Orthodontic technology has gone a long way and now there are many types of procedures you can choose from. The lingual braces, one of the newest forms of orthodontic braces, has proved to be popular with people who, for the most part, for professional reasons are unable to wear a classic fixed orthodontic apparatus.
What are lingual braces?
You already know about classic orthodontic fixed braces placed at the front of the tooth. What differentiates the lingual orthodontic braces is its placement on the back of the tooth. Lingual orthodontic braces are virtually invisible, and this is the main reason why clients choose them. This partly explains why they are more common among adults than with children. Another advantage is if you are playing a wind instrument or doing sports, lingual braces make it easier for you to do this than with the classical fixed braces.
Are lingual braces the right choice for you?
Everyone can not wear lingual braces and there are some challenges associated with them, which do not come with fixed orthodontic braces. First of all, the teeth must be long enough to provide enough space to glue the brackets from the inside of the tooth; therefore, lingual orthodontic braces may not be suitable for children or anyone with particularly small teeth. Also, you cannot wear lingual braces if you have a severe bite anomaly.
You may find it harder to get used to lingual braces than to traditional braces because of the tongue positioning affects your pronunciation. At first, it can happen that you swallow harder without using the tongue (normally you would swallow by placing the tongue between the teeth), and conversation could be a bit difficult. Also, pushing the teeth with the tongue can cause additional problems. You may need to practice swallowing without touching the teeth with your tongue.
Sometimes the treatment with lingual braces is longer than with traditional braces, but it depends on our specialist’s decision and the way you take care of your teeth and the braces. You may need to be more careful about cleaning your teeth, because lingual braces make it difficult to thoroughly clean each part of your teeth.
Cleaning the teeth with lingual braces
Teeth maintenance is important, regardless of the type of braces. Food is easily stuck between brackets and wires, and can cause plaque formation and tooth decay. Brushing after each meal, making sure every tooth is brushed and cleaned, is necessary. Since lingual braces are on the back of your teeth, pay special attention to brushing. The narrow tip of the toothbrush will make it easier for you to access the back of the tooth.
What is the main advantage of lingual braces?
The advantage is mostly aesthetic. If you understand the problems and are ready to make the effort needed to wear lingual apparatus, talk to our orthodontist to determine if this is the right choice for you.