Lingual orthodontics: an overview.

UNLABELLED: As adults increasingly seek orthodontic treatment, a growth has been witnessed in the demand for aesthetic orthodontics, the ultimate of which are appliances bonded to the lingual surfaces of the teeth. Development has spanned 30 years and many of the initial challenges faced with this approach have now been overcome. An overview is provided on the development of lingual appliances from conception through to the current systems available. Lingual orthodontics is not for every patient seeking treatment and therefore the indications and contra-indications are discussed, together with the advantages and disadvantages of this increasingly popular approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients are increasingly asking dental professional about lingual appliances.