Adults account for one-quarter of all orthodontic patients. Other individuals should get their teeth repaired but don’t because they are ashamed to wear braces. If you fall into this category of folks, lingual braces may be perfect for you.
Lingual braces are a form of brace that is not visible. Clear aligners, plastic or ceramic braces, and other invisible orthodontic products are available on the market. On the other hand, lingual braces are attached to the rear, or lingual, side of your teeth.
What are Some Advantages of Lingual Braces?
Invisibility. Braces’ components — brackets, wires, and elastic bands — are all attached to the back of your teeth. So unless you open your lips wide, no one can see them.
Potentially less discomfort. Studies disagree on this point, although lingual braces appear to be the most effective. Any form of braces will cause some discomfort in your mouth initially. The biggest complaint of those who use braces is pain and discomfort. Your soreness, though, will pass. In the meanwhile, your orthodontist may advise you to use orthodontic wax, over-the-counter pain relievers, and eat cold meals.
Fewer lifestyle modifications. Wearing braces of any kind will cause some adjustments initially. You may need to start with soft meals and learn how to clean your braces, among other things. However, lingual braces may need fewer lifestyle modifications than traditional labial braces. For example, if you wear labial braces and play the flute or saxophone, you may need to change your technique and clean your instrument more frequently. Wearers of labial braces may take longer to resume playing the trumpet or French horn. Because lingual braces are placed on the back of your teeth, you do not need to adjust your mouth or lip positions when playing the woodwind or brass instruments.
Customisable designs. Orthodontists can use computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies to customise lingual braces. Investigations by experts show that individuals who used personalised lingual brackets had fewer speaking and chewing issues than those who wore manufactured brackets. However, those who used prefabricated brackets also experienced higher tongue discomfort and pressure ulcers.
What are the Disadvantages of Lingual Braces?
Problems with orthodontic training. Lingual braces need entirely different approaches than labial braces. However, many orthodontic schools do not provide practical training in lingual equipment. As a result, you may have difficulty locating an orthodontist qualified to use them.
Impacted speech. Wearing braces, whether labial or lingual, will initially impair your speech. However, some studies suggest that wearing lingual braces may cause you greater difficulty speaking. For example, a study discovered that people who wore lingual braces had trouble even after a month. Nonetheless, speech problems gradually fade away with time.
Cost. Lingual braces are typically more expensive than labial braces, especially if they are custom-made. While prices vary depending on the orthodontist, region, and amount of work involved, premade lingual braces may cost twice as much as labial braces.