A Different Choice with Lingual Braces

To get a fantastic smile, both kids and adults may benefit for the utilization of braces.  Braces assist in many common dental conditions.  Teeth may be misaligned—what’s known medically as malocclusion. This includes conditions such as cross bite, overbite, under bite, and also when teeth have too much spaced or are too crowded.

Correcting your dental condition leads to not only a more attractive smile, but also better overall health. If you have problems with malocclusion, braces will help prevent future dental problems through minimizing stress on the gums and jaw.  

Most of us are familiar with the traditional metal braces, wires, and brackets that appear on front of the upper and lower teeth.  For this reason, some patients who would benefit from corrective braces might be reluctant to consult their orthodontist. The obviousness of frontal braces makes people self-conscious. For those people, there is the additional option of lingual braces.

What are the advantages of lingual braces?

First off, lingual braces are invisible. The brackets are placed on the back side of the teeth, and they are not visible from the front.  Working just like traditional braces, lingual braces eventually straighten a patient’s teeth within the same amount of time metal braces would.  Of course, each patient’s timeline depends upon the specific case of lingual braces aligning.  

Lingual braces can significantly enhance an individual’s appearance – without the self-confidence shakers of metal braces.  Therefore, lingual braces are a great option for both adult professionals and teens who would feel more confident with invisibility—all while managing great dental health. Lingual braces can also be extremely convenient for those who play wind instruments or contact sports.  

In contrast to conventional metal braces, lingual braces are custom-fit to the patient, ensuring a higher comfort level. Sometimes a patient will use a combination of lingual braces on the upper teeth and ceramic, tooth-colored braces on the lower teeth.

How do lingual braces work?

For lingual braces, your teeth will be utilized to make an impression.  Afterwards, a laboratory will then use computer technology to design the metal brackets customized for the back of each tooth. The brackets are then transferred to your teeth and cemented.

In terms of maintenance, you will have regularly scheduled appointments with your orthodontist, who monitors your dental progress and provides you with updates for new aligners.   

Who are good candidates for lingual braces?

Lingual braces are suitable for patients of any age. This gives lingual braces an advantage over plastic invisible braces, which can usually only be used around at age twelve. In addition, lingual braces are a good option for those who have sensitivity to plastic.

How do you care for lingual braces?

The main concern in caring for lingual braces is the first few days. You will need to eat softer foods. You will need to grow accustomed to how the braces feel in your mouth by practicing talking. You might need dental wax to assist you on occasion. After you initially adjust to the braces, you just use common sense in avoiding stringy foods, which might get caught in the brackets.

What is the right option for me?

Improving your dental heath is an important investment for your future, both in terms of your health and appearance. Invisible lingual braces offer a viable advantage over traditional frontal metal braces in both looks and comfort. You have a choice to get healthier and more attractive in the manner most advantageous to your life.