Lingual braces - alternative to traditional braces
If you don’t like to be seen with a mouth full of metal, lingual braces (often called invisible braces) can be an option.
With lingual braces, wires and brackets are placed on the interior side of the teeth, making them invisible from the outside. This differs from traditional braces, which are placed on the exterior teeth surfaces, making them visible from the front.
With lingual braces, brackets are cemented to the backs of the teeth. Therefore, teeth movements are caused by pulling forces rather than pushing the teeth into a proper position.
Lingual braces are quite popular with adults, who are sensitive about other people seeing their braces. Lingual braces can be a good option if people didn’t get an appropriate orthodontic treatment being a teenager or a child.
Advantages
Some of the main advantages of lingual braces are:
- Discrete and invisible;
- Well suited for athletes engaged in contact sports;
- Well suited for adult professionals and those who play wind instruments;
- Well suited for individuals concerned about damaging the front teeth.
Disadvantages
Some of the disadvantages of lingual braces are:
- Difficult to place and control;
- More expensive treatment rather than with traditional dental braces, as it requires more frequent visits to an orthodontist for archwire adjustment;
- Cannot be used with some severe variations of malocclusion – consult an orthodontist for your specific case;
- May irritate tongue;
- May cause speech difficulties;
The process
Initial visit:
As with any orthodontic appliance, lingual braces start with an impression of your teeth. Teeth impressions are used to create a mold, which, in turn, is used to create custom lingual braces. After your orthodontist submits the teeth impressions to the dental lab, it usually takes several weeks before he/she receives your braces.
Second visit:
During the second appointment, your orthodontist usually prepares your teeth for installation of lingual braces and then installs the appliance itself.
Consequential visits:
During your regular check-ups, your orthodontist usually adusts the appliance and assures that the treatment process is going as planned.
For more information on installation of braces, see "How dental braces are installed".
Conclusion
Though lingual braces are not appropriate for everyone, for those who decide to wear them, they can make a tremendous difference between getting an orthodontic treatment and skipping it.