A revolutionary orthodontic treatment, lingual braces offer patients with moderate to severe misalignment and bite issues an utterly invisible way to straighten teeth.
Behind The Teeth Braces
Do you want to get straight teeth without people seeing them? Have you heard of lingual braces?
As one of Surrey’s top orthodontist surgeries, you can rely on our expertise in working with hidden braces to create precisely straight smiles in a fraction of the time it used to take.
Are lingual braces worth it? Read on to find out, or speak to one of our orthodontists about the treatment by calling us 020 8224 7562.
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are one of the less well-known types of braces available. This may be due to their discreet appearance or the fact that there are several options for discreet, cosmetic tooth straightening in today’s modern world.
Perfect for teenagers and adults alike, these hidden braces are just like conventional braces. However, they sit behind the teeth rather than on the top.
So even though they cannot be seen, they are still regarded as a fixed metal brace as they are made from brackets and wires.
Are lingual braces right for you?
For many of our patients, their self-confidence issues tend to stem from the appearance of their smiles. Thankfully, misaligned or crooked teeth are issues we can quickly fix with lingual braces.
The lingual brace treatment will not only leave you with a straighter, more attractive smile, but these braces can also improve your oral health and improve your confidence.
How do they work?
The brace works by attaching the orthodontic brackets on the back of the teeth, concealing the brackets from view.
A strong ‘arch’ wire is then threaded through the brackets stuck to the back of your teeth. This will pull the archwire out of shape since the teeth are not in the desired perfectly straight positioning yet.
Over time, the archwire will adjust back to its original shape.
The teeth attached to the wire will be pulled with it, resulting in a more evenly aligned set of teeth and an improved dental arch.
Since everyone’s teeth and concerns are different, the braces are custom-made for each patient.
During the consultation meeting, we will take an impression or digital scan of your teeth, and this will then be used to design and manufacture customised wires and brackets to fit perfectly along the back of your teeth.
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Are lingual braces faster?
Treatment is generally faster, that is in comparison to traditional metal braces.
However, this is not always the case, as it will depend on your bite condition or misalignment issue.
Treatment can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete your treatment in most cases.
The frequency you visit our dental practice for appointments will be similar to that recommended for conventional braces. So patients can expect one of our orthodontists to be heavily involved in the tooth movement process.
On top of this, it can take between four and six weeks for your lingual braces to be custom-designed and made.
How do they work?
The brace works by attaching the orthodontic brackets on the back of the teeth, concealing the brackets from view.
A strong ‘arch’ wire is then threaded through the brackets stuck to the back of your teeth. This will pull the archwire out of shape since the teeth are not in the desired perfectly straight positioning yet.
Over time, the archwire will adjust back to its original shape.
The teeth attached to the wire will be pulled with it, resulting in a more evenly aligned set of teeth and an improved dental arch.
Since everyone’s teeth and concerns are different, the braces are custom-made for each patient.
During the consultation meeting, we will take an impression or digital scan of your teeth, and this will then be used to design and manufacture customised wires and brackets to fit perfectly along the back of your teeth.
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Why do people choose lingual braces?
Many people want this type of braces because they are as effective as normal braces, but virtually invisible. For this reason, they are a popular option amongst adults who don’t want people to see their braces.
Pros:
- They are virtually invisible – these are the most invisible braces from all the various types
- Help people feel less insecure by improving their smile
- Can be customised – increased comfort and maximised efficiency
Lingual brace disadvantages
- Can be slightly more expensive than other brace types since they are custom designed
- May have a slight impact on speech in some cases
- May take longer than other teeth-straightening
- Longer appointment times and more dental office visits
Lingual brace FAQs
When your braces are initially attached, you may feel a slight discomfort in your mouth.
This can be the same for the first few times that your braces are tightened.
This pain is normal and expected as the teeth move.
You can reduce your discomfort with paracetamol or other pain relief medication – and we are always available to contact you if the pain does not subside.
However, it’s important to note that as lingual braces sit behind the teeth, the tracks will be closer to your tongue and will likely cause you some discomfort in this spot.
Generally, patients like best about these braces because they are impressively discreet. However, they are still braces and still must be treated accordingly.
Although the wires are made from metal, this does not mean the braces are indestructible.
Below are some tips for caring for your lingual braces as best as possible:
- Be careful when brushing: gently brush your teeth and gums twice daily and floss to remove any food build-up that can cause plaque to form.
- If the wire snaps – visit your local dentist immediately to have this repaired and avoid halting the procedure.
- Some treatment procedures may require rubber bands. If this is necessary for your treatment, be sure to use them as needed and remove them to brush your teeth to avoid snapping as you open your mouth wide.
- Avoid chewy, sticky, or sugary foods such as liquorice, caramel, bubble gum and sweets.
- Don’t be afraid to contact your dentist if you have any issues, worries or concerns you would like to discuss regarding your lingual braces.
Lingual braces tend to cost more than traditional braces since they are an entirely custom solution made in a dental laboratory to perfectly fit your teeth.
You will be required to visit the dentist to have your wires tightened throughout the duration of your treatment, which is another reason why these braces cost more.
Generally, prices will depend on the specific case and how long your treatment will take – it is best to come in for a consultation meeting so that we can evaluate what kind of treatment your teeth need.
However, it’s worth noting that when opting for custom-made lingual braces you may end up paying twice as much for premade lingual braces in comparison to labial braces.
The more affordable solution might be Invisalign. See more.
Let The Gentle Dental help you
We are leading Surrey-based dental practitioners and our goal is to help you feel good about your smile.
We understand the number of responsibilities most of our patients are juggling, and we are committed to providing care that does not increase this stress but lessens it.
We consistently receive exceptional feedback from our patients and have 5 star Google reviews as a result.
Book today on 020 8224 7562 to find out more about Incognito™ Hidden Lingual Braces and see how The Gentle Dental can help you.
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