The primary benefit of lingual braces due to which they are superior to all other types of braces is the only one and that is, no one can see your braces because they are placed behind the teeth. Due to this, the person have no self-esteem or confidence issue associated with wearing them. You can smile and your natural smile is still seen, even though the braces are firmly attached.
When patients are recommended braces, then metal and ceramic braces are the conventional choices, they have but recently lingual braces and Invisalign come as modern alternatives. Braces are often desirable for different dental issues such as to enhance the appearance of the teeth or to fix the settings and alignment of the teeth. Another misconception about braces is that they are only cosmetic solutions but in actual, they are more than just a cosmetic solution. Braces are necessary for those who have bite problems, crooked teeth or a type of malocclusion.
Lingual braces take the same amount of time to adjust teeth when compared to other forms of braces. Although sometimes it is said that behind the teeth braces i.e. lingual braces takes longer as usual but it’s really depends on the complexity of your case. Though they are considered the most expensive type of braces but as they are least visible and for many people the cost is worth the lack of visible braces.
Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces
Nothing is perfect here! Same is true for lingual braces. Following are some advantages and disadvantages of lingual braces:
Pros of Lingual Braces
Beside of invisibility, about which a lot has already written, lingual braces have many other advantages such as:
- Lingual braces are most suitable for treating different types of bite problems, similarly as a conventional fixed braces but the advantage is that they can’t be seen. As they are placed on the inside, they don’t have to look unpleasant when they get stained or discolored.
- Lingual braces come in various designs. There are many types of bracket systems, a patient can have. Due to this fact, lingual braces manufacturers can come up with many different designs and bracket systems that would be helpful in specific cases. Patient can choose the exact type of bracket system considering the unique nature of the misalignment problem.
- Traditional braces have very unpleasant appearances. They are outright visible while talking and smiling. They can also be quite uncomfortable depending on the design and material used. Patient can get rid of all these problems by having lingual braces.
- The Incognito lingual system is designed in such a way that they fit only your mouth, so the precision in tooth-positioning is very good. Precision in teeth positioning is one of the most important factor.
Cons of Lingual Braces
Following are some problems that the lingual braces bring with like:
- The main problem with lingual braces is hygiene maintenance i.e. they are more difficult to clean as compare to other types of braces. One reason is that they are behind the teeth so it can be difficult to see all the food pieces that could be stuck in the brace. As a result, patient have to invest more time in the daily cleaning to prevent future teeth issues.
- Most of the time, you don’t have choice to get lingual braces as lingual braces aren’t considered the right option for your case. It happens often for severe cases of teeth realignment. There are specific types of teeth straightening, that can be done with these braces.
- Treatment time is more or less same as with a conventional fixed brace but your regular checkup may take a little longer i.e. around half an hour, as opposed to 15 minutes.
- One major issue with lingual braces is the continuous contact of your tongue with braces. As a result, your tongue will get a little sore for a week or two after the upper appliance is fitted. You may experience difficulty while speaking and discomfort but it usually return to normal within 3 weeks.
- Due to the reason of custom made, significant cost difference is there and as a result, patient have to pay more than that of conventional metal or tooth colored braces.
- Adjustments if needed, take longer and the overall cost of these braces is often more. The reason behind is the extended work that is involved to install them and then care for them over time. Much more technique is involved while working with lingual braces so your orthodontist may charge more than normal.
