Advantages of Lingual Orthodontics
Lingual Orthodontics - Advantages
- An important advantage of lingual orthodontics is the unmatched aesthetics it has, since the lingual device is completely "invisible" to anyone else
- It is active for 24 hours a day and in addition there is no need for the patient's cooperation
- It makes every dental movement possible without being subject to range restrictions or "difficulty" (e.g. cases of midline shift, extractions, etc.)
- There are no visible labial decalcification sites
- Lingual enamel is more resistant to the formation of caries. This is due to the different texture of its prisms as compared to the labial surface; the continuous presence of saliva from the sublingual and submandibular salivry gland further contributes to this
- In cases of overbite, it becomes easier to correct the increased vertical overlap of the front teeth
- After the usual initial period of adapting has passed, the lingual device does not affect the daily life of the individual. For example, the Invisalign method needs the absolutely full cooperation of the patient. More specifically, the removal and subsequent repositioning of the device is required for each meal. One of the advantages of lingual orthodontics is the fact that the daily life of the patient is not affected to such an extent
Lingual Orthodontics - Disdvantages
- The likelihood of emergency situations is increased. Examples of such situations are bracket detachment and protruding wires.
- In case any adjustment is needed, it is necessary to visit the orthodontic clinic
- The duration of the adjustments is increased as compared to the other methods of orthodontic intervention
- Also, the adjustment period lasts longer compared to other devices. However, the period of difficulty in speech rarely exceeds a few weeks
- Further laboratory work results in the cost of this orthodontic appliance being higher
- Few professionals have the necessary training, let alone the experience, required to deal with all potential lingual orthodontic cases. For this reason, it becomes particularly difficult to find an orthodontist that has an active involvement with this subject, to treat any incident regardless of difficulty and severity
Browse our website to learn more about lingual orthodontics and invisible orthodontics
DISADVANTAGES OF THE FIXED LINGUAL DEVICE
Increased cost of the device, mainly due to the additional laboratory (technician) work.
Temporary speech difficulty, resolving after a few weeks at the latest.
Difficulty in finding a doctor, due to the small percentage of orthodontists with an active involvement and a required training in this particular technique.
LABIAL (external braces) | INVISALIGN (transparent braces or clear aligners) | LINGUAL (internal braces) | |
---|---|---|---|
Aesthetics | Clearly visible to third parties | Slightly visible/Discreet | Not visible to third parties |
Adjustment Duration | 5-6 days | 2-3 days | 10-14 days |
Oral hygiene | More difficult/Risk of visible decalcification | Unhindered | Difficult |
Diet | Unhindered, but banning consumption of any hard food | Unhindered/Need to remove at every meal | Unhindered, but banning consumption of any hard food |
Speech Unhindered | Unhindered | Adjustment necessary (a few days) | Adjustment necessary (a few weeks) |
Cooperation | No need for cooperation | Removable device/Need for constant cooperation | No need for cooperation |
Orthodontic movement | No restrictions | Certain movements are only possible to a limited extent | No restrictions |
Appointment at the doctor's office | Monthly | Every 10-12 weeks | Monthly |
Emergencies/Events | Probable | None | Probable |
Cost | Low laboratory/moderate medical | High laboratory/low medical | High laboratory/high medical |
Incognito lingual device
Advantages
-
Completely "invisible" to third parties.
-
Active for 24 hours a day, without the need for cooperation.
-
All dental movements are possible regardless of their range and "difficulty" (any case of extractions, midline shift, etc.).
-
No impact on the patient's daily life after an initial adjustment period (no need to remove the device during eating and repositioning it afterwards, as is the case with the respective Invisalign braces)
Disadvantages
-
Possibility for emergencies (bracket detachment, annoying wires, etc.).
-
A visit to the doctor's office is absolutely neccessary for all adjustments and arrangements.
-
The time required for arrangements is slightly increased per appointment as compared to other devices.
-
Longer adjustment time as compared to other orthodontic appliances.
-
There is a relatively small percentage of orthodontists with active involvement with this technique (less than 10%).
Invisalign membranes
Advantages
-
Absolutely no emergencies (bracket detachment, annoying wires, etc.).
-
Possibility of orthodontic treatment with minimal visits to the doctor's office (ideal for those who wish to have a "remote" intervention).
-
Virtually no time for oral adjustments per appointment, as compared to other devices (mainly taking intraoral photos or progress scans).
-
Minimal adjustment time as compared to other orthodontic appliances.
-
A higher percentage of orthodontists and even general dentists with active involvement with this technique.
Disadvantages
-
Very discreet, but clearly visible to others.
-
Effective when remaining placed in the mouth, with the need for absolute cooperation (at least 21 hours a day).
-
Certain dental movements are not possible or so predictable without the help of auxiliary means (resin attachments, partial arches, orthodontic implants, etc.)
-
Need to remove the appliance during any meal and place it again afterwards.