Orthodontics & Invisalign
Orthodontics and clear aligners in Lugano and Bellinzona
Straight teeth are about more than looks: they improve chewing, make cleaning easier and protect your gums. Our specialist orthodontist treats adults and teenagers with the solution that suits them best.
The options
We offer conventional fixed braces, removable appliances for younger patients and invisible orthodontics with Invisalign® clear aligners: removable, almost invisible trays that straighten teeth gradually without wires or brackets. The right choice depends on the type of bite problem, your age and your day-to-day life. There is no single best option — only the one that is right for your case.
Fixed braces
Fixed braces remain the most versatile tool, able to correct even complex bite problems and significant misalignment. Modern brackets are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be and, where appearance matters, can be tooth-coloured ceramic. They do require regular check-ups and particularly careful cleaning, which our hygienists will help you keep up.
Invisalign®: orthodontics nobody notices
With clear aligners, treatment is virtually invisible. The trays come out for meals and brushing, so there are no food restrictions and cleaning stays simple. They need to be worn for around 22 hours a day and are swapped for the next set every one to two weeks. Aligners suit most adults and teenagers; in more complex cases our specialist will advise whether to combine them with other techniques.
The treatment journey
It begins with an orthodontic assessment, including X-rays and an analysis of your bite. For clear aligners, a digital scan of your teeth lets us simulate the tooth movements and show you the end result before you start. Regular reviews follow until the result is achieved, after which it is held in place with a retainer — a thin fixed wire behind the teeth or a night-time tray. This final phase is what stops the teeth drifting slowly back to where they started.
Orthodontics for children and teenagers
Orthodontic treatment is led by Dr Michele Vito Digregorio, a specialist in orthodontics trained at the University of Insubria and a diplomate of the Tweed International Foundation for Orthodontic Research (USA) — meet the team. Catching bite problems early makes treatment simpler and shorter: a first orthodontic assessment is recommended at around six to seven years of age, while the growth of the jaws can still be guided. Dr Digregorio is happy to see even the youngest patients.
Orthodontics for adults
There is no upper age limit for straightening teeth. A growing number of adults choose orthodontics, often with clear aligners, for cosmetic reasons but also for functional ones: a correct bite reduces wear on the teeth, makes cleaning easier and protects the gums. Before crowns or implants, a little realignment can also create the ideal space for the best result. Costs and duration are set out in a detailed estimate after your assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
On average 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and how well the patient cooperates. Minor corrections with Invisalign can take less; the expected duration is stated in your treatment plan.
At what age should a child first see an orthodontist?
A first assessment is recommended at around six to seven, when the first adult teeth come through. Treatment does not always start straight away, but growth problems that would later need lengthy treatment can be picked up in time.
Does Invisalign really work as well as fixed braces?
For most cases, yes — provided the aligners are worn for around 22 hours a day. For some complex bite problems, fixed braces remain the more effective choice; our specialist will tell you plainly at the assessment.
Where to find us
This treatment is available at both of our practices in Ticino.
Bellinzona practice
As easy as a smile.
Check availability and book your appointment online in Lugano or Bellinzona.