The name of lingual orthodontics comes from the positioning of orthodontic brackets on the side of the tongue. Lingual positioning alters speech at the very beginning of treatment. The lingual dental appliance is a very good alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment in patients who want to use orthodontics to straighten their teeth without having to wear visible braces.
What is lingual orthodontics?
Modern lingual orthodontics emerged in the 1970s with the impetus of Dr. Kurtz in the United States and Dr. Fujita in Japan. Unlike conventional orthodontics, the lingual orthodontic technique requires the fixation of non-visible rings, which make the positioning of the fasteners more delicate. Thanks to the technological advances and computer science, the design and the positioning of the fasteners are individualized. To practice it, it requires a superior precision direct manual positioning that characterizes the vestibular fasteners.
The progress made on the shape and the designs of the fasteners guarantee very tolerable treatments. Patients who wear non-visible rings are likely to want to keep the fasteners for a few more months to ensure a better result. Another advantage of lingual orthodontics, at the end of treatment, the device is well integrated into the mouth and much less troublesome than at the beginning of its fixation.
Who can wear lingual orthodontics?
The lingual dental appliance has the main advantage of its discretion. This feature is important for adults, especially for professionals who practice public trades such as teaching, sales, performing arts. Lingual orthodontics is an intervention that is suitable for both adolescents and adults looking for a job. The effective solution to find a better smile and do not wish to wear a conventional dental appliance. Wearing small lingual rings makes this device a very comfortable device that does not interfere with chewing or speech after a short period of adaptation.
Lingual orthodontics: correcting several types of malocclusion
The evolution of the technique currently allows the lingual apparatus to treat several categories of malocclusion, ranging from the simplest to the most complex. The installation of lingual orthodontics is suitable for aesthetic correction. This practice is useful for correcting overlapping teeth, dental malpositions, or too-spaced teeth. Lingual processing is also useful for functional correction. The intervention can treat disorders of swallowing, chewing or phonation.
