Lingual orthodontics | Clinique Ohana

LINGUAL ORTHODONTICS

In response to patient demand for an aesthetic and discreet orthodontic solution, lingual orthodontics emerged in the 1970s, thanks to the American orthodontist Dr. Kurz.

This treatment eliminates the stigma of visible orthodontics and allows for a social and professional life with complete discretion. The braces, or brackets, are positioned on the inner surfaces of the teeth (the hidden sides), facing the tongue (for the lower dental arch) and the palate (for the upper dental arch).

Lingual orthodontics requires a longer initial setup appointment, precision, and therapeutic expertise. This method involves specialized training and skills for the practitioner. Each bracket must be custom-made for each tooth and tailored to the patient's morphology using advanced digital fabrication tools.

This technique is based on the same principles as conventional orthodontics and can address the majority of dental malocclusions. After evaluating your case, we will offer you various therapeutic options and the most suitable orthodontic appliance for your situation and the dental irregularities to be treated.

For some patients with advanced chronic periodontal diseases involving tartar buildup and gum inflammation, this treatment would not be recommended, after a clinical examination. The same applies when patients that have small teeth (microdontia), because the bonding surface is insufficient for bracket attachment.

This treatment requires adaptation time: unlike a traditional multi-bracket treatment where the brackets are in contact with the cheeks and lips, in lingual treatment, the brackets are in contact with the tongue. Consequently, it is common to feel discomfort or uncomfortable sensations in the tongue in the first days following the installation of the appliance. All these sensations and side effects will dissipate quickly.

Like any orthodontic treatment using multiple brackets, sticky and crunchy foods must be avoided and oral hygiene must be punctual and rigorous.

As at the end of any orthodontic treatment, in order to maintain the result obtained and prevent recurrence, retention is mandatory. The supporting bone which has been disorganized during the various orthodontic movements must be consolidated using safety splints and/or retaining wires glued to the internal surfaces of the anterior teeth.

Orthodontic retention is detailed in the section "orthodontics" and in the "blog".