What is Lingual Orthodontic Treatment?

Lingual orthodontics is a treatment method in which orthodontic brackets and wires are placed on the lingual surfaces of the teeth, that is, on the inner surfaces of the teeth towards the tongue. This treatment significantly reduces the visibility of the treatment while maintaining the functionality provided by traditional orthodontic methods. Lingual orthodontics is a particularly attractive option for adults and teenagers with aesthetic concerns because the brackets and wires are not visible from the outside, which prevents the braces from drawing attention during the treatment process.

Invisibility: Lingual orthodontics provides a completely invisible treatment by placing brackets behind, rather than on, the front surface of the teeth. This is ideal for people with aesthetic concerns, especially in public or professional settings.

Personalised Treatment: Lingual braces are usually designed and manufactured specifically for each individual’s tooth structure. This ensures that the brackets perfectly conform to the inner surfaces of the teeth for a more comfortable treatment experience and optimal results.

Effectiveness: Lingual orthodontics can treat a wide range of tooth and jaw alignment problems, including crowded teeth, bite problems and other orthodontic issues.

Adaptation Process: At the beginning of treatment, patients may experience discomfort caused by lingual braces, such as tongue irritation and difficulty speaking. These effects are usually temporary and most people adapt within a few weeks.

Care and Cleaning: Lingual braces can be more difficult to clean and maintain than traditional braces. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to prevent tooth decay and gum problems.

Cost: Due to the personalised manufacturing process and the complexity of the treatment, lingual orthodontics is generally more expensive than traditional orthodontic treatments.

Discomfort and Treatment Duration: In some cases, the treatment time with lingual orthodontics may be longer and there may be more discomfort during treatment.

Can Lingual Orthodontic Treatment Be Applied to Everyone?

Although lingual orthodontics is an effective method for the treatment of most orthodontic problems, it may not be suitable for everyone. The applicability of the treatment depends on the individual tooth and jaw structure, the type and severity of orthodontic problems. Here are some important points about whether lingual orthodontic treatment can be applied to everyone:

Size of Teeth: In individuals with very small teeth, it may be difficult to properly fit and secure lingual brackets to the inner surfaces of the teeth.

Deep Gum Notches: Individuals with deep notches below the gum line may find it difficult to properly fit and secure the brackets.

Extreme Crowding or Serious Orthodontic Problems: Very severe crowding or complex orthodontic conditions may not be treatable with lingual orthodontics. Such conditions may require traditional braces or other treatment methods.

Chewing and Occlusion (Bite) Problems: Some chewing and occlusion problems may be more difficult to treat with lingual orthodontics.

Adaptation Process: Lingual orthodontics may initially cause discomfort or difficulties with speaking and eating, especially due to the constant contact of the tongue with the brackets. This should be taken into consideration before starting treatment.

Care and Hygiene: Lingual braces can be more difficult to clean than conventional braces. Therefore, it is important to pay extra attention to oral hygiene and maintain regular dental visits.

Are the brackets used in lingual orthodontic treatment different from other brackets worn on the front surface of the teeth?

Yes, the brackets used in lingual orthodontic treatment are different from the traditional brackets worn on the front surface of the teeth. Lingual braces are specially designed and manufactured to be placed on the inner surfaces of the teeth, i.e. lingual (tongue side). These differences arise from the unique needs of the location where the brackets are placed. Here are the main differences between lingual braces and traditional braces:

Personalised Design: Lingual braces are usually designed specifically for each patient’s tooth structure. This personalisation is done to ensure a perfect fit to the inner surfaces of the teeth. Traditional braces, on the other hand, have more standard sizes and shapes and are applied to the outer surfaces of the teeth.

Material: Both types of braces can be made from similar materials (e.g. metal, ceramic), but the manufacture of lingual braces requires more precision to customise them to fit the lingual surfaces of the teeth.

Lingual Discomfort: Lingual braces may initially irritate the tongue and cause speech difficulties. This is part of the patients’ adaptation process. The use of traditional braces usually does not cause such discomfort.

Adaptation Process: Patients may have a different experience in adapting to lingual braces compared to traditional braces. Temporary changes in speech and eating habits are more common.

Aesthetic Advantages: The biggest advantage of lingual braces is that they are invisible. Unlike traditional braces worn on the outer surfaces of the teeth, lingual braces are not visible from the outside, which is an aesthetic preference.

Maintenance Difficulty: Lingual braces can be more difficult to clean than traditional braces due to their location. This requires extra care in maintaining oral hygiene.

Cost Difference: Lingual braces are generally more expensive than traditional braces due to the complexity of their customised design and application techniques.

Does Lingual orthodontic treatment braces affect the social life of people?

Lingual orthodontic treatment is a correction method performed with brackets attached to the back of the teeth, that is, to the side where the tongues are located. Unlike traditional braces, lingual braces are not visible from the outside, which provides an aesthetic advantage. However, lingual orthodontic treatment may have some effects on people’s social lives:

Speech Difficulty: Since the lingual brackets are closer to the movement area of the tongue, speech may be difficult in the early stages of treatment. This can affect people’s social interactions until they get used to their new way of speaking. However, most people adapt to this situation over time and their speech patterns return to normal.

Changes in Eating Habits: Lingual braces can cause discomfort when eating. Some foods may become difficult or uncomfortable to consume. This may affect the experience of eating in social settings.

Oral Hygiene: Lingual braces can be more difficult to clean than traditional braces because they are less visible and located in hard-to-reach places. This requires more time and attention to oral hygiene. Inadequate attention to oral hygiene can lead to dental health problems and therefore a lack of self-confidence in social interactions.

Self-confidence: The fact that lingual braces are not visible from the outside can reduce the aesthetic concerns caused by traditional braces. This can increase self-confidence in social life, especially for adults and young people who value aesthetic appearance.

Adaptation Process: The process of adapting to lingual braces may temporarily affect the social life of the individual. However, this adaptation process varies from person to person and most people can resume their normal social life in a short time.

Does Any Action Need To Be Taken After The Treatment Is Finished?

Yes, after the completion of lingual orthodontic treatment or any orthodontic treatment, additional measures are usually required to maintain the new position of the teeth. The procedures performed in the post-treatment period are very important to ensure the permanence of the results obtained. Here are some procedures that should be done after the treatment is completed:

Retainer Use: The most common post-treatment method is the use of retainers (fixed or removable plates) to ensure that the teeth remain fixed in their new places. Retainers prevent the teeth from returning to their old positions over time. The orthodontist recommends fixed or removable retainers according to the needs of the patient and determines the duration of use.

Regular Check-ups: In the post-treatment period, the orthodontist may call the patient for regular check-ups. These checks are important to assess whether the teeth are maintaining their new positions and to make minor adjustments if necessary.

Oral Hygiene: Just as during orthodontic treatment, it is important to pay attention to oral hygiene after treatment. Regular brushing and flossing, keeping retainers clean and regular visits to the dentist help maintain a healthy oral environment.

Eating Habits: Some hard and sticky foods may need to be avoided during treatment. After the treatment, it is useful to be careful about foods that may create unnecessary pressure on the teeth and retainers.

Retainer Care: If you wear a removable retainer, you will receive special instructions for the care of your retainer. This usually involves cleaning the retainer regularly and storing it correctly.

What are the Advantages of Lingual Orthodontic Treatment

Lingual orthodontic treatment offers a number of advantages compared to traditional orthodontic methods. This treatment is particularly popular among adults and teenagers with aesthetic concerns. Here are some important advantages of lingual orthodontic treatment:

Invisibility: The major advantage of lingual orthodontic treatment is that the brackets are placed on the lingual surfaces (tongue side) of the teeth, which makes them completely invisible from the outside. This feature is ideal for aesthetically conscious individuals because the metal brackets are not visible when smiling or speaking.

Aesthetic Satisfaction: Thanks to invisible braces, patients can feel more confident in social and professional situations. This is a great advantage, especially for adults who are often in public and care about their appearance.

Personalised Treatment: Lingual braces are often customised to fit the unique contours of the patient’s teeth. This can provide a more comfortable treatment experience and effective results.

Reduced Discolouration: Discolouration of teeth, which can occur with traditional braces, is less visible with lingual braces because the brackets are not visible from the outside. This helps you maintain an aesthetic appearance during the treatment process.

Effective Results: Lingual orthodontics is an effective method for correcting many dental irregularities and bite problems. The use of modern technology and techniques has shown that lingual orthodontics can be as effective as traditional methods.

Sports and Musical Instruments: Lingual braces reduce the risk of friction against the inner surface of the lips, which can be advantageous for individuals who play musical instruments or play contact sports.

What are the Advantages of Lingual Orthodontic Treatment?

Despite its aesthetic advantages, lingual orthodontic treatment may also involve some disadvantages and difficulties. The following are the negative aspects to consider when evaluating this treatment option:

Speech Difficulty: The proximity of the lingual brackets to the tongue can cause speech difficulties at the beginning of treatment. In particular, patients may have difficulty making sounds such as “s” and “t”. This is usually temporary and most people return to normal speaking habits within a few weeks.

Discomfort and Irritation: Because lingual braces are in constant contact with the tongue, they can cause irritation and even sores on the tongue at the beginning of treatment. This can lead to more discomfort than with traditional braces.

Difficulty in maintenance and cleaning: The position of lingual braces can make them difficult to clean and maintain. Extra effort and special tools may be required to maintain proper hygiene, which means more time and effort to maintain oral health.