Adult Orthodontics: It Is Never Too Late for the Smile You Deserve

Why more adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment — and what makes it different

Many adults wonder whether they have left orthodontic treatment too late. Age alone does not determine suitability. The health of your teeth, gums and supporting tissues, together with your treatment goals, helps us decide whether and how treatment may be appropriate.

Treatment requires regular appointments, careful oral hygiene and cooperation with your individual plan. We discuss how treatment fits around your work and everyday life, including appliance wear and long-term retention.

The biology is slightly different — adult bone is often denser and remodels more slowly than a teenager's, which means treatment may take somewhat longer.

"I have treated patients in their 60s who had lived with crowded teeth their entire lives. Their gratitude at the end of treatment is something I never take for granted."

— Dr. Alexander Dudic, MAS, PhD

Adults pursue orthodontic treatment for a wide range of reasons. Many cite professional appearance — a straight, confident smile has measurable social and career impact. Others have been told by their dentist that misaligned teeth are causing excessive wear, gum recession, or jaw pain. Some simply never had the opportunity as a child.

Orthodontic treatment may improve tooth alignment and the way your teeth meet. It does not automatically resolve every cause of tooth wear, gum problems or jaw pain. Where needed, we coordinate with your dentist or other specialists before recommending treatment.

For most adults, the primary concern about treatment is visibility. At Lakeside Kieferortho, we offer three near-invisible options: Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic brackets (tooth-coloured), and lingual braces — which are bonded to the inside surfaces of the teeth and not visible from the outside in normal conversation.

I often perform lingual orthodontics for adult professionals, executives, and public-facing individuals who require absolute discretion. The technology has advanced dramatically in the last decade, making it as effective as conventional fixed appliances for most cases.

• A full digital examination including 3D intraoral scan and digital X-rays
• A clear diagnosis of your current occlusion and any functional concerns
• Simulated treatment outcomes for each applicable option
• A transparent, personalised cost estimate
• No pressure — take your time to decide

Our practice on the Seestrasse in Wädenswil is designed for patient comfort from the first moment you arrive. Whether you are commuting from Zurich, Horgen, or Richterswil, we make the experience as seamless as the results.