Orthodontics in Rabat
Orthodontics in Rabat: braces for children, teens and adults
Looking for an orthodontist in Rabat for your child or for yourself? You probably want to know whether braces are needed, at what age, which type, and for how long. This page explains how orthodontic care works with Dr Seyfeddine Ghenia, a general dentist in Rabat (médecin dentiste) who is completing a university diploma (D.U.) in orthodontics, and answers the most common questions. Consultations can be held in English, French or Arabic. The page is for information only: only an examination can tell what suits your case.
Orthodontist or dentist: who does what?
In Morocco, the title orthodontist refers to a dentist who has specialised in orthodontics. Dr Ghenia is a general dentist and does not present himself as an orthodontist. He is completing a university diploma in orthodontics and sees children, teenagers and adults from Rabat, Salé and Témara for:
- an orthodontic assessment: examination, X-rays only when useful, and clear explanations;
- monitoring of growth and of the arrival of the teeth in children;
- simple and early (interceptive) treatments, when they are indicated;
- advice on braces and clear aligners.
When a case needs a specialist, for example a large jaw discrepancy or a plan combined with jaw surgery, the assessment is also used to refer you to a specialist orthodontist or a maxillofacial surgeon, with your X-rays and a summary of the case.
When should you come?
For a child
There is no minimum age for a first check-up, as long as it does not automatically lead to treatment. A check-up around age 7 helps to spot some problems early:
- an upper jaw that is too narrow, with upper teeth closing inside the lower ones (see the guide on palatal expansion);
- a lower jaw that sits forward, or lower front teeth in front of the upper ones;
- habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing or the tongue resting between the teeth;
- the early loss of a baby tooth, which can take space away from the adult tooth;
- teeth that lack space as soon as the adult front teeth come in.
Often, the right answer is simply to monitor and see the child again later.
For a teenager or an adult
Crowded teeth, gaps, protruding upper teeth, difficulty chewing or a smile that bothers you are common reasons to come. In adults, healthy gums come first: a scale and polish and, if needed, gum treatment come before any brace (see the guide on gum disease).
If you have recently moved to Morocco and already started a treatment abroad, bring your records (X-rays, treatment plan, aligner details): they help to decide how to continue.
How the assessment works
- Listening: what bothers you, what you expect, your medical and dental history.
- Examination: face, teeth, gums, breathing, swallowing and chewing.
- Useful records: photos, and X-rays only when they add information (for example a panoramic X-ray).
- Explanation of the diagnosis and the options, including not treating or monitoring, the estimated duration, the hygiene required and the cost, before any decision.
Possible appliances
| Situation | Examples of appliances | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Upper jaw too narrow in a child | palatal expander, quad helix | Palatal expansion |
| Crooked teeth, teenager or adult | fixed braces, ceramic braces | Dental braces |
| Mild to moderate crowding, no extraction | clear aligners | Clear aligners |
| After treatment | retainer (bonded wire or clear retainer) | Dental braces |
The choice depends on your case, your age and what you are ready to do: aligners, for example, only work if they are worn about 22 hours a day.
How long does it take?
Early treatment in a child is usually short and targeted, 12 months at most. Comprehensive fixed braces last on average a little under 20 months in a review of studies (Tsichlaki et al., 2016, PubMed), with large differences between cases. Treatment is followed by a retainer, without which the teeth tend to move back. The exact duration can only be estimated after the assessment (see the braces guide).
Booking an appointment
Consultations take place in Rabat, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm; the address is given when you book. The easiest way is to send a WhatsApp message stating the patient's age and the reason (for example "braces assessment for my child"). See the appointment section.
To see in 3D how a narrow palate is widened and how the teeth are then aligned, try the 3D smile experience.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dr Ghenia an orthodontist?
No: he is a general dentist in Rabat completing a university diploma in orthodontics; he carries out assessments, monitoring and the treatments within his competence, and refers you to a specialist orthodontist when your case requires it.
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed specialist training in orthodontics; a general dentist trained in orthodontics can assess you and explain the options, while complex cases are best treated by a specialist orthodontist.
At what age should a child have a first orthodontic check-up?
There is no minimum age; a check-up around age 7 helps to spot a narrow jaw, a forward lower jaw or a lack of space early, and the answer is often to monitor.
Can adults still have braces?
Yes, as long as the gums are healthy; braces move teeth at any age, but they cannot correct a large jaw discrepancy on their own once growth is over.
Can I have the consultation in English?
Yes: consultations can be held in English, French or Arabic, and explanations and documents can be given in English.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Rabat?
The cost depends on the type of appliance, the duration and how complex the case is; it is explained after the assessment, before any decision.