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Lingual Braces

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LINGUAL BRACES

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces in that bracket and wires are installed in the mouth and on the teeth to fix misalignments. However, lingual braces differ because they are almost entirely invisible. They are placed on the back of the teeth facing the tongue, rather than the front of the teeth. Because of this, lingual braces allow for a more discreet option for orthodontic patients not willing to wear traditional braces for a lengthy amount of time.

How Lingual Braces are Placed

The brackets used with lingual braces are customized to fit each patient’s mouth perfectly, using an impression of the teeth, and must be installed onto each individual tooth to properly correct misalignments. Likewise, the wires connecting each bracket require some customization to serve each patient best.

Having the perfect fit is essential when it comes to installing lingual braces because the brackets and wires are more challenging to place. The backs of the teeth are harder to reach, and there is much less room for the orthodontist to work. In order to properly position the lingual braces, all the brackets are cemented on the teeth at the same time using a customized tray to hold them in place.

Benefits of Lingual Braces

The most significant advantage many patients find with lingual braces is the ability to be more discreet when correcting their teeth. For adults, in particular, wearing bulky metal braces for years is not the ideal option in social or professional situations. Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth, giving patients access to all the benefits of metal braces without being as obvious.

Besides being virtually invisible, lingual braces are just as efficient as other options when it comes to complex misalignments, including correcting rotations, closing gaps due to extractions or evening out the height of teeth. Also, any discoloration or white spots resulting from wearing braces will be on the inside of the teeth rather than the outside as with traditional metal or ceramic braces. Lingual braces are also custom fit for every patient, which can give a higher level of comfort.

Disadvantages to Lingual Braces

Lingual braces may create some issues for patients with an extreme or deep overbite. This is because the overbite may exert too much pressure on the brackets on the back of the teeth and cause them to detach too easily.

 

Lingual braces can also cause some difficulties with speech, especially while patients are still adjusting after the brackets are placed. Since the braces are on the backside of your teeth, it may feel a little unusual at first. You might have a lisp until you become accustomed to them because your tongue makes contact with the back of your teeth when you articulate. This effect will usually go away with time, though.

 

As with most braces, some discomfort or sores may develop. In the case of lingual braces, the soreness is mostly felt on the tongue, particularly while eating or speaking. However, the pain and irritation will decrease the longer you wear the braces.

 

The length of time that lingual braces need to be worn varies among patients. Most people will wear them between one and two years before they get the desired results. Extreme cases may take longer. During the time you wear them, regular visits will be necessary every few months for adjustments. The time that needed to wear lingual braces is generally right on par with traditional braces.