Lingual Orthodontics...Precision Accuracy
'Hidden Braces' were first developed back in the seventies by a prominent Orthodontist working in California. Amongst the public figures that Dr.Craven Kurz was treating, a 'Playboy' model asked if she could have an invisible treatment, so that she could continue her work.
Now Lingual Orthodontics has developed into a proven technique, under the influence of pioneering Dr's such as Kurz, Gorman, Smith, Takemoto and Fillion. Patients with high aesthetic demands are more interested in this approach. Everyday all over the world they are being treated and enjoy having confidence in their smile before their braces are removed!
Dr Didier Fillion, from France, in particular has created the B.E.S.T. system, Bonding with Equal and Specific Thickness, which has taken lingual orthodontics to a new area of precision. He introduced a fourth dimension when considering bracket positioning, 'thickness' of the teeth from the bracket slot on the lingual face, to their outer facial side. Everything is measured and registered: Angulation, Torque, Bonding height and Thickness. To do this he no longer used the 'Class' system of destroying the model that requires time, experience and a certain degree of interpretation from the technician. Instead he invented a system in which the master model is kept in tact as a reference guide and for future use should modifications be required. This was done using a pre-determined scientific system of measurements and calculations to get the perfect arch, and therefore "The Perfect Smile." The system also includes a computer program, the D.A.L.I., that determines the shape of the first 'Arch Wire', thus eliminating the need for many first order bends and reducing the Orthodontists time considerably. The T.A.R.G. from Ormco was modified to fit into this system with the addition of a digital caliper.
Just as the world of dental implants and precision attachment technology has improved, so we now plan to remove the inaccuracies from Lingual Orthodontics, with the introduction of the new 'Bracket Positioning Device' B.P.D. and the revolutionary 'Torque & Angulation Device', T.A.D. These two new instruments have been produced using smart technology and innovative design to improve the accuracy of Lingual Orthodontics. They are both good examples of precision engineering with accuracies for the B.P.D. of 0.1 mm and the T.A.D. 0.1° with LCD displays, to clearly show measured data. Simple operation, reliability, repeatability, strength, and low maintenance plus, easy to use, are foremost.
Having the advanced option to connect to a PC, saved measured data is actively captured on visual interface software allowing you to navigate around the teeth. The T.A.D. will allow Orthodontists in all fields, Lingual or Traditional, to take torque and angulation measurements quickly and accurately so they can formulate a suitable prescription.
In this article we have given a brief summary of current developments in Lingual Orthodontics appliances. Many orthodontists today are not routinely practicing Lingual Orthodontics, possibly because of the increased time and effort required. We hope with the introduction of the B.P.D. & T.A.D. instruments to give the orthodontist the tools that will provide their patients with the smile they demand. If we look at some of the quotes from various practicing Orthodontists we can see that there is a consensus of opinion towards increased accuracy.
Lingual Orthodontics by Rafi Romano .... Robert Baker JR., DMD, wrote...
"Lingual Orthodontics in the 21st century will involve several new innovations, including new players in the treatment field, new appliances and auxiliaries, and enhanced laboratory techniques, design and communication." He also says regarding individual treatment plans... "To achieve such accuracy, a Lingual Orthodontist must have intimate knowledge of individual bracket positions over the center of resistance of each specific tooth."
Referring to the 'Lingual News', one of the opening statements on its website is "Precise placement of brackets is an essential part of every orthodontic treatment, and especially lingual orthodontic treatment."
Without an instrument such as the T.A.D. how can Doctors formulate their prescriptions with the accuracy needed?
Surely a survey of the malocclusion model is needed for every individual case.
The alternatives available are limited and the cost of scanners and C.A.D. systems are still very high, not to mention the C.A.M system needed to replace the bracket positioning.
For more information about the 'Lingual technique or these two new additions to the world of Orthodontics, please email: sales@polydee-instruments.com.
This article was written by Peter Sheffield.