Lingual Orthodontics
Modern patients are very concerned with their appearance during orthodontic treatment. More patients have received treatment than ever before since the introduction of Invisalign aligners in 1998 (mainly because aligners straighten the teeth without visible braces). Unfortunately, not all patients have problems that can be corrected with plastic aligners alone. Clear brackets have been around for decades, but up-close they still look like braces. Recent advances in 3D imaging and CAD/CAM technology (Suresmile) have facilitated a third option called “lingual braces.” Suresmile (discussed at length in several of my previous blog articles) is the key to modern lingual orthodontics.
The word “lingual” means tongue. Lingual braces (also known as invisible braces) are attached to the inside surfaces of the teeth that face the tongue. There they are practically invisible from the outside, even up-close. What are the advantages and disadvantages of lingual braces, and who is eligible for this treatment option?
Besides being invisible, lingual braces have other advantages. First, they are far more capable and efficient than clear aligners for complex movements like correcting rotations, changing the heights of teeth, and closing extractions spaces. Additionally, even if oral hygiene is not ideal, any discoloration that occurs (white spots) will be on the inside of the teeth where it is not visible.
As you might imagine, there are also challenges associated with having braces on the inside of the teeth. It takes a couple of weeks to get used to having braces next to your tongue. The brackets and wires will feel a little rough initially and they may affect your speech for a while. Lingual braces are also more difficult to keep clean. In fact if you have periodontal problems, inside braces may actually make things worse. Invisible braces may not be possible for patients with short crowns. Your orthodontist will determine this at your initial exam.
Lingual braces are also more challenging for your orthodontist and his staff. Many of the forces applied on the inside of the teeth react just opposite of those applied to the outside. The distances between the teeth are shorter on the inside, requiring smaller and lighter wires. This may add to the treatment time compared to conventional braces. Working upside-down and on inside of the teeth also requires more chair-time at each appointment. Finally, the CAD/CAM technology (Suresmile) and precision brackets required for lingual treatment cost your orthodontist more than those used on the outside. Trickier adjustments, longer treatment times, and higher appliance costs mean that fees for lingual braces are generally more than those for regular braces.
Before offering lingual braces to my own patients, I observed the process in the office of a friend who has been providing them for three years. I took the opportunity to interview about a dozen of his patients regarding their experiences, and I heard the same thing over and over: “It took about two weeks to get used to talking and eating. After that it was no big deal.” Most said that their co-workers made fun of them the first two weeks, asked them questions for the next two weeks, and then scheduled appointments for their own lingual braces a month later. Not one patient that I interviewed regretted their decision!
If you have a job that would not allow you to have regular braces, or if you just don’t want anyone to know that you’re undergoing treatment, consider lingual braces. 3D imaging, Suresmile diagnosis and treatment software, and robotically created wires are the keys to modern lingual orthodontics. Would you consider having braces if they were completely undetectable? Find a Suresmile orthodontist who offers lingual braces today!