mild corrections are quicker, comprehensive treatments take longer.

Depending on the method and complexity, the costs typically range between around CHF 3,000 and over CHF 8,000. Basic insurance usually covers nothing for adults; supplementary dental insurance may contribute depending on the policy.

Often yes – existing dental prostheses are included in the planning. Implants cannot be moved, but the other teeth can. We check this individually.

Fixed braces are often used from around 11–13 years, when most permanent teeth are present. The exact timing depends on the individual change of teeth.

Aligners are discreet and removable, but require discipline. Fixed braces work around the clock, independent of cooperation. For complex misalignments, fixed braces are often the more reliable choice.

Usually 12–24 months, depending on the initial situation. This is followed by the stabilisation phase with a retainer.

Depending on the method and complexity, usually between around CHF 5,000 and CHF 10,000. Basic insurance only covers orthodontic treatments in exceptional cases; many families use supplementary dental insurance.

Yes. For contact sports, a mouthguard is recommended. When playing wind instruments, there is a short adjustment at first, which usually settles quickly.