Do you want a beautiful smile without the metal braces showing? Lingual braces are the perfect solution for you.

They are braces behind teeth, so no one will know you are wearing them.

Lingual braces work like traditional braces and fix misalignment issues like dental overcrowding, underbites, and overbites over time.

In this blog, our Bridgeport dentists go through the concept of lingual braces and their pros and cons.

Read on to find out if it is the best solution for you!

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces on the back of the teeth facing the tongue are called lingual braces.

These braces are invisible as they don't have obvious metal brackets and wires pointing outward for everyone to see.

These braces are ideal for people who think that metal braces make them look unattractive.

Here are the top reasons for choosing lingual braces over the traditional ones:

If the metal braces make you feel awkward.
You play an instrument that would be challenging to play with standard braces.
If you participate in any type of contact sport (football, basketball, etc.)

Formation of Lingual Braces

With CAD/CAM dentistry, Canadian doctors can more precisely plan the placement of brackets digitally.

Our orthodontist in Bridgeport acquires impressions through 3D imaging. After that, they create a treatment plan for you.

While some of these lingual orthodontic equipment use bent, tailored robotic wires, others use straight wires.

These bracket systems, which are all positioned on the lingual side of the teeth, provide virtually unnoticeable orthodontics.

Pros of Lingual Braces

By having lingual braces in Canada, you have the following advantages and disadvantages:

1.Aesthetically Pleasing

Lingual braces are more discreet than clear aligners. These braces are cemented behind the teeth, so unlike clear aligners, you don't need to remove and store them before eating or drinking.

These braces are more convenient and less visible than other dental appliances used to straighten teeth.

As they are almost invisible, there are many celebrities with lingual braces, including Tom Cruise, Kate Middleton, Justin Bieber, Zac Efron, Miley Cyrus, and many more.

2.Perfect Option For Adults

Lingual braces are a better choice for teens and adults as they have fully grown teeth.

Although they are an effective treatment for dental crowding, crossbites, and underbites, children are typically not candidates. These braces behind teeth won't fit their primary teeth since they are too small.

Individuals with an overbite issue are another category, as this type of bite can exert pressure on the brackets. Because of that, the inside of the teeth may experience loose brackets or bracket breaks.

3.Effective For Teeth Correction

Malocclusions, or teeth misalignments, come in various forms and can all be successfully corrected with lingual braces.

Lingual braces can provide flawless occlusion as they are better at certain tooth movements than other braces.

4.Customizable Fit

Each person's teeth have a different form and contour, and lingual braces accommodate the distinct features of the patients.

These braces behind teeth usually suit unique oral anatomy. This personalization guarantees a comfortable fit and maximum functionality.

Our orthodontists in Bridgeport can improve the entire orthodontic experience and treatment by using modern customization techniques to design and install lingual braces.

5.Front Teeth Remain Spotless

The front of your teeth won't sustain long-term damage from lingual braces.

Whichever brace you select, there shouldn't be any damage to your teeth if you take good care of them during your orthodontic treatment and maintain a regular dental hygiene schedule.

You won't experience any permanent or temporary braces stains with lingual braces.

6.Fast Results

Although lingual braces differ in placement from traditional braces, their purpose and function are the same.

Just because they are present at the back of your teeth, it doesn't mean they will take longer to show results. Once you start wearing them, they will start working towards fixing your teeth.

7.Instruments are Easy to Play

Playing a brass or wind instrument may feel awkward if you have braces on the front of your teeth.

Another concern for those who play reeded instruments is that they may cut the reed on their metal braces, preventing them from playing. For wind and brass performers, lingual braces offer a secure and comfortable alternative.

Cons of Lingual Braces

Now that you know the pros of lingual braces in Canada, let's look at the disadvantages:

1.Pricier Option

Lingual braces often have a higher average cost in Canada than standard braces.

The lingual braces cost depends on these factors:

Dimensions and design of the brackets.
Lingual braces are smaller than standard brackets and may require bespoke design to precisely fit a patient's teeth.
Conventional braces employ an archwire with a consistent shape, which is more widely available and less expensive to build. Meanwhile, lingual archwires are robotically bent into a unique shape.

To get the best outcomes, the application process is more time-consuming and you may need more visits to the dental clinic.

2.Extensive Cleaning Time

It is imperative to follow a daily oral hygiene regimen with any type of braces.

Wearing lingual braces makes the regimen difficult. In the normal routine of brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, you need to be more vigilant because of the wires and brackets of braces.

For people with braces behind their teeth, a toothbrush with a narrow tip works best.

After getting braces behind your teeth, you may have to avoid the routine right away because your mouth may hurt for a few days.

Although the discomfort will soon pass, it's crucial to continue brushing your teeth and gums correctly.

Consequently, the duration of your regular dental schedule will increase.

You may need to clean for a few minutes more than usual after every meal and again right before bed.

3.Discomfort

You may experience some discomfort, but this will pass within a few days as your mouth and teeth adjust to the strain.

Because their tongues continually rub against the braces, patients have reported experiencing pain during lingual brace treatments. To help reduce this discomfort, we advise you to coat your braces with orthodontic wax.

4.Avoid Certain Foods

You must modify your diet and stay away from food items that are tough, chewy, or crusty when wearing lingual braces.

These foods have the potential to push out one of your brackets. We may have to arrange for a replacement bracket if a custom-made bracket does come loose, which could cause your treatment to take longer.

5.Speech Difficulty

Some evidence indicates that wearing lingual braces may make speaking more difficult. After getting the braces, a lisp may appear.

If your employment involves a lot of speaking, it is better to take a few days off (such as a weekend or annual leave) to give yourself some time to adjust to speaking again.

A study involving twenty-four adults discovered that lingual braces users experienced problems a month later. Within a week, those who wore labial braces were able to speak again. ‌

According to a different study, people still had trouble pronouncing words correctly even three months after getting lingual braces. However, speech problems get better with time.

FAQs

How much time does lingual braces treatment take?

Similar to regular braces, the length of therapy varies based on the complexity of the situation, although it typically lasts between 18 and 36 months.

What is the lingual braces cost?

These braces can range in price from $8,000 to $10,000. However, you also have to consider the location and more involved treatments, which can cost up to $13,000.

Can you get lingual braces from any dentist?

Lingual orthodontics is a sophisticated procedure that calls for specialized knowledge and tools. Not all orthodontists will provide every kind of braces.

How frequently should I visit my orthodontist?

During the course of your treatment, you should schedule regular visits with your orthodontist, usually every 6 to 8 weeks. This will allow them to reposition your braces and ensure that everything is going according to plan.

Wrapping It Up

Lingual braces correct your smile regardless of whether you have crowded teeth, spacing, an open bite, or missing teeth.

If you are willing to put extra effort into your daily oral care routine and money is not a concern, these are your best options.

As the fittings and adjustments take some time, you must visit your dentist in Ontario after a few weeks.

If you want the best option to realign your smile, contact us to learn about the perfect dental appliance for you.

Lingual Braces in Canada: The Positive & Negative Attributes