Lingual orthodontics and orthognathic surgery

Lingual orthodontics is an appealing option for patients requiring orthognathic surgical correction, since these patients are invariably adults or mature teenagers who are no longer at the usual "orthodontic age." Appearance is undoubtedly the most important motivating factor for adults seeking orthodontic treatment, and since the more physically attractive person has the advantage over the not-so-attractive person, it is self-evident that these patients would prefer an appliance that is less visible. Using the Ormco, Creekmore, or Begg lingual appliances in the maxillary arch and a labial appliance in the mandibular arch, the authors have successfully treated a variety of dentofacial deformities with a combined lingual orthodontic and surgical approach. The aim of this article is to establish some guidelines for the treatment of a variety of surgical cases and to highlight what are perceived to be the advantages and disadvantages of these 3 lingual appliances in the treatment of orthognathic cases and of the lingual orthognathic approach in general.