Social 6 lingual braces are an excellent technique to correct mild to moderate crowding or spacing on the front teeth. Here are the 8 facts:

1. The brackets ( a number of types can be used including STB, Forestadent 2-D, Innovation L) are placed on the inside of the teeth making the brace 'invisible'.

2. The brackets are only placed on the front 6 teeth. 

3. The system aims to correct the incisor teeth (the front 4 teeth) 

4. The canine teeth act as the anchors to the system and therefore cannot be moved.

5. The treatment time is usually very quick, from 12-24 weeks only.

6. Long term retention is vital. We strongly advise a fixed wire retainer as well as a removable retainer to maintain the results.

7. For more advanced conditions, full arch or full mouth comprehensive orthodontics will be required. Difficult cases will need to be referred to a specialist orthodontist.

8. By correcting the cosmetic appearance, there are potentially other major benefits such as improved oral hygiene, improved anterior guidance (bite) and improved self confidence! 

Take a look at some of our case studies or case of the month treatments to view the excellent results we have achieved.

Our case of the month for December involves the cosmetic and functional correction of very crooked lower teeth. Crooked lower teeth can cause all sorts of problems:

1. Poor oral hygiene 
2. Major build up of plaque and tartar 
3. Gum inflammation 
4. Uneven bite 
5. Poor aesthetics 

Our case is a very typical of very crowded lower teeth causing all of the above. Have a look:
 

In the old days of cosmetic dentistry, the lower teeth were often forgotten and treatments were geared primarily to upper teeth. This included treatments such as porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges and dental implants. Often, this was a mistake. The lower teeth are VITAL to overall cosmetic dentistry, the main reason being occlusion or the 'bite'. In simple terms, if the dental occlusion is not adequate, then there are long term consequences. This could range from loss of function, increased tooth wear, increased likelihood of tooth fracture and jaw joint problems. In many cases now, we treat just the lower teeth due to phenomenon called 'late lower teeth crowding'. The lower front teeth are the smallest teeth in the mouth and lack of space is often an issue. As we age, the lack of space can become more apparent. A classic example is below:
 

Our case of the month for November 2013 is a superb ABC case. This involves: 

A- alignment of teeth using invisible lingual braces 
B- bleaching of teeth using teeth whitening strips 
C- cosmetic bonding of teeth to enhance the appearance and create symmetry 

ABC is the FUTURE of cosmetic dentistry. A new smile can be achieved with non invasive dentistry, preservation of tooth enamel, no needles and no drilling!! What could be better? 

Here are the before and after photos:
 

In the dark days of dentistry, teeth straightening used to be an arduous process involving many months or years of treatment. However, with the modern advances in cosmetic dentistry, mild crowding problems can often be corrected within a matter of weeks. One of our favoured techniques is the Social 6 lingual brace. As the name suggests, the brace is placed on the front 6 teeth but on the INSIDE of the teeth. Therefore this technique is the truly INVISIBLE brace as it is not detectable to the eye. Seeing is believing. Here is a recent case that was completed to treat mild crowding of the lower front teeth:
 

One of the most popular cosmetic treatments in 2013 is the Social 6 lingual brace. This is a brace that is fitted to the INSIDE of the teeth, making it truly invisible. As it is fixed, there are no compliance issues and the technology of the system means that a wide variety of movements can be achieved. 
 

FEATURES OF THE SOCIAL 6 BRACE

1. As the name suggests, it is placed on the front 6 teeth only. 

2. The aim is to correct the front 4 teeth, the canine teeth act as the anchors. 

3. The usual time frame is very quick, from 6-24 weeks. 

4. It is completely invisible to the eye. 

5. The technology of the wires means that very light but constant forces are applied, which means LESS pain. 

6. The treatment is a complex and skilled procedure and not readily available at most dental practices.
 

CASE STUDY

Below is a recent example of a case treated by Dr Nissit Patel at Progressive Dentistry using the lingual braces: