Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are fixed on the inside of the teeth. They are, like most braces, used to straighten crooked teeth, space crowded teeth, close gaps between the teeth and correct bite problems.Harmony and SureSmile QT are examples of this kind of brace, which are customized for the patient.

Harmony is manufactured using a technique where an accurate imprint of the teeth is taken and a digital model generated. The wires are bent by a robot and the brackets designed using the exact dimensions of the teeth. The bonding to the teeth is done all at once, instead of one by one like in fixing traditional braces. It is mostly used to treat overcrowding, the most common teeth problem, according to Harmony.

The treatment takes place in three phases:

First Phase:a passive clip is used on the brace for minimal friction during aligning and leveling.

Second phase: the passive clip is replaced by an interactive one to allow for closing of spaces between the teeth.

Third Phase: a fully active clip is inserted to aid in jaw movements in all directions.

ADVANTAGES

1. They are invisible from the outside.

2. They fit accurately on individual teeth.

3. They can accommodate complex jaw movements.

4. Stains on the teeth can be hidden as they are not visible from the outside.

5. American Orthodontics describes it as combining the following:

•Interactive Self Ligating Brackets-no bands or ligatures are required to anchor the brackets to the wire.

• Customized Bonding Pads which are metal surfaces for the adhesive substance to be placed.

• Anterior Positioning Jigs used in the initial and later stages of treatment. They are a guide for bonding the front teeth later, which could not be bonded in the initial stages of treatment.

•Digitally-Assisted Treatment in design and creating a three dimensional form from the impression of the teeth.

• Robotically Formed Arch Wires

6. Wire changes are quicker because the brackets anchor themselves independently and wires are pre-formed to fit onto the teeth perfectly.

7. Self-ligating clips on the brackets last longer than elastic bands, minimizing the number of dentist visits.

8. The high precision of robots in forming wires and the independent manufacturer of self-ligating brackets make it easy to predict results of the treatment.

DISADVANTAGES:

1. They are not appropriate for complex teeth problems.

2. Adjusting them during dental visits take relatively long.

3. It takes a while for the tongue to get used to grazing the metal and this might affect speech negatively.

4. They are more expensive

5. They are quite difficult to clean.

6. They are worn for a longer period of time since smaller wires are used to 'pull the teeth' into position.

Three dimensional imaging and other treatment software, however, make the installation and use of these braces much easier. This type of dental brace is a popular choice for adults who wish to fix their smiles.

According to the Australian Society of Orthodontists, few Australian orthodontists recommend them because they are more difficult to manage than other braces like metal ones. However, for those who do, it is a matter of the patient's choice.

Article Source: http://www.abcarticledirectory.com

Niño is a distinguished orthodontist working at Gullota Orthodontics. He devotes his entire days to fixing teeth and he does so with great precision and impressive skill. Visit Gullota Orthodontics for an orthodontic assessment. To get a full examination and advise based on your teeth problems visit our website for more information.

Posted on 2014-12-05, By: Nino Gullotta *

* Click on the author's name to view their profile and articles!!!

Note: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author.