Lingual Braces
Orthodontic treatment can improve the smile of so many of our patients, yet many of them are resistant to the idea of getting braces because they are concerned about the appearance of a mouthful of metal wires and brackets. This can be particularly challenging for our adult patients, especially those who work in a professional environment, and self-conscious teenagers. We here at First Impressions Orthodontics for Children & Adults understand that some of our patients may not want to advertise to the entire world that they are getting orthodontic treatment done, which is why we are pleased to offer them the option of getting lingual braces.
What are Lingual Braces?
Most of you probably are already familiar with traditional dental braces, which place the wires and brackets on the outside of your teeth. However, those are not the only type of braces available to our patients! While traditional dental braces can be very useful for some patients, others may not want to have visible orthodontic treatment. That is where lingual braces come in.
Unlike traditional braces, lingual braces are placed on the backside of your teeth. They still rely on wires and brackets to be effective, but the treatment is more discreet because your teeth hide it. This makes it a good option for many patients who would like to improve the appearance of their smile but do not want their braces on display to their friends or peers.
What are the Benefits of Lingual Braces?
In addition to being more subtle and less noticeable, there are also several other advantages of getting lingual braces. Lingual braces can help address a wide variety of orthodontic concerns, and we can carefully adjust them for you so you can get the optimal, desired results.
They are also a good choice for patients who play musical instruments, as the braces will not get in the way of the mouthpiece. Many athletes also prefer lingual braces, too, for this same reason. Furthermore, lingual braces can help prevent white spots from developing on the front part of your teeth, which can occasionally happen with traditional dental braces.
What Do I Need to Know about Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are an excellent option for many of our patients, but there are some things that you need to know if you are considering getting them. Just like with traditional braces, you will want to be careful about monitoring your diet, as certain foods can get trapped inside the wires and brackets.
Some patients report that they get minor nicks on their tongue as they get used to their lingual braces, but that goes away quickly. You will need to learn how to talk with the braces in place, but many patients find that they adapt in just a short amount of time to their lingual braces. You will also want to be careful with your oral hygiene, as it can be a little bit tricky to maneuver brushing and flossing when you first get your lingual braces.
Many of our patients are happy to learn that they are good candidates for lingual braces. To learn more about them, or to set up an appointment with us here at First Impressions Orthodontics for Children & Adults, please give us a call today at (203) 292-9595!