Orthodontic treatment – How to get your teeth straightened as an adult
Orthodontic treatment for adults in a nutshell
- Orthodontic treatment is usually quicker and easier in adulthood than in childhood.
- Orthodontic treatment is carried out either because of an incorrect bite, i.e. malocclusion, or because a crooked row of teeth is not aesthetically pleasing to you.
- Adult teeth can be straightened with either braces or clear aligner treatment.
Straightening teeth in adulthood – there are many good reasons for it
- Malocclusion. Many adults have an incorrect bite. Maybe that is why your face hurts, your jaws get tired and you are unable to floss between your teeth?
- Returning to original position. Teeth straightened in childhood can easily become crooked again over the years. Many people seek orthodontic treatment again as adults.
- Crooked teeth. The desire for straight teeth is a very good reason for orthodontic treatment. You also get a more functional bite and your teeth will be easier to clean!
Considering orthodontic treatment – when to see a dentist?
Visiting a dentist may be a good idea if:
- Your teeth are crowded, crooked or difficult to clean.
- You suffer from pain in the head and facial area.
- You grind your teeth at night and, during the day, your head hurts and your shoulders are stiff.
- Your crooked teeth are bothering you.
In some cases, your dentist may suggest orthodontic treatment. A dental check-up may reveal that you have, for example, an overbite, a crossbite or some other functional malocclusion.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, book an appointment. You do not need to make a decision right away. Instead, you can take your time to think about it. You will also receive cost estimates for the different treatment options.
Traditional braces or clear aligner treatment?
There are two good options for orthodontic treatment in adulthood:
- Braces. Did you know that traditional braces, i.e. fixed orthodontic appliances, are also available in discreet white? And in any case, adults with braces are a common sight these days.
- Clear aligner treatment. Clear aligners are considered by many to be a pleasant option for straightening teeth. However, clear aligner treatment is not always suitable for treating all types of malocclusion or crooked teeth.
You do not need to know in advance which method you want to choose. A specialist in orthodontic treatment can tell you which technique is suitable for your teeth.
Braces in adulthood, i.e. orthodontic treatment with orthodontic appliances
Orthodontic treatment with traditional braces is done as follows:
- During the first appointment, the dentist will survey your situation and discuss the options for orthodontic treatment with you. You can take your time to think about the information provided.
- During the second appointment, the dentist will take an X-ray and plaster models of your teeth as well as photos of your face and dental arches.
- During the third appointment, you will be fitted with braces. First, the dentist attaches the brackets onto your teeth with an adhesive that resembles dental filling. Next, an arch wire is attached to the brackets to do the actual work, that is, pulling your teeth to the desired position. Attaching the arch wire is completely painless.
- About once a month, you will have an appointment to adjust the orthodontic appliance.
- Orthodontic treatment usually takes 1–2 years.
- Maintenance is important after the actual orthodontic treatment process. There are two options for this: the dentist attaches fixed wire retainers to the back of your teeth or, alternatively, you are given a night retainer to wear every night.
If your malocclusion is severe, orthodontic treatment may not be enough. If your teeth are very crooked and crowded, the dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment may suggest tooth extraction so that all your teeth can fit in the dental arch while straight. In some special cases, jaw surgery is necessary.
Tooth extraction is hassle-free and painless, and there is no reason to be afraid of it. You will always get proper local anaesthesia and we will look after your well-being the whole time.
Clear aligner treatment – a discreet way to straighten teeth
Clear aligner treatment is considered by many to be a more comfortable way to straighten teeth than traditional braces. In clear aligner treatment, your teeth are straightened with a clear aligner.
There are a few different types of clear aligner treatment. Some of them are suitable for correcting small, aesthetic issues, while others take care of slightly more challenging types of malocclusion. A dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment or an ordinary dentist will select the most suitable type of orthodontic treatment for you during the first appointment.
Clear aligner treatment requires commitment to orthodontic treatment, as the aligners need to be cleaned regularly. Clear aligner treatment is also followed by a maintenance period.
You are in good hands at Hammas Mehiläinen, where clear aligner treatment is planned by either a specialist in orthodontic treatment or a dentist with the assistance of a specialist in orthodontic treatment.
Specialist in the article
Revised 1/18/2023
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is €0 for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is EUR 5.20.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30%.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
Service | Price estimate |
---|---|
Dental check-up | 54,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 84,00 € |
Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 121,00 € |
Children and young people dental check-up Prices include the clinic fee (€33.90). Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 207,75–239,75 €, without Kela reimbursement 227,90–259,90 € | 207,75 € Without Kela reimbursement 227,90 € |
Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 98,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €86. 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € |
Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 130,00–183,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 138,00–195,00 € | from 130,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 138,00 € |
Tooth jewellery application The price does not include the price of tooth jewellery. | from 68,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 279,00–561,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 279,00–618,00 € | from 279,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 279,00 € |
Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 616,00–798,00 € | from 616,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Chipped tooth Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 109,00–732,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 119,00–794,00 € | from 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 119,00 € |
Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation Prices 101,00–455,00 € | from 101,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free No Kela reimbursement |
Anaesthesia Prices 38,00–39,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 41,00–42,00 € | from 38,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 41,00 € |
Irrevocable absence Prices 74,00–96,00 € | 74,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Sleep apnea guard Includes clinical work and the sleep apnea guard. Prices 1 173,00–1 323,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 1 200,00–1 350,00 € | 1 173,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 1 200,00 € |
Bite guard Includes clinical work and the bite guard. Prices 638,00–685,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 695,00–742,00 € | 638,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 695,00 € |
Frequently asked questions about orthodontic treatment
Your dentist can advise you on whether you would benefit from orthodontic treatment. An dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment can tell you what would be the best way to straighten your teeth. Aligners may be a more pleasant option, but they are not suitable for all types of orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment works very well for adults, both for malocclusion and for aesthetic reasons.
For adults, orthodontic treatment may be even faster, as you will not have to wait for the jaw to grow or for the teeth to erupt. Orthodontic treatment for adults usually takes 1–2 years but, in some cases, minor issues can be corrected in as little as six months.
When the arch wire of the orthodontic appliance starts pulling your teeth to the desired position, your teeth may be sore for about a week. After the braces are adjusted, the soreness may last for a day or two. The pain can be relieved with painkillers.
You may only see one crooked tooth, but your dentist sees the whole. The tooth may be crooked because, for example, it is crowded and needs more room. One crooked tooth requires at least one dental arch to be corrected.
There is no fixed price for orthodontic treatment. Instead, a dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment will make an individual plan for you, based on which the price will be formed.
You will always be provided with a price estimate, which means that there will be no unpleasant surprises. Browse the price list of Hammas Mehiläinen.
You can also pay for your orthodontic treatment flexibly in several instalments. Learn more about Hammas Mehiläinen's payment methods.
If possible, book an appointment with a dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment.
If Mehiläinen has no dentists specialised in orthodontic treatment in your municipality, you can book an appointment with a dentist who performs clear aligner treatment.
You can book an appointment by calling our customer service at 010 273 8000 (local network rate/mobile charge).