For every orthodontics patient with dental misalignment, braces can be crucial in the journey to correction and recovery of misaligned teeth. However, they do come with a price to pay as well. We can almost agree that traditional metal braces are nowhere close to being attractive as they may result in drastic change in the patient’s appearance.
At this stage, every orthodontics patient who must have tried the traditional metal braces will continuously have to face self-esteem issues. This is precisely where lingual braces come in. Lingual braces, although made from metal just like conventional braces, they are hidden behind the teeth, such that they are barely noticed. Other benefits of lingual braces may include quick results during treatments, useful in treating nearly all types of malocclusion.
They are not left without drawbacks as well. However, we will be covering not just the benefits of lingual braces but also their drawbacks and other suitable alternatives as we progress.
If you are considering lingual braces for yourself or ward, stay glued to the information we are about to dish out, as we will be covering the nitty-gritty of everything you need to know about lingual braces.
We already know that the word ‘lingual’ is related to the tongue and its surrounding areas. Thus, the term lingual braces connote “behind the teeth”. Hence, lingual orthodontic appliances are placed at the back of the teeth where the tongue rests; this makes them hidden from the rest of the world and can be only noticed if the affected patient opens their teeth wide enough such that the other part of the teeth can be clearly seen.
While the benefits of lingual braces are exceptional, there are still some drawbacks of lingual braces that are worth considering; this may include the following below
Just like the conventional metal braces, lingual braces use wire and a bracket system to gradually fit the teeth into their desired position. You will need to visit your orthodontist routinely, every 6-8 weeks to have your braces properly tightened and adjusted as well.
Although some lingual braces make use of standard brackets, a lot of others make use of custom-made brackets, which are designed to fit each specific tooth.
Custom-made lingual braces are also fast and can speed up the treatment process while giving you and your orthodontist greater control over the results. Custom made lingual braces are also more comfortable to wear as they are generally slimmer than the normal standard brackets. However, because each piece is custom made, they are more expensive than other lingual braces with standard brackets.
Generally, lingual braces are often more expensive than traditional metal braces. This is specifically true for those who are unique and custom made to fit each patient’s tooth and dental issues. Asides from the manufacturing cost, they take longer time to adjust at each checkup. As a result of this, you do not only need to pay for the services, you are also required to pay more for your dentist time during the treatment process.
Children and teens can wear lingual braces, provided their teeth are large enough to affix the bracket. Regardless, there are other affordable alternatives to lingual braces for children.
If you are looking for another suitable way to straighten your teeth, without having to worry about them being noticed, then you may have to consider invisible braces like Invisalign.
Invisalign braces are completely different from other braces, providing a unique solution to straighten the teeth without the use of wires and brackets. Instead, they make use of series of clear plastic aligners to gently guide the teeth into their desired position.
Although aligner tray braces are not entirely discreet, they are technically invisible and may be hard to spot unless you get very close. Lingual braces, on the other hand, are designed in such a way that they are completely hidden unless you open your mouth wide enough. Hence, you may decide to consider clear braces, which may be noticeable only with a clear view but are more subtle than traditional metal braces.
There are varieties of benefits which are linked to Invisalign clear aligners. With these underlying benefits, they are often considered as one of the best alternatives to lingual braces.
Some of the benefits may include the following:
Although they come with varieties of benefit, they do require a higher degree of discipline since the aligners are supposed to be kept in for at least 20-22 hours per day.
Generally, how severe your teeth are misaligned may affect the type of braces you can wear. In other words, not all braces are fit for all types of dental misalignment.
Invisalign clear aligners, for example, are quite suitable for about 90% of all dental cases. But for cases where the affected patient has severe malocclusion, you may need to go for fixed braces.
To find out what is most suitable for you (lingual braces or Invisalign clear aligners); schedule an appointment with us today. Call us on 020 71834091 for an appointment with us.
The following is a simple comparison for the three types of braces already discussed above
Estimated cost: treatment cost will normally range from £1500-£3000
Just like we have stated earlier, lingual braces are much more expensive than other treatment options for misaligned teeth, and they require longer appointments. However, if you are looking for braces that are barely noticeable but don’t cost as much as lingual braces, then Invisalign aligners should be your best shot.
Once you have chosen a type of brace or treatment option you would like to go with, you will need to choose between various brands of lingual braces.
They are made from a gold alloy. Because of this attribute, there are little or no chances of an allergic reaction. The cost of incognito braces in the UK will normally range from £4000 and above for a full set.
Wearers of lingual braces can also take advantage of self-ligating technology with wire. This system automatically adjusts the teeth in a gradual process until they are properly straightened. This allows for a more comfortable experience when compared to other means of tightening the teeth every few weeks.
This would normally be the best shot for patients who wants to straighten their teeth discreetly but can’t afford the high price tag that is often attached to custom-made lingual braces. Nevertheless, this style of lingual braces will be more effective for patients with mildly misaligned teeth. For more severe cases, it is recommended that you go for a custom-made brand to ensure your teeth are properly straightened
Just like any other type of dental treatment, lingual braces can vary greatly. Depending on your area, the severity of your dental misalignment, and the type of lingual braces chosen, the price of lingual braces may vary largely. That being said, the cost of your treatment will normally correspond with the cost of living in a given area, as well as the price of running a business in that location. Hence, lingual braces may cost more in London, when compared to other parts of the country.
Now that we have been able to walk you through the nitty-gritty of all that lingual braces entails, let us also look at what the treatment process entails. The treatment will normally follow the procedures below.
Lingual wearers may experience some discomfort when their braces are initially fitted, but as time goes, they adjust soon enough. Orthodontist’s wax can also be used to cover the parts which are known to continually irritate the tongue.
Some lingual wearers may also develop a lisp after their braces are fitted but this usually disappears after a few days
When you have dental braces on, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. This will help mitigate against tooth decay and gingivitis that might creep in. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day regularly for at least two to three minutes, this will help remove anything that might get caught in the braces. Sometimes, oral irrigation device can also be used to get rid of stubborn food particles that might get stocked around the brackets and other areas in the teeth.
With an increasing interest in lingual braces, orthodontists and dental professionals are beginning to look into this treatment option as another effective alternative to both traditional and ceramic braces. However, not all dental professionals are experienced when it comes to fitting braces behind the teeth. Be sure to seek the help of an experienced orthodontist
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