The Elite Orthodontic Study Club, Inc. (ELOS) is comprised of the biggest names in lingual braces (behind the teeth). “For so many adults, I have found that the most significant barrier having orthodontic correction is the appearance of the braces. It has been so rewarding to us, as providers, to offer a unique service to our patients that allows them the self confidence that comes with a beautiful smile without the drawback of the unaesthetic look of traditional braces.” While Invisalign® has emerged as a huge player in the market, the need for more clear buttons glued to the teeth to help guide movement has come at the expense of staying invisible. Furthermore, the need to wear aligners 22 hours a day is a difficult feat for a significant number of adult patients with their busy schedules.
Lingual braces are completely invisible and able to work without the need for an extremely compliant patient. “I often tell patients with Invisalign®, they are in charge of the success of their treatment, but with lingual braces, they are able to get a wonderful result even if they are not the most compliant patient alive.” At Timock Family Orthodontics, two lingual systems are used; the first is a fully custom bracket system that allows us to do the most complicated of cases (lingual braces before and after), including cases requiring jaw surgery. The second lingual system is for the front teeth only and is a very inexpensive and comfortable way for people to resolve cosmetic or functional issues in the front teeth.
Dr. Adam Timock notes, “Fewer than 5% of orthodontists utilize lingual orthodontics, and many of those only do a very limited amount. This is due to the steep learning curve with the use of lingual braces. In our practice, we start over 100 lingual braces patients each year, so we have been able to overcome this learning curve and have made this treatment predictable with consistently outstanding results.”
The Elite Lingual Orthodontic Study Club, Inc. is comprised of orthodontists who have achieved a similar level of competence, and the ELOS website is a format for the public to learn more about this treatment option and see how lingual braces compares to other treatments. The public can also utilize a doctor locator to help them find the nearest ELOS practice. (ELOS website: https://www.mylingualbraces.com)