Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of teeth.

PROS:

• Invisible from outside

CONS:

• Difficult to clean
• more expensive
• not appropriate for severe cases
• can be more uncomfortable at first
• regular adjustments take longer and are more difficult than with traditional braces

Lingual braces: What are they and how much do they cost?

If you’re an adult who is considering the different treatment options available to help you get the smile of your dreams, then you might have heard about lingual braces. But what exactly are lingual braces and how much do they cost? We explore this relatively unknown orthodontic treatment option and give you all the facts to help you make an informed decision.

What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces – also known as “inside” braces – are a teeth straightening treatment that has proven to be popular with adults thanks to the fact that they’re practically invisible. To help keep your treatment concealed, lingual braces are attached to the inside of the teeth rather than the outside, making them invisible when you smile. Lingual braces are custom-made for your teeth. Your orthodontist takes an accurate impression or digital scan of your teeth, which is then used to create customised wires and brackets that will snugly fit along the line of your teeth and help to gradually move them into the desired position.

How will lingual braces affect my lifestyle?

While lingual braces might be a subtler option than traditional “outside” braces, they are still braces! Therefore you will still have some restrictions when it comes to the foods you can eat throughout your treatment. The wire might be made of metal but it is not indestructible, so you should always take care when consuming anything particularly hard or chewy as this can bend or break the wire. You will need to be sure to gently brush the teeth and gums twice a day and floss to remove any food build up that can cause plaque to form. In some instances, your treatment may require the use of rubber bands to help move your teeth into position. Your orthodontist will show you the correct way to apply your rubber bands, but this method of treatment requires you to be diligent about their use. You should remove them to eat and to brush your teeth so they don’t snap when you open your mouth.

Are there any drawbacks to lingual braces?

While lingual braces are an attractive option for those who want to avoid the look of braces, it is worth noting that because they sit close to the tongue you may experience some difficulty with your speech. While your speech will improve with time, it may be challenging initially for some patients. You should also be aware that if your treatment requires the use of rubber bands to help guide your teeth into their correct alignment this will be noticeable and failure to strictly adhere to their use will result in less effective treatment.

Advantages of lingual braces

• Lingual braces are completely hidden. Even up close, friends and family will struggle to spot them (unless you have a habit of throwing your head back when you laugh).
• Lingual braces are suitable for everyone. And they’re just as effective at straightening a single tooth as they are at tackling significant dental crowding.
• Lingual braces give your orthodontist maximum control over the movement of your teeth, and towards the end of your treatment we can make small adjustments to give you the best final result.
• Because lingual braces are fixed to your teeth during your treatment, you don’t need to worry about removing them at mealtimes and potentially losing your brace.

Disadvantages of lingual braces

• Lingual braces can be uncomfortable to begin with, and you may find you have a slight lisp for the first few days. Your orthodontist will be able to advise you on some tips to help combat both of these issues.
• Because your brace is hidden on the inside of your teeth you might be less inclined to remove stray morsels of food. Overtime this could damage your teeth and cause decay, so it’s really important to brush after every meal.
• Lingual braces can be more expensive than Invisalign. This can reflect the skill of your orthodontist, the cost of your appliance and the additional clinical time that is spent adjusting your brace.
• Lingual braces can be uncomfortable to begin with, and you may find you have a slight lisp for the first few days. Your orthodontist will be able to advise you on some tips to help combat both of these issues.
• Because your brace is hidden on the inside of your teeth you might be less inclined to remove stray morsels of food. Overtime this could damage your teeth and cause decay, so it’s really important to brush after every meal.
• Lingual braces can be more expensive than Invisalign. This can reflect the skill of your orthodontist, the cost of your appliance and the additional clinical time that is spent adjusting your brace.