Have you been debating about whether to get braces? You might be worried about feeling self-conscious during your orthodontic treatment, especially if you’re an adult, but your crooked smile already makes you feel self-conscious! Plus, you know straight teeth are easier to clean so you can reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
What’s the best way to handle this conundrum? The answer could be lingual braces from Speaks Orthodontics.
What are Lingual Braces?
Sometimes called “incognito braces,” this orthodontic treatment aligns your teeth from the inside. The brackets and wires you’re used to seeing on people with braces are placed on the back side of your teeth, keeping them hidden from view while they straighten your smile. This means you can work toward better oral health without worrying about hiding a “metal mouth.” During your treatment, smile like you’re hiding a secret – because you are!
Advantages of Lingual Braces
- Cosmetic appearance: The biggest reason to pursue lingual braces is for its absolute invisibility from a normal angle. Ceramic braces and Invisalign are also designed to mask the fact that you’re straightening your teeth, but lingual braces are the most invisible option of all.
- Good for certain lifestyles: If you play sports or a wind instrument, regular braces could force you to put your hobby on hold. With their placement behind the teeth, lingual braces don’t have this drawback.
- Better at completing complex corrections than Invisalign: If you discover you’re not eligible for Invisalign because your teeth require complex movements – including rotation, teeth height changes or closing extraction spaces – lingual braces are likely still an option.
Limitations of Lingual Braces
- Not suitable for people with certain dental conditions: If you have small teeth, the limited surface area on the back of your teeth may prevent lingual braces from being an option. It’s also not a suitable orthodontic treatment option if you need to correct an overbite. Your eligibility will be determined at your initial exam.
- Some people have difficulty adjusting to the placement: With their position on the back of your teeth, lingual braces affect the tongue more than regular braces. This may cause discomfort or make swallowing and talking more difficult.
- Treatment may take longer: The forces applied to the back of the teeth are different from those applied from the front. Shorter, smaller wires also separate lingual brackets. This may cause some treatments to take longer compared to traditional braces. Adjustments on the inside of your teeth also take longer for orthodontic technicians to perform, resulting in longer individual appointments.
- Lingual braces are more difficult to keep clean: Plaque buildup is a bigger problem with lingual braces. You must be diligent about brushing, flossing and keeping up with dental appointments to prevent tooth decay and gum disease while straightening your smile.
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
At your first appointment, Dr. Speaks takes an impression of your teeth. This impression is sent to a dental lab where CAD/CAM technology creates customized brackets just for you. Robotic technology also creates the wires and bends them precisely into place.
The process of making your braces takes about six weeks. Then you schedule an appointment to have your lingual braces bonded to your teeth. Periodic appointments follow to monitor your progress and tighten the braces so they make the desired adjustments.
Do Lingual Braces Hurt?
Braces are moving your teeth to a more desired position, which can cause pressure inflammation to the surrounding gums. This pain and discomfort can steer patients away from receiving braces. However, with lingual braces, less pressure is applied on your teeth, allowing your teeth to move more freely.
Paying for Lingual Braces
There’s no denying that braces require an investment of your time and money, but the results will last a lifetime! Lingual braces tend to cost more than traditional braces because they are custom made with specialized technology.
If the price seems out of reach, rest assured that Speaks Orthodontics offers affordable payment plans for your individual needs. We also accept most major insurance plans, which may help cover your treatment. Our team works with you to create a payment plan before beginning treatment. That way, you’re not left with any unpleasant surprises.