The most common reason adults postpone orthodontic treatment is visibility. Due to working life, social environment or personal preference, many people do not want to use metal brackets. Lingual orthodontics is an approach in which the brackets are placed on the back surface of the teeth and cannot be noticed from the outside at all. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, in Türkiye we offer this option after a suitability evaluation.
How Is It Applied?
The brackets are bonded to the surface of the teeth facing the tongue and the wire passes along this surface. When looked at from the outside, no appliance is visible. This is also an advantage over clear aligners: while aligners can be noticed when looked at closely, the lingual system is completely hidden.
The anatomy of the back surfaces is more variable than that of the front surfaces. For this reason, the brackets are usually custom-made; separate planning is done for each tooth with a design prepared from digital scan data. This production process is the main element affecting the cost and preparation time of the system.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- Adults who postpone treatment due to concern about visibility
- Those who work in front of the camera or in jobs requiring intensive representation
- Cases requiring complex movement that are not suitable for clear aligners
- Those who think they will not be able to maintain aligner-wearing discipline
- Patients who do not play wind instruments and have no professional restrictions
Comparison with Clear Aligners
Both respond to aesthetic concerns; however, they have different strengths. Since clear aligners are removable, they provide ease of eating and cleaning, but success depends on daily wearing time. The lingual system, on the other hand, is always on duty and does not depend on patient compliance; it offers broader control in complex movements. On the other hand, its cleaning requires more care.
Which one is suitable is determined according to the complexity of the case and your lifestyle. At our clinic, we make this comparison based on your priorities.
The Adaptation Period
The aspect of this system that needs to be discussed realistically is the adaptation period. Since the brackets are located on the surface the tongue touches, irritation of the tongue and differences in pronunciation may be seen in the first weeks. The sounds most affected are usually S, T and D.
In most patients, this decreases significantly within weeks. To speed up adaptation, we recommend reading aloud; short reading sessions several times a day make a difference. Orthodontic wax can be used to reduce tongue irritation in the initial period.
Cleaning
Since the brackets are on the back surface, visual checking is difficult. For this reason, using an interdental brush and checking with a small mirror are important. A water flosser can be particularly useful with this system. When cleaning is neglected, plaque accumulation around the brackets and gum complaints may develop; however, there is an advantage here: possible white spots remain on the back surface of the teeth and are not visible in the smile.
Limits
This system cannot be applied to every patient. In cases where the teeth are very short, the surface to which the bracket will be bonded may be insufficient. In a pronounced deep bite, the lower teeth may touch the upper brackets. In addition, adaptation problems may be experienced in those who play wind instruments and in some professional groups. Suitability is determined by clinical examination.
Combined Use
The lingual system does not have to be used on its own. In some plans, lingual may be preferred in the upper jaw and a more economical system in the lower jaw, because the lower teeth are less visible when smiling. Or, complex movements can be completed with the lingual system in the first stage of treatment and a switch to clear aligners can be made in the finishing stage. This flexibility helps balance both aesthetic expectations and budget.
Where Does the Cost Difference Come From?
Custom bracket production, the laboratory process and the technical precision of the application are the main elements affecting the cost. Knowing the reason for this difference allows you to set your expectations correctly when making a choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adaptation problems may be experienced in these cases; it is recommended that you discuss your preference with your dentist before treatment.
Yes, since the brackets are on the back surface, they cannot be noticed from the outside.
No. A difference in the first weeks is normal; adaptation is usually achieved.
There may be irritation in the initial period; orthodontic wax makes this process easier.
The duration depends on the case; the system itself is not decisive on its own.
It requires separate technical experience; it is recommended that it be done at clinics that apply it.
Nobody needs to notice that you are being treated.
Let us evaluate whether lingual orthodontics is suitable for your case. Contact us to book an appointment; let us discuss your options at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes. Suitability and treatment duration are determined after the clinical evaluation.
