Lingual Orthodontics
What are lingual braces?
This means the braces are fitted on the inner or tongue side of the tooth.
Upper and lower lingual appliances on the day of fitting above and 5 months later below as the arches align.
Why Do Patients Choose Lingual Braces?
Many patients prefer to keep their orthodontic appliances hidden. Lingual orthodontic appliances offer a unique combination of two properties which no other orthodontic appliance can match.They can achieve the same excellent orthodontic result as outside (familiar) braces can , but also they are essentially invisible.
This is the outside view of the patient shown above on the day when the lingual appliances were fitted . You can see that they are essentially invisible in normal social interactions.
Why Are Lingual Braces Commonly Better Than The Alternatives?
Lingual braces offer a unique combination of two properties which no other appliance can match. That is they consistently deliver an excellent orthodontic result and also they are essentially invisible.
| Appliance | Appliance Almost Invisible | Appliance can consistently produce an excellent orthodontic result |
|---|---|---|
| Lingual Braces | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ceramic/Acrylic Braces | ✗ | ✔ |
| Metal Braces | ✗ | ✔ |
| Aligners (e.g. Invisalign, Clear Correct) | ✔ | ✗ |
| Six Months of so called “fast braces” | ✗ | ✗ |
| Inman Aligner | ✗ | ✗ |
Please Click Here to see the following related video.
What Orthodontic Problems Can Lingual Braces Treat?
Lingual orthodontics can be used to treat every orthodontic problem that outside (familiar) braces can treat, and should achieve the same excellent result. They can be employed to treat the complete spectrum of cases from the relatively simple to the complex.
Can Lingual Braces Be Used To Treat All Age Groups?
Yes lingual orthodontics can be used to treat teenagers and adults. It’s the same as for outside (familiar) braces.
Do Lingual Braces Have Advantages When Treating Teenagers?
When patients follow the recommendations and practise excellent oral hygiene (brushing) along with a reduced frequency of sugar intake, decalcification (permanent white marks) should not be a problem with either outside (familiar) braces, or lingual braces. Orthodontics is not normally commenced until the oral hygiene is satisfactory.
Picture of severe decalcification courtesy of Dentsply GAC
Unfortunately a proportion of patients return to their “old ways” and let their oral hygiene slip while they are wearing braces. These patients are much less likely to experience decalcification (permanent white marks) if they are wearing lingual braces rather than outside braces. Even if they do experience white marks they are obviously not of aesthetic importance if they are on the inside of the teeth.
Click here to view the PDF in reference to: ‘Caries outcomes after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances: do lingual brackets make a difference?‘
Click here to view the PDF in reference to: ‘Lingual appliances reduce the incidence of white spot lesions during orthodontic multibracket treatment.‘
Can Lingual Braces Be Used If I Need Orthodontics and Jaw/Orthognathic Surgery?
Yes lingual braces work exactly as regular (outside) braces do in preparing the teeth for Jaw/Orthognathic surgery.
Can Lingual Braces Be Used Instead of “Six Months Braces / Smiles” “Fast Braces”?
Yes and they have the advantage that they are essentially invisible. It is important to understand that the terms “six month braces/smiles” “fast braces” are purely and only euphemistic marketing slogans to describe a curtailed type of orthodontic treatment which has limited treatment aims. This treatment is only appropriate for certain orthodontic problems.
What Types of Lingual Braces Does Dr Buckley Use?
Dr Buckley uses the Incognito™ and Win™ lingual appliances. Incognito™ and Win™ are completely customised lingual appliances. This means that the brackets and wires are made individually to fit for each patient. These lingual appliances are compact and when appropriately adjusted cause the minimum of intrusion in the mouth. They have been shown to be very accurate appliances which when used in skilled hands deliver the planned treatment very effectively.
Click here to view the PDF in reference to: ‘Accuracy in tooth positioning with a fully customized lingual orthodontic appliance.’
Please see – fabrication of lingual appliances for more information.
Are Lingual Braces Difficult to Wear?
When wearing lingual braces there is an adaptation phase. The vast majority of patients adapt to lingual orthodontics in a matter of weeks.