What are the adverse effects between lingual and labial orthodontic treatment? A systematic review

This summary is based on the article published in Angle Orthodontist: Comparison of adverse effects between lingual and labial orthodontic treatment. A systematic review (November 2013)

Hu Long; Yang Zhou; Ujjwal Pyakurel; Lina Liao; Fan Jian; Junjie Xue; Niansong Ye; Xin Yang; Yan Wang; Wenli Lai

Context

Several seminal studies indicated that lingual appliances can provide treatment outcomes comparable to those achieved with labial appliances. (1, 2)

It has been claimed that lingual appliances bear a lower risk of caries.6 However, strong concerns regarding tongue soreness and difficulty in speech have arisen regarding lingual orthodontic appliances. (3-6)

Purpose of the Review

To compare adverse effects between labial and lingual orthodontic treatments through a systematic review of the literature.

Key Findings

• The likelihood of short-term overall pain was similar for labial and lingual orthodontic treatment. 
• Patients receiving lingual orthodontic treatment were more likely to suffer from pain in the tongue but less likely to suffer from pain in the cheek and lip than those undergoing labial orthodontic treatment.
• Lingual orthodontic treatment bore a greater likelihood of speech difficulty.

References

1. Gorman JC, Smith RJ. Comparison of treatment effects with labial and lingual fixed appliances. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1991;99:202–209.
2. Gorman JC. Treatment of adults with lingual orthodontic appliances. Dent Clin North Am. 1988; 32:589–620.
3. Miyawaki S, Yasuhara M, Koh Y. Discomfort caused by bonded lingual orthodontic appliances in adult patients as examined by retrospective questionnaire. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1999;115:83–88.
4. Caniklioglu C, Ozturk Y. Patient discomfort: a comparison between lingual and labial fixed appliances. Angle Orthod. 2005;75:86–91.
5. Wu AK, McGrath C, Wong RW, Wiechmann D, Rabie AB. A comparison of pain experienced by patients treated with labial and lingual orthodontic appliances. Eur J Orthod. 2010;32:403–407.
6. Wu A, McGrath C, Wong RW, Wiechmann D, Rabie AB. Comparison of oral impacts experienced by patients treated with labial or customized lingual fixed orthodontic appliances. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2011;139:784–790.

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