Lingual braces are ideal for anyone who wants a discreet treatment and no sign of braces while talking or smiling. Lingual braces might just be the answer to your prayers if you are an adult and hesitant to get braces for straightening your teeth. This article talks about these braces and how they work, as well as answering any questions you might have about them.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are invisible orthodontic appliances fitted to the back of your teeth. However, they are not suitable for everyone. Visiting your orthodontist to ensure you’re the right candidate for this treatment would be best.

What Is the Procedure?

First, your orthodontist takes a digital scan of your mouth to order custom-made brackets and wire. Then, the brackets are glued to the back of your teeth so the archwire can get through them. These wires do the job of straightening your teeth by gently pushing them to the ideal position.

How Long Does the Treatment Take?

The duration of your treatment depends on how badly your teeth are positioned. Yet, it usually takes longer compared to labial braces. For the estimated time of your treatment, consult your orthodontist.

What Are the Advantages of Lingual Braces?

These braces have four significant advantages:

Invisibility

Obviously, the first advantage is their invisibility. No brackets, wires, or elastic bands show when you have this type of braces. You have to open your mouth wide open for anyone to notice you are fixing your teeth.

Fewer Lifestyle Changes

Traditional braces require you to learn how to clean them; you will also need to change your diet. It would be best to be careful when bringing anything close to your mouth. With these braces, you won’t have half of these concerns.

Less Pain

It is no secret that braces will initially cause discomfort, which your doctor will teach you how to manage. However, some studies have shown that lingual braces are less painful than traditional ones.

Customized for You

Lingual braces are customized by computer-aided design and manufacturing software. Therefore, you will find it much easier to speak and chew with lingual braces than with premade ones.

What Are the Disadvantages of Lingual Braces?

Like any other orthodontic appliance, this type of braces also has some disadvantages you should consider:

Training Related Issues

Not all orthodontists are trained to place lingual braces, as this procedure requires entirely different techniques. So, you might have trouble finding an adequately trained doctor or struggle with the false claims of untrained doctors.

Speech Issues

Any type of braces will affect how you talk. Studies have shown that you might have troubles with speech even a month after getting lingual braces. However, this issue should gradually subside as you continue your treatment.

Expenses

Generally speaking, lingual braces are more expensive than traditional labial braces. Of course, the expenses vary based on your case and orthodontist. You can also consider a combination of labial and lingual braces.

Cleaning Issues

Lingual braces can make maintaining your oral hygiene harder. However, lingual brackets are closer together, so you can use a water flosser to clean your teeth.

What Are Other Alternatives?

If you don’t feel comfortable opting for lingual braces, and are looking for alternative treatments, here are the best two we suggest:

Clear Ceramic Braces

Clear ceramic braces are labial braces with ceramic brackets to make your treatment less noticeable. They fix malocclusion, overbite, underbite, crowding, and gaps, just to name a few. Adults and children alike can benefit from ceramic braces.

Invisalign®

If you are opposed to getting braces altogether, Invisalign® is ideal for you, since it consists of a series of custom-made invisible retainers for your teeth. You replace the retainers every two weeks till the last one. There will be no tightening appointments and no brackets and wires.

Can You Embrace Lingual Braces Now?

If you are looking for a trusted dental office for lingual braces in Orange County, California, Aria Dental Care is a holistic and biological office that offers services such as orthodontics, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures. Feel free to contact us for a consultation so our team of experts can help you resolve your problems.