When we think of straightening teeth, traditional metal braces often come to mind first—those noticeable brackets and wires that have become almost a rite of passage for teenagers.
But what if you could get the same results without broadcasting your orthodontic journey to the world? Enter lingual braces, the stealthy alternative to the classic braces, designed to straighten teeth discreetly by hiding behind them. This innovative solution is for anyone who values aesthetics as much as effectiveness in their quest for the perfect smile.
As dental technology evolves, so do our choices for orthodontic treatment, offering solutions that cater to various needs and lifestyles. Whether it’s the virtually invisible aligners or the traditional route you’re familiar with, each option comes with its own set of perks and considerations. In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of lingual braces, shedding light on their benefits, how they stand up against other treatments, and what to expect from start to finish.
What are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are the undercover agents of the orthodontic world, working diligently behind the scenes—or rather, behind your teeth—to straighten them without drawing attention to themselves.
Mounted on the backside of the teeth, lingual braces are virtually invisible to others, making them a preferred choice for those seeking a discreet orthodontic treatment. But don’t let their hidden nature fool you; these braces are as effective as their front-facing counterparts in correcting a wide range of dental misalignments and bite issues.
Unlike traditional braces that are placed on the front of the teeth, lingual braces use brackets and wires that are custom-fit to the unique contours of the back surfaces of your teeth.
This customization ensures a precise fit and effective movement of the teeth over time. Because they’re out of sight, lingual braces are an attractive option for adults and professionals, as well as anyone who prefers to keep their orthodontic treatment private.
How Do Lingual Braces Work?
Lingual braces work on the same fundamental principle as traditional braces: by applying continuous, gentle pressure on the teeth, they gradually move them into their correct positions over time. However, the magic of lingual braces lies in their placement and customization, making their working mechanism particularly intriguing.
The journey to straighter teeth with lingual braces begins with a precise and detailed mapping of your dental structure. This involves taking impressions or digital scans of your teeth, which are then used to create custom brackets for each tooth.
This customization is crucial because the back surfaces of your teeth have a unique shape that is vastly different from the front surfaces, requiring individualized brackets that fit perfectly.
Once the custom brackets are ready, your orthodontist adheres them to the backside of your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which can be somewhat standardized due to the more uniform front surfaces of teeth, lingual braces demand a higher level of precision in placement due to the intricate contours on the back of each tooth.
After the brackets are in place, thin, flexible wires are threaded through them. These wires are the primary force drivers in the movement of your teeth. Over time, your orthodontist will adjust these wires to guide your teeth into their ideal positions.
The adjustments are made during regular follow-up visits, similar to the process with traditional braces, but with the added complexity of accessing the braces from the inside of the mouth.
The duration of treatment with lingual braces can vary depending on the complexity of the dental issues being addressed. Generally, treatment times are comparable to those of traditional braces, ranging from 18 to 36 months.
Throughout this period, wearers will need to visit their orthodontist regularly for adjustments. These appointments are essential for the orthodontist to monitor progress and make necessary changes to the wires to ensure the teeth are moving as planned.
Lingual braces are versatile in treating a wide array of dental misalignments, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Their effectiveness is on par with that of traditional braces, making them a suitable option for many patients seeking a less visible alternative.
Benefits of Lingual Braces
Lingual braces offer a unique set of advantages for those seeking orthodontic treatment. These benefits cater to aesthetic concerns, lifestyle preferences, and the desire for a discreet path to a better smile. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits of choosing lingual braces:
Aesthetics and Discretion
- Invisibility: The most prominent benefit of lingual braces is their invisibility. Since they are attached to the back of the teeth, they are completely hidden from view, making them an ideal choice for adults, professionals, and anyone who prefers not to have their orthodontic treatment on display.
- Confidence During Treatment: With lingual braces, patients can smile, speak, and interact with others without the self-consciousness often associated with traditional braces. This can lead to an improved sense of self-esteem and confidence throughout the treatment process.
Customization for Comfort and Efficiency
- Tailored Fit: Each bracket of lingual braces is custom-made to fit the unique contours of the individual’s teeth, providing a precise fit that can enhance both comfort and effectiveness of the treatment.
- Efficient Results: Despite their hidden placement, lingual braces are highly effective in correcting a wide range of dental misalignments, from simple to complex cases, with efficiency comparable to traditional braces.
Oral Health and Safety
- Reduced Risk of Decalcification: Since the front surfaces of the teeth are not covered by brackets, there’s a lower risk of decalcification or white spot lesions, which can occur due to plaque buildup around traditional braces.
- Protection for the Front Surfaces of Teeth: For individuals involved in contact sports or activities where facial injuries are a concern, lingual braces can offer added protection to the front surfaces of the teeth.
Lifestyle Compatibility
- Minimal Impact on Daily Life: Lingual braces allow patients to undergo orthodontic treatment with minimal impact on their daily activities and social interactions. Their discreet nature means that lifestyle adjustments can be significantly less compared to traditional braces.
- No Need for Removal: Unlike clear aligners, which must be removed during eating and drinking anything other than water, lingual braces remain in place, eliminating the need for patients to manage and remember the aligners throughout the day.
Versatility in Treatment
- Suitable for a Wide Range of Cases: Lingual braces can be used to treat a variety of dental issues, including crowding, gaps, and bite misalignments, making them a versatile option for many patients.
Ideal Candidates for Lingual Braces
Identifying the ideal candidates for lingual braces is crucial for ensuring the success and satisfaction of the orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces offer a unique combination of discretion and effectiveness, making them a preferred choice for certain individuals.
However, they may not be suitable for everyone. Here’s a closer look at who makes the best candidates for this type of braces:
Adults and Professionals
Adults and professionals who are concerned about the visual impact of traditional braces often find lingual braces to be an attractive option. The ability to straighten teeth without visible brackets and wires is particularly appealing for those in client-facing roles or who wish to maintain a certain image.
Those with Mild to Moderate Orthodontic Issues
Lingual braces are most effective for treating mild to moderate dental misalignments, such as crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues. Individuals with severe orthodontic conditions may require more traditional approaches or adjunctive treatments for optimal results.
Motivated Individuals Committed to Oral Hygiene
Due to the placement of lingual braces, maintaining excellent oral hygiene can be more challenging. Ideal candidates are those who are committed to following a meticulous cleaning regimen, using specialized tools to ensure their teeth and braces remain clean and healthy.
Patients Looking for a Customized Treatment Approach
Individuals who value a tailored orthodontic solution will appreciate the customization aspect of lingual braces.
Each bracket is designed to fit the unique contours of the individual’s teeth, providing a comfortable and efficient treatment process.
Individuals Not Involved in High-Risk Contact Sports
While lingual braces are generally safe, individuals engaged in high-risk contact sports may need to consider the potential for injury to the inner lips and tongue. Protective gear or alternative orthodontic options might be recommended in these cases.
Those Without Extreme Lower Jaw Issues
Patients with certain types of severe underbites or other lower jaw issues may find lingual braces less comfortable or effective, as the positioning of the braces could exacerbate irritation or complicate the treatment.
People Seeking a Discreet Orthodontic Solution
For those who prefer a more inconspicuous orthodontic treatment due to social, personal, or professional reasons, lingual braces offer an excellent solution without compromising the effectiveness of the treatment.
Caring for Your Lingual Braces
Caring for your lingual braces is paramount to ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment and to maintain optimal oral health. Due to their placement on the backside of your teeth, lingual braces require a bit more effort and diligence in cleaning than traditional braces. Proper care involves meticulous brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups with your orthodontist.
Begin by choosing the right toothbrush; a soft-bristled brush or an electric toothbrush with a small head is ideal for reaching around the brackets and wires of your lingual braces.
Brushing after every meal is recommended to prevent the accumulation of food particles and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Pay special attention to each tooth and the gum line, brushing gently but thoroughly to ensure all surfaces are clean.
Flossing with lingual braces can be challenging, but it’s crucial for removing debris between the teeth and braces where a toothbrush can’t reach. Use a floss threader or orthodontic flossers designed for braces to navigate around wires and brackets. Incorporating an interdental brush into your routine can also help clean those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the wires.
Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash daily can further help reduce the risk of infection and inflammation in your gums. Mouthwash can access places in your mouth that brushing and flossing might miss, offering an additional layer of protection against plaque and bacteria.
Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also assist in cleaning your teeth and braces by washing away food particles and diluting acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. Additionally, it’s important to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or high in sugar. These types of foods can damage your braces and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Regular appointments with your orthodontist are essential for the adjustment of your lingual braces and to monitor the progress of your treatment. These visits are also an opportunity for your orthodontist to provide professional cleanings and address any concerns you may have about caring for your braces.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
The cost of lingual braces is an important consideration for many patients contemplating this discreet orthodontic treatment option. Generally, lingual braces tend to be more expensive than traditional metal braces or clear aligners due to the customization and specialized technique required for their application.
While prices can vary widely based on geographic location, the complexity of the patient’s dental issues, and the duration of the treatment, you can expect the cost of lingual braces to range from $5,000 to $13,000.
Traditional metal braces, for comparison, typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000, while clear aligners like Invisalign can range from $3,000 to $8,000. The higher cost of lingual braces reflects the advanced technology and labor required to custom-fit them to the unique contours of the backside of your teeth, as well as the additional training orthodontists must undergo to offer this treatment option.
When considering lingual braces, it’s also crucial to factor in insurance coverage. Orthodontic coverage can vary significantly between dental insurance plans. Some plans may offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatments, including lingual braces, up to a certain age or a maximum lifetime benefit.
This coverage typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the policy. However, not all insurance plans distinguish between the types of braces, and some may not cover lingual braces specifically due to their classification as a more cosmetic option.