Have you been putting off orthodontic treatment with braces simply because you don’t the metal brackets to affect your smile and appearance? What if you could get your teeth straightened with braces but without compromising your facial aesthetics? Yes, that’s possible, thanks to lingual braces.
But what are lingual braces, and how do they work? You may ask! Don’t worry; we will answer all your questions in this blog. So, continue reading to learn more about lingual braces.
What are Lingual Braces?
According to the American Lingual Orthodontics Association, lingual braces, also called hidden or invisible braces, are orthodontic systems based on dental brackets that are similar in design and shape to conventional metal braces. However, instead of being bonded to the front surface of the teeth, these brackets are bonded to the inner teeth surface or the lingual (towards the tongue). So, since these bracelets are attached to the inner side of the teeth, they are completely invisible, and they won’t affect one’s smile or personality. Due to their inconspicuousness, lingual braces have become a popular alternative to conventional metal brackets.
How do Lingual Braces Work?
Lingual braces work in the same way as traditional braces. The system consists of metal brackets that are bonded to the lingual surfaces of the teeth and an orthodontic wire that connects them. The orthodontic wire is connected to the brackets using rubber elastics or ties. Similar to traditional braces, the tension generated by the orthodontic wire pushes the teeth in the desired direction and angulation. Your dentist will use wires of different types and gauges to realign your teeth until the desired result has been obtained.
How Much Time Does it Take to See the Results?
Lingual braces start working as soon as they are bonded to the teeth. You will start to experience slight pain in your teeth immediately after wearing them, which is an indication that tooth realignment has begun. However, it may take you around 1-2 months before you can see an obvious improvement in your tooth alignment.
What are the Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces have various benefits over traditional fixed metal braces:
- Completely Invisible - lingual braces are bonded to the inner teeth surfaces. Hence, they are completely invisible. So, you can wear them with confidence that they won’t affect your smile.
- Suitable for All Ages - lingual braces are suitable for aligning teeth in individuals of all age groups.
- Fix All Types of Malocclusion - according to the British Lingual Orthodontic Society, lingual braces can be used to treat virtually all types of orthodontic issues, including complex ones.
- No effect on Front Teeth Surface - traditional braces often cause staining and roughening of the front teeth surfaces, which significantly affect one’s smile. However, lingual braces do not have any effect on the front teeth surfaces, thereby maximizing facial aesthetics.
Despite their numerous benefits, lingual braces also have certain drawbacks:
- Oral Hygiene Issues - lingual braces may create problems in maintaining optimal oral hygiene on the lingual teeth surfaces.
- Not Suitable for Certain Individuals - lingual braces are not suitable for individuals with a deep bite or those who excessively grind their teeth.
- Not Treatable by All Dentists - treatment with lingual braces requires additional training or certification. Therefore, not all dentists can use this orthodontic treatment system for fixing tooth misalignment.
Important Things to Know Before Getting Lingual Braces
Lingual braces require a long-term commitment and adherence to the dentist’s instructions to obtain a favorable aesthetic outcome. Furthermore, you may experience slight pain and discomfort, especially during the initial days and after getting your braces tightened. You may also experience some difficulty in eating and speaking during the early few days of braces wearing. However, you will soon become accustomed to the brackets, and the discomfort will go away.
How to Look After Lingual Braces?
There are certain things that one must take care of while wearing braces. These are:
- Optimal Oral Hygiene - maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease and also to prevent teeth staining.
- Avoid Junk Foods - dentists recommend braces wearers avoid acidic beverages as they can erode the teeth and dislodge the brackets. Furthermore, eating sticky and hard foods should also be avoided as they can also cause the brackets to fall off.
- Visiting your Dentist Regularly - the most important aspect of lingual braces treatment is regular dental checkups. Failure to get your braces checked regularly at appointments can considerably prolong the treatment and affect the outcome.
What to Expect After Wearing Lingual Braces?
Once your lingual bracesorthodontisthas aligned your teeth with lingual braces, they will prescribe you removable or fixed retainers. A retainer is an appliance that consolidates orthodontic treatment; it prevents teeth from moving back to their previous positions once they have been aligned. Depending on the severity of your underlying orthodontic issue, your dentist may ask you to wear your retainers throughout life or only for a few years.
After getting your braces removed, one must take care of their teeth. This is because even with meticulous oral hygiene care, there are higher chances of tooth decay in teeth where the lingual brackets are bonded. Sometimes, dentists even prescribe a fluoride treatment to make the teeth strong and resistant to dental cavities.
When it comes to lingual braces treatment, finding an experienced and qualified lingual braces orthodontist is key. Why? Because this orthodontic treatment requires extensive treatment planning and excellent dental skills. So, it is always a good idea to visit an orthodontic specialist in your locality with extensive experience and positive patient reviews.
With lingual braces, one thing is for sure! You will not regret the treatment. This is because lingual braces will not only improve your smile and appearance but will also improve dental function and overall physical health. So, don’t let your crooked teeth make you self-conscious! Visit your dentist today and start your journey towards a rockstar smile with lingual braces!
By Dr. MehmoodAsghar