OVERVIEW
Lingual orthodontics is not your ordinary "tin-grin" braces. Lingual braces are attached to the back side of the teeth, which makes them completely non-visible. This advanced method makes lingual orthodontics particularly well-suited for adults, who often want to improve the look and function of their teeth without letting anyone else know about their treatment. Don't confuse them with so-called "invisible" braces, which are merely semi-transparent ceramic or plastic attached to the front of the teeth.
Braces are made up of two main components: the small metal pieces (known as brackets) attached directly to the teeth, and the wire which connects them together (known as the arch wire). With standard braces, the brackets are cemented to the front of the teeth, which are quite uniform in their shape. However, lingual brackets are attached to the back side of the teeth.
The back side of each tooth has its own unique shape-unlike the front of each tooth, which is fairly uniform among all people. Standard brackets are mass-produced, but each lingual bracket must be custom-formed to the unique shape of each individual tooth. To help you learn more about the process of fitting a person with lingual orthodontics we have compiled an illustrated tour of the procedure.
MAKING LINGUAL ORTHODONTICS
First, a plaster cast of the teeth is made, and is sent to a laboratory to prepare brackets custom-molded to each tooth. The brackets are then removed from the cast and set in a layer of wax, and placed into a small plaster applicator. This ensures all the brackets stay perfectly aligned while being cemented.
1. The lingual brackets for the front teeth set in a layer of wax in the plaster applicator.
2. Cement is applied to each lingual bracket. Note the uneven surface of each bracket, resulting from the custom-molding process.
3. With the aid of the applicator, the lingual brackets are pressed into place against the backside of the teeth.
4. Once the cement sets, the applicator breaks away easily, leaving the lingual brackets on the teeth.
5. The remaining lingual brackets have been cemented into place and the arch wire has been installed. (Upper mouth)
6. View of completely installed lingual orthodontics. (Lower mouth)
CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic brackets are made of composite materials. They are very strong and generally do not stain. Adults like to choose ceramic because they "blend in" with the teeth and are less noticeable than metal. These are the type of braces actor Tom Cruise had.
The ligatures (tiny rubber bands) that hold the arch wire on to the ceramic brackets are often white or clear. Unless you eat a lot of curry, smoke, or drink a lot of black coffee, this generally isn't a problem. Note that the ligatures are changed each time you get an adjustment. It's only the ligatures that stain, not the brackets themselves!
Why Ceramic Braces?
They blend in with most teeth, particularly if they are not perfectly white. They are not very noticeable at a distance or in photos.
Some people feel that they are more comfortable than metal and irritate your gums less.
Contrary to what you may have heard, ceramic brackets do not usually break or come off your teeth. They are very strong, and if bound with plasma light, stay on as well as metal brackets.
