The reason E-LINE made lingual orthodontics our specialty
Back in the 1980s, when lingual orthodontics began to be popular some problems with the technology, the complexity and difficulty of the treatment itself, stopped lingual orthodontics from becoming very popular or from spreading throughout the world. On the other hand our patients had a strong interest in an invisible orthodontic device and so, in response to this interest, our director, Dr. Takemoto, travelled to America as a member of the lingual orthodontics treatment development team (of the largest maker of orthodontic equipment in America, Ormco).
 
After he returned to Japan, he used the techniques and the devices that he had learned about in the U.S., and put his energy into developing better, more functional, and more comfortable orthodontic devices. By making various test devices and running randomized trials, he finally succeeded in creating a system which achieved the same treatment results as traditional labial orthodontics.
Soon after, lingual orthodontics methods became viable and patients were very pleased. However, it was realized that there were several difficulties in the application of lingual orthodontics treatment back in the 80s and 90s. By putting the device on the lingual side of the teeth, it reduced the amount of space in patients' mouths, causing discomfort. Patients also reported difficulty in pronunciation, discomfort while eating meals, and difficulty in brushing their teeth. This was especially true for children, as they have smaller jaws, so the device felt even bigger for them. However, patients did get used to it after several days or weeks: initially we had to sacrifice some comfort to ensure that the invisible device worked. Even though we knew that a smaller and thinner device would be better, at that time no such device had been developed, so, for the time being, we had to use devices as big as the labial (lip side) ones in order to carry out the treatment.
 
Ultra mini lingual devices S.T.b
To solve this difficulty, our director Dr. Takemoto threw himself into research and development, finally in the year 2000 he succeeded in creating the [S.T.b] device. The name“S.T.b" stands for "Scuzzo Takemotob bracket". This device was a cooperative project completed by Dr. Takemoto and his good friend, Italian orthodontist Dr. Scuzzo.
 
S.T.b is an ultra mini lingual orthodontic device. As a bracket it is the thinnest, and causes the least discomfort, it is made to be invisible and its comfort and compatibility can be said to be groundbreaking. The S.T.b has solved problems that have bothered the lingual orthodontic community for a considerable time. The device has been sold around the world through Ormco, the biggest orthodontic material-maker in the U.S. And it has received support from dentists in Japan and around the world, and it has been called a transformative invention for having made lingual orthodontics more popular worldwide.
 
Further evolution: From "STb-SL" to "ALIAS"
Now, in 2015, the largest orthodontic maker in America, Ormco, has started selling ALIAS worldwide.
Though Ormco has branded this product ALIAS, the bracket is otherwise exactly the same as the STb-SL that we have been using at E-LINE since 2011.
In the 15 years since our head director Dr. Takemoto developed STb in the year 2000, we have always maintained our underlying ideal to “provide patients with a lingual orthodontics device with less discomfort”. ALIAS, combining our Square Slot, Straight Wire, and Self-ligating Bracket technologies, is the perfect lingual orthodontics device for orthodontists around the world. In September 2015, we held a seminar to commemorate the release of ALIAS.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E-Line Orthodontic Clinic
Post code : 102-0074
2-5-7, Kudan Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone : 03-3264-8814
Fax : 03-3264-8831
 
 
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