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As an adult, the idea of wearing metal brackets for years might feel unappealing, impacting your confidence during a time when you’ve likely established your professional and social circles. But what if there was a way to straighten your teeth without the world noticing? This is where Lingual Braces come in.
Perhaps you’ve heard about it but are unsure if they’re the right choice for you. To clear this confusion, we’ve got you covered with all aspects of lingual braces, from what they are to what you can expect during and after treatment.
What are Lingual Braces?
Like traditional braces, lingual braces use brackets and wires to slowly shift the teeth into their desired positions. Currently, Incognito hidden braces, featuring a flat design of golf alloy brackets are a high-tech option for lingual braces.
Unlike traditional braces placed on the front of your teeth, Incognito Lingual Braces work their magic behind the scenes, custom-made and bonded to the back of your teeth, where the tongue (lingual) rests. This makes them practically invisible from the outside.
Why Consider Lingual Braces as an Adult?
There are many reasons why adults might choose Lingual Braces. Here are some of the top benefits:
1. Invisibility
The clear advantage of Lingual Braces is their invisibility. Unless you open your mouth wide, others won’t even know you’re wearing braces. This can be a game-changer for adults who are self-conscious about having braces.
2. Improved Self-Confidence
Achieving a straighter smile can significantly boost your confidence. Lingual Braces allow you to undergo orthodontic treatment without feeling self-conscious about your appearance. With your braces hidden from view, you can feel more at ease and confident in social and professional settings.
3. Versatility
Lingual braces are suitable for addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues, including minor crowding, spacing issues, and more complex bite problems. Whether you have mild or severe orthodontic concerns, lingual braces can be customised to meet your specific dental needs.
4. Potentially Less Pain
While some discomfort is to be expected with any orthodontic treatment, however, Lingual Braces can be customised to minimise pain compared to traditional braces. However, it’s important to note that you may experience some tongue irritation initially as you adjust to wearing lingual braces.
Who Are the Suitable Candidates for Lingual Braces?
- Interestingly, lingual braces are commonly chosen by adults than children. And not everyone seeking braces can opt for lingual braces due to specific prerequisites and challenges unique to this type of orthodontic treatment.
- One such requirement is that the teeth must be long enough to accommodate the placement of the braces on the inner side. In cases where there isn’t ample space on the inner surface of the teeth, lingual braces may not be feasible.
- Lingual braces are particularly suitable for patients with severe crowding or bite problems, such as deep overbites, which may not be correctable with clear aligners.
- Moreover, lingual braces offer significant advantages for individuals who play wind instruments, as they tend to conform more naturally to the teeth compared to traditional braces, reducing disruption while playing instruments.
If you believe you’re a suitable candidate for Lingual Braces, it’s essential to visit your orthodontist for a consultation before making any decisions. During this visit, your orthodontist will ask you a series of questions and discuss all available treatment options with you.
If lingual braces align with your preferences, your orthodontist will guide you through the necessary steps, which may include additional tests or evaluations. By consulting with your orthodontist and exploring the option of lingual braces, you can make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment, ensuring the best possible outcome for your smile.
Getting Started with Lingual Braces
Now that you’ve multiple reasons to consider opting for Lingual Braces, here’s what you can expect during the process:
Step 1 – Consultation
The first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist experienced in fitting Lingual Braces. They will assess your teeth, jaw alignment, and overall oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if Lingual Braces are the right option for you.
Step 2 – Customisation
Lingual braces are customised to suit the distinct contours of your teeth. Similar to traditional braces, your orthodontist takes a digital scan of your mouth. These scans are utilised to craft customised wires and brackets that fit precisely along the natural curve of your teeth. This fitting work systematically to gently shift your teeth into the desired position.
Step 3 – Placement
During the fitting appointment, your orthodontist will carefully bond the custom-made brackets to the backs of your teeth. Wires are then threaded through the brackets and adjusted to create gentle pressure that will move your teeth over time.
Adjusting to Life with Lingual Braces
Lingual Braces do require some adjustments to your daily routine. Here’s a heads-up on what to expect:
Initial Discomfort
Right after getting lingual braces, it’s normal to experience some soreness and irritation in your tongue and gums for the first few weeks as your mouth adjusts to the braces. Over time, orthodontic wax or pain relief gels can help manage this discomfort.
Speech Changes
Since the braces come into direct contact with your tongue, you might have trouble speaking and develop a slight lisp for a short period until your tongue adjusts to the braces. This usually resolves within a few weeks, allowing you to get back to speaking normally.
Eating Adjustments
Sticking to soft foods for the first week or two is recommended. You’ll need to avoid hard, chewy, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage the braces and cause discomfort or pain. As you become accustomed to eating with braces, you can gradually reintroduce the food of your choice, following the recommendation suggested by your orthodontist.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial with Lingual Braces. Brushing and flossing properly become even more important to prevent cavities and gum disease. Your orthodontist might also recommend special flossing devices or brushes to make cleaning easier.
Considering Cost & Time for Lingual Braces
- It’s important to acknowledge that Lingual Braces typically come with a higher price tag compared to traditional braces. This can be attributed to factors such as treatment time and the appliance used.
- The application process itself is more intricate and time-consuming due to the customised nature of the brackets and wires. While the exact duration varies depending on the complexity of your case, adults generally can expect to wear Lingual Braces for 1 to 3 years.
- Since the Lingual Braces utilise custom-made wires, the treatment process often involves robotic bending to perfectly match the contours of your teeth, which adds to the overall high cost.
Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces
Lingual Braces are a discreet option for achieving a straighter smile, but is it right for you? Consider the pros and cons to make an informed decision.
| Pros | Cons |
| Virtually invisible from the front | More expensive than traditional braces |
| No visible metal brackets or wires | Initial discomfort and speech difficulties |
| Effective for most orthodontic issues | Harder to clean and maintain |
| Customized to fit individual teeth | Longer adjustment period |
| Less likely to cause mouth abrasions | Not suitable for severe cases of misalignment |
| Can be a good option for adults | Limited availability and longer treatment time |
Taking the First Step Towards a Straighter Smile
Choose Simplybraces as your orthodontist as we expertise in offering high-tech lingual braces, including Incognito Lingual Braces. Our specialist orthodontists are equipped with advanced techniques to provide exceptional care and create the smile you’ve always desired. With our discreet and effective orthodontic solutions, tailored specifically for adults, you can achieve the straight, beautiful smile, all while maintaining a professional appearance during your treatment journey. Trust Simplybraces to help you achieve your orthodontic goals with confidence and comfort.
