Invisible brace
Also suitable for complex treatments
Fewer risks

The lingual bracket

Are you interested in a truly invisible treatment? Then SmileDesigner is the right place for you. We are the most renowned practice for lingual braces and specialists in aesthetic braces. You will be treated by Dr. Christina von Massow, one of only 60 orthodontists in the world with a Master of Science in Lingual Orthodontics and the only one in the Netherlands. This makes SmileDesigner one of the best practices for the lingual brace. Discuss your customised and individual treatment plan with Dr. Christina von Massow and find out about the other benefits of lingual braces.

Show your smile and not your braces

About this type of bracket

Invisible

The system is invisible so offers the perfect solution for patients for whom a visible orthodontic treatment, whether for professional or personal reasons, is not an option. You will never again have to explain why you opted for dental correction and you can keep your spontaneous smile. Show you smile, not your brace!

A wide variety of treatments

In a nutshell: the lingual brace offers a real alternative to traditional fixed braces as it offers a whole spectrum of treatments, thus allowing for more complex treatments.

Custom-made precision

The lingual brace is hand-made to German quality standards by specialist dental technicians at DW Lingual Systems. Here they manufacture an individual WIN brace for each patient. Each bracket and the accompanying wires are custom-made for each patient. This leads to a higher level of precision and thus to a perfect result. It also enables more complex movement of the teeth, something which may not always be possible with other types of braces.

Fewer risks

Fixed braces on the front of the teeth can, in cases of poor oral hygiene, result in decalcification leading to white spots on the surface of the teeth around the brace. With the lingual brace this is impossible as the front surface of the teeth remains uncovered. A recent scientific study has shown that the risk of developing tooth decay is five times lower with lingual braces than with traditional bracket braces. That is why the lingual brace is the best choice for perfect teeth.

In addition to the lingual brace, Smile Designer is also an expert in Invisalign, fixed braces and the Myobrace. Wondering if the lingual brace is for you?

FAQ

Can anyone be fitted with a lingual brace?

Yes. Because each brace is custom-made, it is suitable for everyone. This type of brace is particularly appropriate for complex treatments.

Is a lingual brace really completely invisible?

The brackets and wires are on the back of the teeth and therefore not visible. If the mouth is opened very wide, the lower brackets under the tongue and the metal or blue composite elevations on the chewing surfaces will be partially visible. We also sometimes use elastic bands during treatment. We place small hooks made of tooth-coloured composite on the outside of the front teeth or small metal brackets on the back molars. These hooks and elastic bands may also be visible. However, they are a necessary part of the treatment. A lingual brace is almost completely invisible and is the most discreet brace available.

Do lingual braces hurt more than normal braces?

No, lingual braces are just different. With traditional bracket braces, the brackets sit on the front of the teeth, causing lip and cheek problems. With lingual braces, the brackets are on the back of the teeth and the patients have more problems with their tongue. Wax can with this. The brace also includes small elevations on the back molars which may, at first, cause discomfort. However, these elevations are also used with traditional braces, so there is no difference here.

Will I develop a lisp with a lingual brace?

Yes, due to the change in the position of the tongue, it is quite normal for a patient to lisp at first. This will cease once you get used to the brace. How long this takes differs per patient. A speech therapist will be able to provide support in more serious cases of lisping.

With traditional braces, elevations (bite turbos) are also often placed on the back of the upper front teeth. These can also cause lisping at first. So there is no difference between a bracket brace on the front of the teeth and a brace on the back of the teeth.

Does treatment with a lingual brace take longer than with other types of braces?

No, it does not. Treatment duration depends on the desired result, the patient’s own efforts and the orthodontist’s experience. That is why Dr Christina von Massow has completed a special 2-year Master’s degree in lingual orthodontics so that she can offer optimal help to patients.

Is oral hygiene a problem with a lingual brace?

No, oral hygiene is comparable to the oral hygiene of a traditional bracket brace. However, lingual braces have one major advantage over traditional bracket braces. With traditional braces, the brackets are on the front of the teeth. Inadequate oral hygiene may cause white stains (decalcification) or cavities (caries) to appear on the outer surfaces of the teeth around the brackets. These stains are not caused directly by the brackets, but are due to poor oral hygiene resulting in a build up of plaque around the brackets. These unsightly decalcifications are permanent and not treatable. Studies (1,2,3) show that there is a higher risk of decalcification and cavities with traditional bracket braces. There is less risk of this with a lingual brace and any decalcification that does occur is on the back of the teeth where it is not visible.

Do you want to know more about this type of bracket?

Read more about the scientific studies relating to the lingual brace and the techniques used via these links:

1 van der Veen MH, Attin R, Schwestka-Polly R, Wiechmann D. Caries outcomes after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances: do lingual brackets make a difference? Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 298-303.

2 Wiechmann D, Klang E, Helms HJ, Knösel M. Lingual appliances reduce the incidence of white spot lesions during orthodontic multibracket treatment. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2015; 148: 414-22.

3 Knösel M, Klang E, Helms H-J, Jilek T. Vollständig individuelle linguale Apparaturen vermindern das Schmelzentkalkungsrisiko bei einer Multibracketbehandlung um ein Vielfaches. Inf Orthod Kieferorthop 2015; 47: 149-157.