Frequently Asked Questions on Lingual Braces
What is lingual orthodontics and lingual braces?
As a technique, lingual orthodontics is based on brackets placed on the inner surface of the teeth. The orthodontic treatment method using braces placed on the outer surface of the tooth is completely the opposite compared to lingual orthodontics. With the lingual device the brackets are not visible when talking or smiling.
How are lingual braces any different from labial visible braces?
The two orthodontic appliances - labial or outer, and lingual, or inner - are equally effective. Dental movement is due to the forces exerted on each tooth. Therefore, the origin of the force is indifferent for the tooth, and equally the same, whether it is a labial or a lingual orthodontic appliance used. The movement desired will be performed in both cases equally efficiently.
Can anyone use lingual braces?
Lingual orthodontics is a suitable method for any orthodontic case of any severity. The only restriction that may arise concerns professionals in very specific fields. Examples of such cases are singers and musicians, playing instruments whose mouthpiece enters behind the upper incisors into the oral cavity.
Can speech be affected during this orthodontic treatment?
After the placement of the orthodontic appliance, it is possible that the person's speech will be affected, at least initially. This is due to the irritation of the tongue caused by the device. The use of very low profile personalized lingual devices since 2004 has resulted in the reduction of this issue. Since then, speech is adjusted only in the first few days or weeks at most, in a small number of people.
Does Lingual Orthodontics treatment last longer than treatment with external braces?
Under no circumstances does this claim apply. The duration of treatment using lingual orthodontics is identical to the duration of treatment with external braces. This is due to the fact that dental movement ist still caused by the forces exerted on the teeth. Therefore, for a tooth, it does not matter if the forces exerted are applied to its outer or inner (lingual) surface.
However, quite often, some orthodontists talk about the long duration of orthodontic treatment as a disadvantage of Lingual Orthodontics alone. This highlights the fact that they do not have any substantial nor complete training in this technique. It is with this pretext, then, that they avoid undertaking complex cases of increased difficulty. Moreover, the lack of active involvement and training also results in the deliberate increase of the cost. In this way, they prevent those interested from choosing the lingual technique, since it seems that the cost is particularly "high". In this case, the alternative is still traditional labial braces or Invisalign clear aligners, which are the "easiest" form of treatment for an orthodontist. You can learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the Invisalign method, on our website. In our practice, the medical fee is not affected by the method of orthodontic intervention chosen by the patient. The difference in cost between the alternative intervention methods is due solely to the laboratory cost each device has.
Why do some orthodontists avoid lingual orthodontics?
Lingual Orthodontics is undoubtedly a very demanding technique. This is the reason why a very large percentage of orthodontists avoid placing lingual braces. Therefore, only few orthodontists have an active and substantial involvement with fixed lingual devices, or the necessary professional training for them. In addition, time spent by the orthodontist with each patient for the necessary device setup and fine-tuning/finishing is increased as compared to other devices. Specifically, this is because the device setup with labial braces does not have the same degree of complexity, and the Invisalign method does not even require any intraoral adjustments.
Dr. Exarchou has a 18-year experience with Lingual Orthodontics, and this, alongside multiple other factors guarantee the effective treatment of any case, regardless of its difficulty. In addition to holding a postgraduate degree in Lingual Orthodontics, Dr. Exarchou has more than 800 completed and current cases with this method. This number places out orthodontic clinic among the leading European clinics in Lingual Orthodontics.
Are there any age restrictions regarding braces?
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding braces is whether there is an age limit. The answer to this question is that of course there are no such restrictions. A large percentage of people today, even including some dentists, consider adult orthodontic intervention using braces to be impossible or even extremely risky. Contrary to this common view, there is no such age restriction in adult orthodontics. Actually, adult orthodontics is no much different as compared to the treatment offered to children or adolescents. You can learn more about adult orthodontics in this interview with Dr. Exarchou.
What is the cost involved in Lingual Orthodontics?
The cost of the treatment intervention is higher as compared to other orthodontic appliances. This is perhaps the only significant disadvantage of the method.
The medical fee for the treatment is the same, for both labial and lingual braces. This is due to our many years of experience, as well as the active involvement of our practice in Lingual Orthodontics. Specifically, our practice has more than 600 completed or current cases. As a result, the degree of difficulty in treating an orthodontic case does not depend on the method of intervention chosen. The desired result, therefore, can be achieved just as easily with either external or internal braces.
The difference in cost involved in lingual orthodontics is due to the technician's cost, which is increased in the internal lingual device. In particular, it is about 1,500 euros higher per jaw, as compared to traditional braces.
However, quite often, we learn about various cases of excessive charges by orthodontists. Essentially, this is something that highlights their lack of experience with the specific device. Suggesting an unrealistic cost for orthodontic treatment would definitely prevent any patient interested in choosing lingual orthodontics. Browse the website in order to learn more about Invisible Orthodontics and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Does orthodontic treatment have a stable and lasting effect?
Quite often, there are cases of relapse after orthodontic treatment. Without the required restraint, relapse is definite. This relapse can be easily compared to the appearance of facial wrinkles over time. In particular, without long-term maintenance, it is not possible to achieve a lasting, desired result. Crowding that occurred before the application of the orthodontic treatment on the front teeth, will definitely reappear after some time, if there is no restraining mechanism. Imagine a scenario in which a plastic surgeon promises that after an surgical intervention, wrinkles will not appear again. Of course, this would be unheard of, since the appearance of facial wrinkles over time is certain. Quite similarly, an orthodontist could never promise that the result of an orthodontic treatment will be permanent, without the existence of a permanent restraining mechanism. In order to achieve a lasting result, it is necessary to place a titanium allow wire on the inside of the front teeth. In this way, the permanent tendency to relapse is reduced. This treatment is very effective, espacially when compared to mobile maintenance devices. The corresponding mobile devices cannot reduce relapse quite as effectively, since they are used only during sleep.
Is it necessary to perform tooth extractions necessary to achieve a beautiful result?
Extracting healthy teeth is determined by a number of factors. An important role is played by the amount of the crowding of the teeth, the degree of "overbite", and of course of the relationship between the two jaws.
It should be noted that in some cases, avoiding the required extractions could have many consequences. Possible results are "buck teeth", otherwise known as "overbite", the loss of dental contact at occlusion, and under certain conditions, the later appearance of gingival recession, and serious irreversible periodontal problems.
On the other hand, in some cases, extraction leads to an undesirable result. Extraction may cause a "blank" smile, with loss of lip support, and also a tendency for small annoying gaps to reappear in the area of the extractions performed.
The decision to carry out the necessary extractions must be made jointly between the patient themselves and their orthodontist. The orthodontist must thoroughly inform the patient regarding the advantages and disadvantages of performing an extraction. Informed regarding the potential benefits, it is expected that the decision with the fewest compromises and disadvantages will be taken.