What does “Lingual orthodontics” mean?
Lingual orthodontics moves teeth using fixed appliances, including brackets, attached to their inner, tongue-facing surfaces. It is an option that makes the appliances less visible from the front, while the goals and treatment scope are determined by a full assessment.
Confirm the position and actual appliance configuration
Brackets and wires are placed on the tongue-facing tooth surfaces, with different appliance designs available. Ask whether both arches use the same system or whether some teeth use another type. Position or a product name alone does not establish suitability.
Monitor adaptation of the tongue, speech and cleaning
Tongue contact with the inner appliances can cause discomfort or difficulty speaking, and cleaning needs attention because the appliances are less easy to see. Adaptation varies, so symptoms cannot be promised to disappear by a fixed date. Report persistent pain, sores or appliance problems.
Plan tooth movement together with care and retention
Less visible appliances and the scope of bite correction are separate issues. As the planned movement and reviews proceed, keep the teeth and gums clean and attend regular dental checks. Discuss post-treatment retainers and reviews in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lingual braces completely free of tongue discomfort?
Tongue irritation or speech difficulty can occur. Monitor your progress and have persistent pain, sores or appliance problems assessed.
After the inside braces are removed, can I skip retainers?
An inner attachment position does not remove the need for retention. Teeth can move again, so discuss retainers and review arrangements.
Checking lingual appliance configuration and care
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Which teeth will have which type of appliance?
Explanation and evidenceConfirm the individual bite and movement goals, upper and lower appliance configurations, and advantages and disadvantages of other approaches.
British Orthodontic Society: Lingual appliance attachment positions and configurations - Care after treatment
How are tongue irritation, cleaning and retention managed?
Explanation and evidenceLearn how to clean around the inner appliances, whom to contact for persistent discomfort or breakage, and the post-treatment retention and review plan.
British Orthodontic Society: Fixed appliance materials, ceramic brackets and lingual braces
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- British Orthodontic Society: Lingual appliance attachment positions and configurationsbos.org.uk (opens in a new tab)
- British Orthodontic Society: Fixed appliance materials, ceramic brackets and lingual bracesbos.org.uk (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Orthodontic appliance components, care and retentionnhs.uk (opens in a new tab)
