Orthodontic treatment – How to get your teeth straightened as an adult
Orthodontic treatment is usually quicker and easier in adulthood than in childhood. Straightening your teeth is worth it, because an incorrect bite can have a harmful effect on talking and eating and cause pain. And having a beautiful straight row of teeth will also increase your confidence in smiling!
Orthodontic treatment for adults in a nutshell
- 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.
A dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment always makes the decision concerning the orthodontic treatment on the basis of the examination and careful planning.
Book an orthodontic treatment consultationStraightening 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.
Book an orthodontic treatment consultationTraditional 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 with Invisalign aligners. Clear Invisalign 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 with Invisalign 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 Invisalign 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 Invisalign treatment for you during the first appointment.
Invisalign 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 Invisalign treatment is planned by either a specialist in orthodontic treatment or a dentist with the assistance of a specialist in orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment – price
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 methodsWho do I make an appointment with for orthodontic treatment?
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)
The expert for this article was Susanna Karsila, a dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment.
Service | Mobile Benefit price | Hinta-arvio |
---|---|---|
Dental check-up | 51.00 € Without Kela reimbursement 81.00 € | |
Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 88.00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118.00 € | |
Lasten ja nuorten hammastarkastus Hinnat sisältävät poliklinikkamaksun (33,90 €). Varaa lasten ja nuorten hammastarkastus Prices 165.75–232.75 €, without Kela reimbursement 185.90–252.90 € | from 165.75 € Without Kela reimbursement from 185.90 € | |
Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 95.00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €80. | 106.00 € Without Kela reimbursement 115.00 € |
Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Prices 126.00–171.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 134.00–189.00 € | from 126.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 134.00 € | |
Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 91.00–253.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 101.00–276.00 € | from 91.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 101.00 € | |
Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Prices 271.00–693.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 271.00–750.00 € | from 271.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 271.00 € | |
Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Prices 598.00–755.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 598.00–755.00 € | from 598.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 598.00 € | |
Chipped tooth Prices 91.00–253.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 101.00–276.00 € | from 91.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 101.00 € | |
Tooth extraction Prices 105.00–709.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 115.00–771.00 € | from 105.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 115.00 € | |
Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Prices 95.00–436.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 95.00–436.00 € | from 95.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 95.00 € | |
Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. | Free Kela reimbursement deducted from the price | |
Anaesthesia Prices 36.00–37.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 39.00–40.00 € | from 36.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 39.00 € |