Any one single Inside Braces system cannot treat all cases equally well. With a comprehensive clinical philosophy that is truly customised for each individual case, (e.g. Fujita system, Stealth, iBraces/Incognito, Ormco/Kurz, Nidoli, MTM, HIRO, etc.) it is possible to treat cases successfully in less time as compared with a traditional "outside braces" approach. This advantage comes about through lighter forces, resulting also in far less pressure discomfort.

For many patients, especially adults, there has never been a truly acceptable orthodontic treatment option, owing to the paradox of unaesthetic visible orthodontic appliances ("braces") to achieve an aesthetic dental result. Even with the availability of clear ceramic appliances, there has never been a truly aesthetic orthodontic technique until the advent of Lingual Orthodontics.

Full banded braces (c. 1970)

Bonded braces (c. 1980 onward)

Ceramic braces (c. 1985 onward)

Lingual orthodontic appliances placed on the inner (lingual) surfaces of the teeth

Lingual Orthodontics was originally pioneered in the 1970s by Professor Kinya Fujita, in Japan, whose work was followed by clinicians in Beverly Hills and elsewhere. Owing to the vastly increased technical difficulty in providing this type of treatment, "invisible orthodontics" went through a long period of development during which only very few orthodontists worldwide persisted in perfecting the method. Even nowadays there are only relatively few teaching practitioners worldwide whose experience spans its early development.

Access to the inside surfaces of the teeth for adjustments is severely restricted, and the mechanics of the method are notably different from conventional orthodontics, both for the sake of patient comfort and to minimise visibility in a social environment. Therefore, the additional lab time, appointment time at each adjustment, and mastery of the technique are reflected in the professional fees. Many people ask about Invisalign, and are unsure of the differences with true invisible braces. Invisalign is suitable only for a very limited range of orthodontic corrections. A series of clear removable plastic splints are computer fabricated, and guide the teeth slowly. Treatment is longer. Each clear splint relies on lengthy full-time wear by the patient, and may interfere with eating and social activities since they can retain food and drink on the outside surfaces (e.g. red wine). Many Invisalign-centred clinicians often resort to the use of bonded metal braces, inside and/or outside, to complete their treatments.

Unlike conventional orthodontics, in which the appliances are placed on the outside surfaces of the teeth, Lingual Orthodontics consists of highly compact appliances bonded to the inside dental surfaces, using specialised Lingual metal attachments ("brackets"). These special brackets must usually be custom designed and fabricated in a lab for each individual tooth. Nowadays, the original problems that complicated Lingual Orthodontics have gradually been overcome. It is possible for patients to receive their orthodontic treatment using a method which is entirely hidden, allowing them the greatest possible freedom in social and professional settings. With proper patient attitude, motivation and cooperation, a premium aesthetic result may be achieved in the same or less time as with conventional orthodontics. For many people, Lingual Orthodontics represents the Ultimate in Orthodontic Aesthetics.

The real reason Invisalign is appealing to many clinicians is because it involves minimal or no effective training, versus Lingual Orthodontics, which requires many years of additional training beyond a regular specialist degree program. An Invisalign treatment needs only a set of simple moulds of a patient's teeth, that could be taken by anyone, followed by a computer set-up done by others abroad who never have any direct involvement with the patient. This "auto-pilot" approach seems simple enough superficially, but cannot treat most cases with precision.

Many patients often ask how comfortable it is to wear Lingual Orthodontic appliances. There is a period of adjustment which varies between individuals, usually of at least several weeks. Unlike the cheeks, which must passively accommodate conventional (outside) braces, the tongue can more easily learn to accommodate new speech and eating patterns. There are also numerous clinical methods with which Dr Ling is able to improve your level of comfort.



Your efforts to inform yourself completely about these exciting prospects demonstrate your motivation. We therefore welcome the privilege to be of service to you, the exceptional patient. When you are ready, please do not hesitate to contact us.  
 
 

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© Dr P H Ling