+86-15692113403
Orthodontic Training

Certificate Number Lookup
CN
×
Orthodontics training

Certificate Number Lookup

Contact number:

+86-15692113403

What is Lingual Fixed Orthodontics

Date:2021-01-11 22:04:50
Author:
Views:8241

Traditional "braces" are attached to the outside of the teeth. Patients undergoing this type of treatment are often referred to as having "metal mouth," which creates an impression of poor aesthetics. During orthodontic treatment, patients may even feel more self-conscious than before treatment—a notable drawback of traditional appliances. Lingual fixed orthodontics emerged as a solution to this problem.

IMG_7171.JPG

I. How is lingual fixed orthodontics different from traditional "braces"?

From an aesthetic perspective, the brackets in lingual fixed orthodontics are bonded to the inner surface of the teeth (the lingual side), making them completely invisible from the outside. This achieves the effect of "invisible orthodontic treatment."

In terms of bracket fabrication, traditional brackets attached to the outer surface of the teeth (the buccal side) are mass-produced. When they cannot accommodate the position and angulation of individual teeth, the orthodontist must compensate through wire bending based on clinical experience. Lingual brackets, by contrast, are "custom-made." Because the morphology of the inner surface of the teeth (the lingual side) varies—even between symmetrical teeth in the same individual—mass-produced brackets cannot be directly bonded to the teeth. Customized design is required to achieve the ideal tooth position. This is the advantage of lingual fixed orthodontics: it can reduce or even eliminate operational errors and shorten the treatment duration.

Since customized lingual orthodontic appliances are designed through computer simulation prior to treatment, referencing the doctor's treatment plan to design bracket positions and archwire configurations, the final tooth positions can be predicted. This goal-oriented approach allows the treatment outcome to be forecast before treatment begins. From a technical standpoint, due to the different force application mechanism, lingual orthodontics demands higher clinical skills from the orthodontist.

II. What is the difference between lingual fixed orthodontics and clear aligner therapy?

Both lingual orthodontics and clear aligner therapy using transparent trays are based on the orthodontist's clinical experience, utilizing computer-aided design to incorporate the data required for tooth movement directly into the appliance. The difference lies in the approach: lingual orthodontics follows traditional orthodontic principles, where the orthodontist uses archwires to apply continuous, gentle forces to move the teeth, while maintaining excellent root control, allowing for precise and flexible management of treatment progress. Clear aligners move the teeth by "embracing" them; patients change the aligners at home and return for periodic check-ups to verify that tooth movement matches the computer-designed plan. If the teeth do not track with the aligners as designed, new impressions must be taken to fabricate new aligners. Due to the limitations of the force application method, clear aligner therapy is highly dependent on patient compliance. Archwires can express the forces required for tooth movement more precisely than clear aligners, which is why lingual orthodontics typically has a treatment duration approximately 25% shorter than clear aligner therapy.

III. Who is suitable for lingual orthodontics?

Generally speaking, patients who require orthodontic treatment and have healthy periodontal tissues can consider lingual orthodontics. From a clinical diagnostic perspective, orthodontic treatment is suitable for malocclusion caused by dental issues, as well as mild skeletal cases. Patients with more severe skeletal factors may require combined orthodontic-surgical treatment. Whether a malocclusion is dental or skeletal in nature must be determined by a professional orthodontist.

Dr.Clear Aligner notes that regardless of whether treatment is buccal or lingual, patients will require an adaptation period. Since lingual appliances occupy some tongue space, patients may initially experience a slight "lisping" sensation, but this typically resolves completely within about one week.


Previous：Things to Know Before Wearing Clear Aligners

Next：What to Do If Teeth Turn Black After Wearing Aligners for a Long Time
Previous page
Next page

Recommended Articles