Take on the biggest obstacle to orthodontic treatment

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  Posted by: Dental Design      28th October 2023

Orthodontic treatment is incredibly popular, with more that 200,000 people seeking treatment in England per year.[i] However, as focus on aesthetics gains more importance for patients in the UK, there is one very clear barrier for patients seeking treatment – traditional braces are considered unattractive.[ii] Because of this, it is important that patients are presented with a range of options to correct their malalignment – including conventional braces, clear aligner treatment, and lingual braces.

What are the options?

When patients hear the word braces, they are likely to conjure images of “train tracks” – or conventional fixed metal braces. For many patients, these are not the ideal option, as they draw attention to dental work in progress – which some would consider an unattractive option,ⁱⁱ creating a barrier for patients in need of orthodontic treatment.

For others, the rise in popularity of clear aligner treatment might mean that this is what many are seeking when they visit the practice. While this treatment type offers many benefits, including improved aesthetics and hygiene during treatment, they are not a suitable option for everyone. While they can be very effective at correcting relatively minor misalignments, they may not be appropriate for patients with more complex needs. Because of this, it is important to understand the reasons that patients are seeking this treatment type, and offer them an alternative solution to satisfy their desires in a safe and clinically effective way.

The best of both worlds

There is, however, another option. In many cases, lingual braces offer patients the best of both worlds. Lingual braces are fitted to the inside of patients’ teeth, meaning that they are not visible when they smile. This level of discretion is an attractive prospect, meaning that patients are able to receive the complex treatment types they need, without everyone around them knowing that they have braces. This is because lingual braces are able to tackle complex malocclusions, treating a wide range of cases effectively.[iii]

In addition to overcoming some of the biggest challenges of other orthodontic treatment types, lingual braces offer a number of additional benefits. The lingual surfaces of the teeth are not as uniform when compared to the buccal aspects, so the brackets must be custom made and positioned perfectly, to offer optimal control.ⁱⁱⁱBecause of this, clinicians are able to carry out complex movements, with accuracy, and the brackets can be made to fit the mouth comfortably – for an improved patient experience.ⁱⁱⁱ

Patients also gain the benefit of excellent aesthetics after treatment, as lingual braces carry no risk of damage to the buccal surfaces of the teeth. To minimise any lasting effects of treatment, patients should carry out excellent oral hygiene routines – regardless of the type of orthodontic treatment chosen. However, should any damage occur due to diet or oral hygiene, lingual braces will not leave any visible marks to the front of the teeth, and will therefore not impede the lasting aesthetics.ⁱⁱⁱ

Lingual braces offer one final benefit which can be an excellent motivator for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment – they are able to see the results of treatment as it progresses. By receiving lingual braces, patients can continuously show off their results, monitoring their progress and beginning to appreciate the aesthetics before treatment is complete. Additionally, clinicians are able to more easily evaluate the results as treatment reaches its final stages, making any necessary changes for the best result.ⁱⁱⁱ

Becoming a provider

The skills needed to provide lingual braces are different to conventional fixed braces, so it is important that clinicians have sufficient knowledge. Placing wires and brackets to the lingual surfaces can be more of a challenge when compared to traditional treatment, so clinicians should undertake the appropriate training to carry this out with confidence.

The Lingual Brace course from the IAS Academy offers clinicians a comprehensive blend of practical and theoretical teaching. It discusses the benefits of lingual braces, and when it is appropriate to provide them, as well as ensuring that clinicians are equipped with the skills needed to provide this treatment type back in their practice. This one-day course covers everything that professionals need to place lingual braces with confidence, and is followed by life-long mentorship so that clinicians have all of the support they need going forward.

For many patients, lingual braces offer the best of both worlds, with excellent aesthetics and the ability to tackle complex cases. It is important to do all you can to meet the needs of your patients, and this means removing the aesthetic barriers to orthodontic treatment by providing alternative solutions for treatment where appropriate.

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit

www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1)

[i] British Orthodontic Society. Why Orthodontics? Accessed July 2023.  https://www.bos.org.uk/patients/treatments/orthodontics-for-adults/why-orthodontics/

[ii] Healthline. Lingual Braces: the upside and downside of braces on the back side. Accessed July 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/lingual-braces-2

[iii] British Lingual Orthodontic Society. The benefits of lingual braces. Accessed July 2023.  https://www.blos.co.uk/blog/the-benefits-of-lingual-braces/

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