What are Lingual Braces?

When people imagine braces, they probably think of the traditional metal wires and brackets, more commonly referred to as ‘train tracks’, but there are numerous systems available on the dental market today, that can perform similar orthodontic treatment in a discreet, effective way. Lingual braces work under the same principles of traditional braces, i.e. they apply pressure to the misaligned teeth, in order to bring them into a straight line, but they are not nearly as obvious, because they are bonded to the back of the teeth, instead of the front. Lingual braces are made up of similar wires and brackets to ‘train tracks’, but they are virtually invisible when the wearer is speaking or smiling – this is what makes them so popular with adults in the UK, as there is a certain stigma attached wearing braces when you are past your teen years. It’s a shame that there are so many people in the country in need of dental treatment, who simply won’t consider it, because they are afraid they will be laughed at or feel silly; the orthodontics industry has moved forward in leaps and bounds over the past few decades, now anyone can benefit from the new, improved designs.

What kinds of conditions can lingual braces help with?

Lingual braces are not so different from standard metal braces, and they can help with numerous dental problems, such as; crowding, badly spaced teeth, uneven bites that have developed as a result of misalignment, crooked teeth, overbites, and teeth that have twisted in the socket as they have come through the gum line. If you’re not sure about your own dental condition and you think lingual braces might be suitable for you, make an appointment with the friendly professionals at the Pearl Dental Clinic, they will be able to advise you on how best to deal with your situation, and can offer you various modern techniques that might help you.

Are lingual braces really so different from traditional designs?

The fact that they don’t show from the front of the mouth is a big positive with the lingual system, but there are also several other benefits that make them superior to traditional braces;

The brackets are hidden – The metal brackets that are used in Lingual braces are not only cemented to the backside of the teeth, they also tend to be smaller than standard designs, so they don’t encroach on your mouth space as much as they would if they were larger. This makes the braces easier to get used to and eventually live with.

They are virtually unnoticeable – It’s not just the brackets that are hidden away, the metal wires that join them together are designed to blend in with the oral environment, and they are usually tooth-coloured, which makes them even less obvious.

They are custom made – The brackets that are fixed to the teeth are not exactly the same as the ones used in traditional orthodontics (‘train tracks’), they are custom made for each patient, which means they fit perfectly in place, so that they take up less space and can perform more effectively.

How much are lingual braces?

Because they are more discreet and they have to be custom made for each individual person, lingual braces are more expensive than standard braces, but you do get more than enough for your money, when you invest in top-quality orthodontic treatment. You have to remember that you’re not just paying for the product itself, you are paying for the skill and experience of your chosen surgeon – which can vary greatly from clinic to clinic. If your choice is between paying a little bit extra or getting no treatment at all, you should definitely be aiming to save your cash to correct dental problems – they can get worse with age, and even cause more serious complications with your bite and jaw muscles.

Do lingual braces hurt?

Your dental appliance shouldn’t hurt any more than traditional braces would, which is fairly normal as the teeth become accustomed to the changes in pressure and the forces being applied to them. Initially, you may find that your tongue becomes a little sore, as it rubs against the brackets on the back of your teeth, and this might also change the way you speak; both these conditions are temporary, because lingual braces are designed so that the tongue can easily adapt to them. During the first twenty-four hours after fitting, your teeth will probably feel very tender or weak, this is due to the initial push from the wires, but it doesn’t take long for the pain to subside. If you are really suffering, and finding it hard to eat or sleep, over-the-counter painkillers should be sufficient to help relieve the discomfort to a manageable degree – it’s not likely that you would need anything stronger than Ibuprofen or aspirin. It’s also a good idea to stick to soft foods during this period, to prevent any undue pressure being put on your vulnerable teeth; some patients find that it takes them several weeks to fully acclimatise to their braces, but that doesn’t mean they are in constant pain during that time.

Are lingual braces difficult to take care of?

Once you get used to properly cleaning and speaking with your braces in, you won’t even notice they are there anymore. It’s vital that you maintain adequate oral hygiene throughout every part of your orthodontic treatment; the braces have to work in a healthy environment, otherwise they won’t perform to the best of their ability. It’s advisable to brush after every meal, if you can, to get rid of any food debris that might have gathered in between the brackets, or at least rinse your mouth out with water, if you don’t have a toothbrush handy. Finally, you should always attend scheduled check-ups with your dentist, they need to be able to monitor your progress and check for signs of any problems developing, such as gum disease or tooth decay.