What Are Invisible Braces | Lingual Orthodontics
Today, unlike traditional braces, Lingual Orthodontics, which is applied by attaching to the back of the teeth, has become almost perfect with developing technologies.
Invisible braces, which can be applied in every case that can be treated by wearing normal braces, is an effective treatment method preferred by patients who do not want to have braces for aesthetic reasons.
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In invisible braces treatment, braces are not visible in any way in the treatment performed with orthodontic devices specially produced in accordance with the patient’s oral structure and applied to the posterior surfaces of the teeth. In other words, thanks to Lingual Orthodontics, it is now very easy to achieve both healthy and aesthetic teeth and a secure smile without compromising your appearance and without harming your social life.
Is There an Age Limit For Lingual Orthodontics?
Lingual Treatment applications start at the age of 12 when the eruption of permanent teeth is completed and the upper age limit is open. In other words, it can be applied to patients of any age.
The important issue here is that the supportive tissue surrounding the teeth, i.e. bone and gum, should be healthy in adult patients to whom the treatment will be applied.
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Another important point here is that Lingual Orthodontic applications are applied not only to correct crowded teeth in adult patients, but also before prosthesis or implant treatment.
What is The Duration of Invisible Braces Treatment?
As with standard braces, it varies between different cases and lasts between 6 months and 2 years.
How is Invisible Braces Treatment Performed?
The treatment process starts with the initial examination and digital scanning phase; a 3D model of your teeth is created with intraoral scanners. On this model, your orthodontist plans the most appropriate sequence of tooth movements.
Then, customized lingual brackets and wires are produced in the laboratory; on the day of the appointment, the brackets are bonded to the back surface of your teeth and the wires are placed. Follow-up visits are repeated every 4-8 weeks on average, so that tooth movements are monitored throughout the treatment period and minor adjustments are made if necessary.
How Invisible Braces Work?
Invisible braces use thin, special alloy wires and brackets that are placed on the inner (lingual) surface of the teeth instead of metal wires fixed to the surface of the teeth. In lingual orthodontics, custom-made brackets are bonded to the back surface of the teeth and a transparent power wire gently moves the teeth into the desired position.
Thanks to this mechanism, the forces applied to the teeth increase in a controlled and gradual manner; pain and discomfort are kept to a minimum, while a highly aesthetic result is achieved in terms of appearance.
Who Are Invisible Braces Suitable For?
Lingual orthodontic treatment is an ideal option for both adult and adolescent patients. It is especially suitable for those who are uncomfortable with the appearance of metal brackets in their work or social life and who are looking for an aesthetic solution before special events such as weddings and graduations.
In addition, anyone with classic orthodontic problems such as crowded teeth, spaced teeth or bite problems can be treated with lingual braces. However, in cases of gum disease or advanced crowding, gum health should be corrected first, sometimes pre-procedures may be required.
What are the Advantages of Lingual Orthodontics?
The biggest advantage of lingual braces is that they are almost completely invisible when viewed from the outside; besides that;
- Aesthetic Appearance: Lingual orthodontics is invisible from the outside thanks to the brackets placed on the inner surface of the teeth. This allows correction to be made without aesthetic concerns during the treatment period.
- Social Confidence: The visibility of wearing braces can be a social challenge, especially for adults and teenagers. Lingual orthodontics offers treatment without affecting social life thanks to its invisibility.
- Less Oral Discomfort: Since lingual braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, they have less contact with the tongue, which minimizes discomfort during speaking and swallowing.
- Personalized Treatment: Lingual orthodontics is applied with brackets and wires specially designed for each individual’s tooth structure. This personalized approach increases treatment time and effectiveness.
- No Intervention on the Front Surface of the Teeth: Since the outer surface of the teeth is not treated, there is no aesthetic change or damage to the teeth.
- Better Results in the Long Term: Lingual orthodontic treatment gives more controlled and effective results than conventional braces when advanced tooth movements are required.
- A Patient Treatment Process: Since it is a fixed treatment method, patients do not experience a loss of discipline in daily use. The treatment process progresses as long as the braces remain attached.
- Comfort during the Treatment Process: Although mild tongue discomfort may be experienced at first, over time patients become accustomed to the tongue brackets and return to normal speech function.
What are the Materials Used in Lingual Orthodontic Treatment?
The most common materials used in lingual orthodontics are thin lingual brackets made of stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy archwires and special adhesive resins. The brackets have a low profile design to adapt to the inner surface of the teeth without damaging them.
The wires usually retain their form by being sensitive to oral temperature thanks to the memory wire feature and gently push the teeth towards the desired position. Additional care materials such as fluoride toothpastes and interdental brushes are also recommended to maintain gum health during treatment.
What are the Differences of Lingual Orthodontics Compared to Other Treatment Options?
Compared to conventional metal brackets and clear aligners (invisalign, etc.), lingual braces combine the advantages of the first two. It has the capacity to apply force as strong as metal brackets, but is more effective than clear aligners in terms of invisibility.
With clear aligners, the patient has the discipline to wear and remove the aligners and the need to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day, whereas lingual braces are fixed systems, so there is no compliance problem. In addition, in cases where advanced tooth movements are required, the control of lingual braces gives more successful results compared to the clear aligner method.
What to Consider When Using Invisible Braces?
Regular check-ups throughout the treatment period are critical to ensure that tooth movements are performed at the desired speed and accuracy. Oral hygiene needs extra attention; since the lingual brackets are on the back surface, it is important to make a habit of using an interdental brush and mouthwash to prevent plaque accumulation on the inside of the teeth.
Hard and sticky foods should be avoided and care should be taken not to overload the braces during chewing. There may be mild tongue discomfort for the first few days; painkillers and orthodontic wax are recommended during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take a look at the common questions asked by our patients and contact us for all other questions you are curious about.
Invisible braces treatment usually causes minimal side effects, but some people may experience mild tooth pain, sensitivity or mouth irritation. These side effects are usually more noticeable at the beginning of the treatment process and diminish over time.
Invisible braces can cause mild pain in the teeth, especially in the first days of treatment. However, this pain gradually subsides as the teeth begin to settle into their new positions and is usually bearable.
When wearing invisible braces, speech may become a little difficult, especially in the first few days. However, this difficulty disappears within a few days and users return to normal.
The main disadvantage of lingual orthodontics is that during the treatment process, there may be speech difficulties, slight discomfort in the mouth and more difficult cleaning of the braces. Also, the treatment process can be longer and the costs are usually higher.
Lingual ortodonti tedavisi sırasında, telin arka dişlere yerleştirilmesi nedeniyle dilde hafif bir rahatsızlık hissi oluşabilir. Ancak zamanla bu rahatsızlık azalır ve vücut tedaviye alışır.
After lingual orthodontic treatment, the position of the teeth can be permanent, but regular use of a protective appliance after treatment is necessary. This ensures long-term results by maintaining the new position of the teeth.
