A comparison of treatment results of adult deep-bite cases treated with lingual and labial fixed appliances.

Objectives: To compare the cephalometric treatment results of adult deep-bite cases after labial and lingual fixed orthodontic treatment.

Materials And Methods: A total of 102 patients underwent lingual orthodontic treatment and complete records were evaluated. The following inclusion criteria were used: patients who had Angle Class I or mild Class II malocclusion; comprehensive orthodontic treatment that did not include intrusion mechanics or any extractions; patients with an initial overbite of more than 3.7 mm. Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria. These cases were matched with the same number of patients according to age with a labial orthodontic treatment group. Pre- and post-treatment cephalometric radiographs were evaluated. Independent t test or Fisher exact tests were performed to assess the differences between the groups.

Results: Proclination of the upper incisors was higher in the labial group. Incisor mandibular plane angle (IMPA) showed an increase of 1.2° in the lingual group and 9.7° in the labial group. Lower incisor edge was approximately in a stable sagittal position in the lingual group but significant lower incisor proclination was seen in the labial group. The lower incisors were intruded (-1 mm) in the lingual group but lower incisors were minimally extruded (0.3 mm) in the labial group. No significant difference was found in the movements of upper and lower molars for both groups.

Conclusions: The nature of lower incisor movement involved less protrusion in lingual orthodontics than the labial treatment. Lingual orthodontic treatment is a better option in adult cases where intrusion of lower incisors without labial tipping is desired.