Orthodontics for Adults
More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment — and modern options make it easier than ever to fit treatment into professional and personal life without compromise. At Vunder Orthodontics, we offer the full range of adult orthodontic solutions, from completely invisible lingual braces to clear aligners and classic fixed options.
Every treatment plan is individually designed using advanced diagnostics and digital planning — with your lifestyle, aesthetic goals, and long-term dental health at the centre.
Treatments
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fixed to the inside surface of the teeth, making them completely invisible from the outside. They offer the precision and reliability of fixed orthodontic treatment — with none of the visible hardware.
As the leading specialist practice for lingual orthodontics in Zurich, Vunder Orthodontics brings years of dedicated expertise to this technically demanding treatment. For quality-conscious patients who want the best possible outcome without compromising on discretion, lingual braces are often the ideal choice.
Key advantages
- Completely invisible — brackets sit on the inside of the teeth
- Precise control over tooth movement for complex cases
- Fixed appliance — no need to remember to wear or change anything
- Specialist-led treatment with extensive lingual experience
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are custom-made, removable trays that gradually guide teeth into their correct position. Nearly invisible and easy to fit around daily life, they are a popular choice for adults who want effective treatment without visible appliances.
At Vunder Orthodontics, aligner therapy is planned digitally from the outset — giving patients a clear picture of their treatment journey and expected results before they begin.
Key advantages
- Nearly invisible — smooth, clear trays with no brackets or wires
- Removable for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene
- Digitally planned with a clear treatment timeline
- Suitable for a wide range of alignment and spacing corrections
Classic Braces (Fixed Metal or Ceramic)
Classic fixed braces remain one of the most effective and reliable tools in orthodontics — offering precise, consistent tooth movement across a wide range of cases, including more complex bite corrections.
Ceramic brackets offer a more discreet appearance while retaining the reliability of fixed treatment, making them a practical choice for adults who prefer a less visible option without going fully invisible.
Key advantages
- Highly effective for a broad range of alignment and bite corrections
- Continuous, precise tooth movement throughout treatment
- Metal or ceramic options to suit aesthetic preferences
- A proven, well-established approach with predictable results
Functional Orthodontic Appliances
Functional appliances address not just tooth position, but the relationship between the jaws — improving how the upper and lower teeth come together and supporting better long-term bite function.
In adults, functional appliances are often used in combination with fixed or removable orthodontic treatment to achieve a result that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally stable over time.
Key advantages
- Addresses jaw relationship and bite function, not only tooth alignment
- Can be combined with other orthodontic treatments
- Supports long-term stability of the treatment result
- Individually planned based on diagnostic records
Jaw Muscle Relief
The occlusal splint relieves the chewing system, helps with teeth grinding and protects against excessive tooth wear. Jaw joint problems significantly affect quality of life. Therefore early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential — often in combination with physiotherapy
Surgical Orthodontics
For very severe dental and jaw misalignments, treatment is carried out in collaboration with a maxillofacial surgeon
Team of Experts
Our team brings together specialist orthodontic expertise, preventive dental care, and a shared commitment to personalised treatment. Every member of the Vunder Orthodontics team is dedicated to making your experience — and your results — the best they can be.
I want our patients to feel that they are in expert hands and genuinely at ease.
Head orthodontist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still have braces as an adult?
Yes – orthodontic treatment is possible at any age, provided that the teeth, gums and supporting bone are healthy. Adult patients often benefit from better treatment compliance and clearer treatment goals than younger patients. Around one third of treatments at VUNDER ORTHODONTICS take place in adulthood.
Which types of braces are suitable for adults?
All modern appliances are available to adults: lingual braces (invisible, on the inside of the teeth), transparent aligners and conventional fixed brackets, depending on the diagnosis and aesthetic preferences. For severe skeletal misalignments, a combined orthodontic-surgical approach may also be considered. Which method is right for you is determined after complete diagnostics with a 3D scan and Smile Design planning.
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are fixed appliances whose brackets are bonded to the inside (tongue-facing surface) of the teeth. As a result, they remain entirely invisible from the outside while delivering the same precise, fixed tooth movement as a conventional brace. They are considered the most aesthetically advanced option in modern orthodontics and are particularly popular with professionally exposed adults.
Which lingual system does VUNDER ORTHODONTICS use?
VUNDER ORTHODONTICS works with the WIN appliance, one of the world’s leading lingual systems. The brackets are ultra-flat and individually manufactured for each tooth from a gold alloy, ensuring a precise fit against the tooth surface. Marju Vunder, Swiss Specialist Dentist for Orthodontics (Fachzahnärztin für Kieferorthopädie CH), is a WIN-certified specialist and has worked exclusively with this system for many years.
Can lingual braces be seen when I speak or smile?
No – because the brackets are positioned on the inside of the teeth, they are not visible while speaking or smiling. They also remain undetected in photographs and video calls – a key advantage for working professionals, anyone on camera and patients with high aesthetic expectations. This makes lingual treatment the only fixed orthodontic option that remains entirely invisible.
Do lingual braces affect speech?
There may be a brief adjustment period of one to two weeks during which speech can be slightly altered (a mild lisp), as the tongue learns to accommodate the new surface. Thanks to the ultra-flat design of the WIN brackets, this phase is significantly shorter than with older lingual systems. Most patients return to fully normal speech after a short adaptation period.
Are lingual braces more painful than conventional braces?
No – the level of discomfort is comparable to a conventional fixed brace on the outside of the teeth. After fitting and after activation appointments, a mild pressure sensation may occur and typically resolves within a few days. The tongue adapts quickly to the brackets, thanks to their flat, individually contoured shape.
How long does lingual treatment take?
Treatment duration is comparable to a conventional fixed brace and typically ranges between 12 and 36 months depending on complexity. Purely aesthetic corrections of minor misalignments may be completed sooner, while complex skeletal cases require correspondingly longer. A precise estimate is provided after digital treatment planning based on the 3D scan.
Is it true that lingual braces cause fewer decalcifications?
Yes – clinical studies show that the risk of decalcification (so-called “white spots”) is around ten times lower with lingual appliances than with brackets bonded to the outside surface. This is because the inside of the teeth is naturally cleaned more effectively by saliva and tongue movement, and the visible front surface stays free of bracket edges. Consistent oral and dental hygiene throughout treatment remains essential.
What are aligners and how do they work?
Aligners are transparent, removable plastic trays manufactured in a series of typically 20 to 60 trays that move the teeth into the planned position in small incremental steps. Each tray is worn for around two weeks, between 20 and 22 hours per day, and is then replaced by the next one. The full series is produced in advance based on a digital 3D scan and a Smile Design treatment plan.
How long does aligner treatment take?
A typical aligner treatment takes between 6 and 18 months depending on the severity of the misalignment. Mild aesthetic front-tooth corrections can sometimes be completed in under six months, while more complex cases take correspondingly longer. Staying on schedule depends on consistent daily wear of at least 20 hours.
What is the difference between aligners and lingual braces?
Aligners are removable, transparent and require discipline regarding wear time, while lingual braces are fixed, entirely invisible and independent of patient compliance. For complex tooth movements and rotations, lingual appliances can often be more precise; for mild aesthetic corrections combined with maximum lifestyle flexibility, aligners are more attractive. Which method is right for you is decided together after diagnostics.
What is combined orthodontic-surgical treatment?
For severe skeletal misalignments that cannot be corrected with braces alone, we combine orthodontic treatment with a maxillofacial surgical procedure (orthognathic surgery / Dysgnathie-Chirurgie). The brace precisely prepares the teeth for the subsequent operation and stabilises the result afterwards. For this we work closely with selected maxillofacial surgeons in Zurich.
What does treatment for adults cost and will my health insurance cover it?
Costs depend on the severity of the misalignment, the chosen appliance and the treatment duration, and are set out in a written individual cost estimate after complete diagnostics. In Switzerland, mandatory basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) generally does not cover orthodontic treatment for adults – adults usually pay privately unless they hold supplementary dental insurance. We offer flexible payment arrangements so that worthwhile treatment does not fail for financial reasons.
Can I wear braces during pregnancy?
Yes – ongoing orthodontic treatment can be continued during pregnancy, as the appliance itself poses no risk. Because hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive, regular dental hygiene appointments and especially careful oral care are important during this time. X-rays are reduced to an absolute minimum during pregnancy or postponed.
When is it worth getting a second opinion?
A second orthodontic opinion is worthwhile when you have received a recommendation for an extensive or multi-year treatment and want to confirm your decision. An independent expert review provides clarity about alternative treatment methods, treatment duration and the cost framework. Particularly with long treatment courses, trust in the treating specialist is a central success factor.