All You Need to Know About Lingual Braces

All You Need to Know About Lingual Braces

Dental braces are administered by orthodontists to manipulate their patients’ teeth, which is through gentle and continuous pressure, to grow straighter. Orthodontists use dental braces to help treat patients with crowding, spaces, rotated teeth, and bite issues.

What Are Lingual Braces?

One type of dental braces that is offered as an invisible braces treatment is known as lingual braces. Lingual braces benefit those who do not want their braces to be seen. Because lingual braces are placed on the backside of the teeth, they are sometimes referred to as inside braces. Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces with the primary difference being the placement on the teeth. Traditional braces are placed on the front side of the teeth, and lingual braces are placed on the backside of the teeth. One of the major benefits of lingual braces for adults is that oral problems can be corrected without other individuals noticing their braces.

Lingual braces are administered by a skilled orthodontist who uses dental brackets, wires, and elastics to straighten a patient’s teeth from behind. Although the placement of traditional braces and lingual braces are reversed, they both share the same hardware and orthodontic goals. The placement of lingual braces makes it a popular option for those in need of orthodontic treatment.

Lingual Braces Advantages: What Are the Benefits of Lingual Braces over Invisalign?

There are individuals, who are usually adults, who may be embarrassed by traditional braces. Lingual braces for adults can be an effective way for adults to straighten their teeth without the braces being noticed by others. Many people in need of braces choose Invisalign for an invisible treatment option, but those who want an invisible braces treatment may find lingual braces are a better choice.

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, can produce a sheen that makes it easily visible to others. Furthermore, those who choose a clear aligner must have attachments placed on the front side of their teeth. The more attachments that are required to be placed on a patient’s teeth will make the aligner even more noticeable. 

Lingual treatment can also be more effective than Invisalign because the orthodontist will have more control of tooth alignment. Those who may be tempted to remove a clear aligner may also benefit from lingual treatment, which will ensure patient compliance.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Lingual Braces?

Although most healthy individuals are considered ideal candidates for lingual treatment, the brackets can cause problems with an individual’s bite. An orthodontist will be able to determine if an individual may experience bite problems after lingual braces are administered. In most cases, those with a severe overbite may not be suitable candidates for the treatment. The overbite could cause the brackets to become dislodged when the patient is chewing.

Is the Fitting Process for Lingual Braces Difficult?

It would seem to many that fitting braces to the back of a patient’s teeth would be a difficult task, but orthodontists are trained to properly administer lingual braces with advanced orthodontic technology. Most patients who are preparing for lingual braces will only have to visit their orthodontist twice for fitting and placement. 

What Is the Process for Getting Lingual Braces? 

An orthodontist will usually take dental impressions of their patients’ teeth, which will then be sent to the laboratory, for brackets to be made to fit each tooth. The brackets should not change shape, so they are placed in wax and stored in a plastic applicator until they are administered by an orthodontist.

On the second visit, the cement will be applied to the back of the teeth. The brackets are broken away from the plastic applicator once they are securely joined with the cement on the teeth. Next, an orthodontist will carefully attach an archwire to the brackets, which will produce tension that will pull teeth into the desired position.

Taking the First Step

For those who are considering lingual braces, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist who is trained and equipped to administer lingual braces. Although lingual braces benefit those who do not want their braces seen, many orthodontists are not able to offer this type of treatment because of the equipment that is required for the procedure. However, finding an orthodontist who is trained and equipped to offer lingual braces is worth the search. Treatment with braces can last a few years, so those who are uncomfortable with the idea of traditional braces should consult with an orthodontist who offers lingual treatment. 

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How Will Lingual Braces Affect an Individual’s Lifestyle?

Individuals considering lingual braces should also speak with an orthodontist about how the treatment will affect their lives. There are many patients who need time to adjust to eating and speaking after lingual braces are administered.

Eating

Although those with lingual braces will be able to eat normally after they adjust to their braces, they should still practice the same habits as those with traditional braces. Certain foods, such as toffee, chewing gum, hard candy, or carbonated drinks, can cause braces to become damaged and should be avoided.

Speech

Lingual braces can have an effect on an individual’s speech, which could include the development of a slight lisp or problems pronouncing certain words. However, most individuals will quickly adjust to any speech issues that were caused by lingual braces. 

Additional Information about Lingual Braces

Every patient is different, so the procedure will vary based on the amount of correction that is needed. Although it is uncommon, there are some who will need to have certain teeth extracted before getting lingual braces, which will enable other teeth to grow properly.

Furthermore, certain individuals with lingual braces may be required to wear headgear, which will apply additional pressure to help the teeth move more efficiently. Typically, those with lingual braces will only be required to wear headgear at night or when elastics are being worn. An orthodontist will be able to determine if an individual needs additional treatments to assist with the effectiveness of the treatment.

When the treatment is completed, patients will need to wear a retainer, which may be fixed in place or removable. The amount of time an individual will have to wear a retainer will vary based on his or her circumstances. Many people feel that lingual braces advantages outweigh the advantages of traditional braces and other invisible treatment options. For more information about lingual braces, contact an orthodontist today. 

All You Need to Know about Lingual Braces

McDermott Orthodontist
708 Elm Ave. E.
Delano, MN
55328
TEL: 763-972-4444