“That’s for children, not for me.” Many adults think this when orthodontics comes up. Yet orthodontic treatment can absolutely be considered in adulthood: a clinical assessment is the time to discuss it and explore the options suited to your situation. If you live in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Kraainem or elsewhere in the east of Brussels and have always put this off, this article is for you.
Why do adults hesitate to seek treatment?
The obstacles are real and understandable. Before considering a solution, it helps to name them in order to overcome them.
- “I’m too old.” This is the most common obstacle. It rests on a misconception: that orthodontics only works in young people, during growth. In reality, teeth can be moved at any age. What changes is the length and nature of treatment, which only a clinical examination can assess accurately.
- “I don’t want to wear visible braces at work.” This concern is now largely addressed by the discreet options available.
- “It won’t fit my schedule.” Follow-up appointments are generally spaced out, which makes planning easier.
- “It will cost too much.” The cost depends on the complexity of the case. For a quote tailored to your situation, it is best to contact the clinic directly. Some treatments may be partly covered by your health insurance fund or supplementary insurance, depending on your plan.
Why straighten your teeth as an adult: useful, not just cosmetic
Orthodontics is often associated with how a smile looks. That is a perfectly legitimate motivation. But the benefits go well beyond appearance.
Misaligned teeth or poorly positioned jaws can have several consequences for oral health:
- Premature wear of the enamel, when some teeth bear more chewing pressure than others.
- Difficulty cleaning overlapping areas properly, which encourages plaque build-up and, over time, cavities or gum problems.
- Muscle or joint tension in the jaw, sometimes responsible for headaches or chronic discomfort.
- Loss of stability of certain teeth, especially if implant or prosthetic treatment is being considered at the same time.
Correcting tooth alignment in adulthood is therefore also a way to protect your teeth over the long term.
Discreet options for adults
Large, visible metal braces with brackets and wires are no longer the only option. Several alternatives now exist, adapted to the professional and social lives of adults.
Clear aligners
These are custom-made clear plastic trays worn over the teeth. They are removable: you can take them out to eat, to drink anything other than water, or for a special occasion. Their discretion is their main advantage: up close, they are barely visible. You switch to a new aligner at regular intervals, following the orthodontist’s instructions, to move step by step toward the desired position.
This solution suits many cases, but not all. Only a clinical examination can determine whether it is right for your specific situation.
Ceramic or lingual braces
In more complex cases, fixed braces may be needed. More discreet options are available, however:
- Ceramic brackets, close in color to the teeth, are far less visible than traditional metal brackets.
- Lingual brackets, placed on the inner side of the teeth (the tongue side), are completely invisible from the outside. They take some getting used to, but offer maximum discretion.
Here again, the right choice depends on each situation. The orthodontist chooses the most suitable technique after an examination and, if needed, after reviewing X-rays (panoramic X-ray or CT scan).
Interceptive orthodontics: worth knowing about for parents too
If you have children, early treatment from age 5 is sometimes recommended to guide jaw growth before the permanent teeth come in. This is called interceptive orthodontics. It will be covered in a dedicated article in this series. In the meantime, you can visit our orthodontics page for an introduction.
How does an orthodontic consultation work at Clinique Keller?
The first step is a clinical assessment. The orthodontist examines your teeth and your bite (how your teeth meet when you close your mouth) and, if needed, requests X-rays. At Clinique Keller, a panoramic X-ray or CT scan can be taken directly on site, thanks to the clinic’s own equipment.
Based on this examination, you will be offered a treatment plan with a clear explanation of the possible options, the steps involved and what you can expect. No two treatments are the same.
The clinic welcomes patients from Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Kraainem, Etterbeek, Schaerbeek, Evere and the whole east of Brussels. The multidisciplinary team works collaboratively: if your situation calls for combined care (for example, periodontal follow-up before starting orthodontic treatment), the clinic’s specialists can coordinate your care pathway.
What you can do right now
If you recognize yourself in one of the obstacles above, the first step is simple: book a consultation. No commitment, no imposed treatment. Just an examination and a conversation to review your situation.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself before your visit:
- Do you have teeth that overlap or are misaligned?
- Do you feel discomfort or notice wear on certain teeth?
- Do you find it hard to clean certain areas with your toothbrush or floss?
- Do you have a gap left by a missing tooth, and are you considering an implant? (In that case, an orthodontic opinion can be useful before the procedure.)
If you answer yes to any of these questions, a consultation is a good idea. An examination by a dentist or orthodontist is always needed for advice suited to your personal situation.
Adult orthodontics is not about absolute perfection. It is about your comfort, your dental health and, if you wish, a smile you feel good about.
To learn more about the options available at Clinique Keller, see our orthodontics page, or discover all our specialties.
Book an appointment at Clinique Keller
Would you like to know whether orthodontic treatment is an option for you? Book an appointment at Clinique Keller, Avenue de Broqueville 249, in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. You can book online via our contact page or by phone at +32 2 772 10 15, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. The clinic is accessible by metro, line 1, Gribaumont station.
