Lingual braces are just like traditional braces except their placement is where the difference comes in. Unlike traditional braces, lingual braces are not placed in clear view on the front of your teeth, instead, they are placed on the inside of your teeth where they are a lot less conspicuous. These braces are mainly used for mild to moderate tooth movement in cases that involve overcrowding or gaps affecting the front teeth.

How lingual braces work

Lingual braces work in the same way as traditional braces. They are made up of metal brackets and wires and are attached to your teeth with dental cement. Every 6 to 8 weeks, your orthodontist will adjust your braces to help your teeth shift into their proper place in your mouth.

Some orthodontists may take a dental impression of a patient who wishes to receive lingual braces, the brackets are custom-made for your teeth, ensuring a proper fit.

Benefits of lingual braces

The most obvious benefit of having your braces attached to the back of your teeth is that they cannot be seen. This makes them a good choice for adults needing to maintain a professional appearance, teens who may be self-conscious about having braces, or those wanting straighter teeth for a particular event like a wedding day but do not have time to complete their treatment before the big day. Many people use Invisalign for this reason, but some people don’t have the discipline required to use the removable trays. Some people may also be suitable candidates for Invisalign and therefore need more intense orthodontic treatment. If the idea of braces causes you some cosmetic concern, you may opt for lingual braces as these will not be as obvious as their traditional counterparts.

The technology used in lingual braces eliminates the need for elastic bands, which may make them more comfortable for some patients.

Sometimes, marks may be left on your teeth when your braces are removed, in the case of lingual braces, any marks that may be left would be situated on the back side, so they will not be visible.

Lingual braces are also fairly speedy as they use self-ligating techniques to enhance the effect of the wires and brackets, meaning patients can see results in as little as 6 weeks.

With lingual braces, you can achieve the same results as traditional braces with a hidden treatment apparatus on the tongue-side of your teeth. Lingual braces can achieve the same results as traditional orthodontics in a manner that is inconspicuous and undetectable.

If you are interested in this type of orthodontic treatment, contact us to book a consultation.