Dental Braces in Basel

In brief: dental braces and orthodontic tooth movement

A harmonious smile depends on the relationship between tooth position, the bite, jaw relationships and facial aesthetics.. In our Basel practice, orthodontic tooth movement is integrated into functional, aesthetic and reconstructive treatment planning where appropriate.

For orthodontic treatment, we work closely with selected specialist orthodontists.

This interdisciplinary collaboration between dentistry, orthodontics and dental technology supports coordinated treatment planning for adolescents and adults, particularly in complex restorative cases.

Why consider orthodontic treatment?

• correction of tooth malposition, bite discrepancies and selected jaw asymmetries.

• improved distribution of forces and reduction of unfavourable tooth wear or overload where relevant.

• better-aligned teeth may be easier to clean and can support plaque control.

• alignment of the teeth in harmony with the lips and face.

Types of braces

1) Fixed braces (brackets)

Fixed braces remain an established method and today allow precise control of tooth movement with a range of aesthetic options.

• Ceramic or tooth-coloured brackets can provide a more discreet appearance

• Selbstligierende Systeme (weniger Reibung, schnellere Bewegung)

• Individually selected archwires allow controlled and staged tooth movement

• Lingual orthodontics places brackets on the inner surfaces of the teeth, making the appliance far less visible from the front

  
  

Fixed appliances are particularly useful for more complex malocclusions or when precise three-dimensional control of tooth movement is required.

2) Removable or hybrid systems

In selected simpler situations or after fixed treatment, removable appliances or aligners may be used for finishing or retention.

Clear aligners can play a complementary or primary role depending on the type and complexity of tooth movement required.

Which problems can fixed braces treat?

Fixed braces provide highly controlled three-dimensional tooth movement and remain particularly useful for complex rotations, root movements and bite corrections. The most appropriate appliance depends on the diagnosis, treatment goals and patient-related factors.

Typical indications include:

• Crowding and rotations:

  Rotated or crowded teeth can be aligned and integrated into the dental arch in a controlled manner.

• Spaces and congenitally missing teeth:

  Spaces caused by missing teeth, for example congenitally absent second premolars, may be closed orthodontically or prepared to create an optimal site for later replacement such as an implant.

• Crossbite (unilateral or bilateral):

  Correction of transverse bite relationships to improve occlusal function and force distribution.

• Deep bite:

  Correction of excessive vertical overlap where this contributes to tooth wear or functional problems.

• Open bite:

  Treatment of insufficient anterior contact, for example in association with tongue habits or skeletal discrepancies.

• Protrusion / retrusion:

  Repositioning of prominent or retruded anterior teeth to improve function and facial harmony.

• Dental midline discrepancies:

  Correction of upper and lower dental midlines where clinically relevant for occlusion and aesthetics.

• Combined orthodontic–surgical cases:

  For pronounced skeletal discrepancies, for example a severe overjet or mandibular deficiency, treatment may require interdisciplinary planning with specialist orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons.

Additional applications:

• Preparation for crowns, bridges or implants, for example by uprighting tilted abutment teeth or creating restorative space.

• Alignment of tooth positions and axes to create a suitable starting point before veneers or restorative smile design.

Interdisciplinary orthodontic care in Basel

Complex tooth and jaw corrections are often best managed through coordinated interdisciplinary care.

More comprehensive orthodontic treatments are therefore carried out in close cooperation with experienced specialist orthodontists with whom we work regularly.

This collaboration supports:

• Integrated planning of function, aesthetics and the temporomandibular system

• of treatment steps using photographs, 3D scans and diagnostic wax-ups where appropriate

• Ongoing communication between the clinicians involved

• Long-term stability supported by coordinated retention and follow-up

The aim is to align bite, tooth position and smile aesthetics within one coherent treatment plan.

Treatment Process

1. Assessment and consultation in Basel

   Detailed diagnostics may include photographs, 3D scans, panoramic or CBCT imaging when indicated, and functional assessment.

2. Interdisciplinary planning

   Coordination with orthodontic specialists and the dental laboratory as required.

3. Treatment

   An individually selected bracket, aligner or hybrid system with regular progress checks.

4. Finishing and retention

   Fine adjustments followed by retention with a fixed and/or removable retainer.

Scientific Context

• Fixed braces offer excellent control for complex tooth movements, but treatment precision also depends on diagnosis, biomechanics and patient cooperation.

• Interdisciplinary planning can be particularly valuable in adults when orthodontics must be coordinated with periodontal, restorative, implant or surgical treatment.

• can offer less visible treatment options while maintaining controlled tooth movement in suitable cases.

Costs and Individual Treatment Planning

(Depending on appliance, duration and complexity; the treating orthodontic specialist provides an individual estimate in advance.)

For children and adolescents, supplementary insurance may cover part of the costs depending on the policy. Coverage should be checked with the insurer.

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Modern orthodontic treatment offers a range of precise and increasingly discreet options.

Close collaboration with specialist orthodontists allows us to coordinate tooth position, function and restorative goals within one treatment concept.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment in Basel, we can assess the restorative and functional situation and coordinate specialist orthodontic care where required.

Diagnostics and Planning

Before tooth alignment, the dental arches, bite, gums, bone conditions and treatment goals are assessed. Planning considers not only the visible tooth position but also function, biological limits and the retention required after active treatment.

Limitations, Risks and Alternatives

Tooth movement requires biological time and consistent cooperation. Pressure sensitivity, temporary irritation, root resorption or changes in the gums are possible side effects. Retention is essential after active treatment because teeth can move again.

Dental braces in Basel: experience and clinical context

In our Basel practice, tooth-alignment treatment is integrated into the overall functional and reconstructive plan. More complex orthodontic or skeletal questions are planned together with specialist orthodontists or maxillofacial surgeons.More about Dr Thomas Gasser’s training and qualifications.

Related Topics on Our Website

Depending on the individual situation, Orthognathic Jaw Surgery or aligners may also be relevant.You can find further dental services in Basel in our treatment overview.

Literature and Scientific Context

PubMed PMID 29090128 – Outcomes of comprehensive fixed appliance orthodontic treatment: A systematic review with meta-analysis and methodological overview

PubMed PMID 31758191 – Treatment outcome with orthodontic aligners and fixed appliances: a systematic review with meta-analyses

The selected literature provides scientific context. Which findings are relevant to a specific treatment depends on the diagnosis, the starting situation, individual risks and the treatment goals agreed together.