Lingual Technique

This term describes a kind of orthodontic treatment that uses a fixed brace attached to the inside of the teeth that is invisible from the outside. The Lingual Brace is the only truly invisible treatment method because a removable Aligner is not actually invisible at all. In 1975 in the USA, some orthodontists started using brackets that were completely invisible from the outside attached to the inside of the teeth, in order to provide very demanding patients with orthodontic treatment that was also aesthetic. The results at that time were not very encouraging as the equipment was not fully developed and there was a lack of good training in this difficult procedure. However, since around 2000, more sophisticated Lingual Systems have come onto the market. The new, extremely flat and comfortable Incognito-Appliance has been available since 2004, since 2012 the similarly constructed WIN-Appliance. On behalf of these individualized appliances virtually all of the problems associated with the older lingual braces have been solved. Today, almost every malposition of the teeth can be successfully treated using the Lingual Technique. There are virtually no technical restrictions as is the case with Invisalign treatment. And they are only slightly less comfortable to wear than normal braces attached to the outside of the teeth. But after a period of adaptation of a few weeks, most adult patients experience no significant problems with a Lingual Brace. The treatment duration is often longer than with normal visible brackets but the results are actually just as good. However, one disadvantage is that they are considerably more expensive than standard appliances.