Searching for Invisible Braces?
Lingual Braces May be an Option
As we get older and realize that proactive steps toward correcting our smiles are necessary, utilizing traditional braces may not be the best solution for professional or self-conscious patients. A comparable alternative could be braces on the inside of teeth, which are referred to as lingual braces.
Lingual braces gained popularity during the mid-1970s. They use brackets and wires bonded on the back surface of the teeth. Patients were searching for a less detectable option that would allow them the comforts of daily life, and inside braces fit the bill. Since then, several invisible braces options have become available, but lingual braces have remained a viable choice for some patients.
What are the Lingual Braces Pros and Cons?
Like most things, lingual braces have their benefits and drawbacks.
Pros:
- An invisible alternative
- Overall treatment times are comparable to traditional and self-ligating braces
- Allow patients to feel more confident throughout their treatment
Cons:
- Patients may develop a speech impediment (or a lisp)
- Increased expense due to treatment complexities
- Similar to metal braces on the inside cheek area, lingual braces irritate the tongue and produce manageable discomforts
What’s the Comparison Between Invisalign vs Lingual Braces?
Both Invisalign® and lingual braces are options for those seeking invisible braces, also called clear braces.
Thus far we have highlighted the benefits, features and potential drawbacks of lingual braces, so we will discuss the similar aspects of Invisalign.
Invisalign has become a very popular treatment modality for those desiring straighter teeth. These clear aligners are removable trays free of BPA and other harmful chemicals. They are also approved by the FDA. These clear aligners can, in some cases, offer a shorter treatment cycle than lingual braces, which means fewer trips to the orthodontist. A complimentary consultation with Burke and Redford Orthodontists can help you decide which option will work best.
How Popular are Braces with Teens and Adults?
Whether you are seeking invisible braces for a teen or invisible braces for an adult, lingual braces may or may not be a viable alternative to Invisalign. Scheduling a Free Consultation with Burke & Redford Orthodontists in Temecula or Lake Elsinore will help determine the correct type of braces for each patient. It has been estimated that approximately four million patients across the U.S. have invisible braces, with adults accounting for 25% of these statistics.
LINGUAL BRACES BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES
The numbers have risen considerably in years past as patients have sought to correct; crooked teeth, overbite, and an underbite. Such conditions can contribute to headaches, gum and bone erosion, as well as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ / TMD). When it comes to healthy teeth and having a beautiful smile with teeth straightened, age is nothing more than just a number for adults who enjoy wearing clear or invisible braces today.
Is Having Straight Teeth Important?
Absolutely! Have straight teeth is extremely important. Let’s evaluate this point from both medical and aesthetic perspectives.
Medically speaking, straight teeth prevent food particles from getting stuck between the teeth. This can significantly reduce gum inflammation. Gum inflammation is correlated with gum disease, tooth loss and heart disease. Having well-aligned teeth and a correct bite (occlusion) also allows for more efficient chewing of food--the critical, first step in proper digestion.
Aesthetically, using lingual braces as a teeth straightening mechanism builds confidence in patients. People who are confident smile more. Smiling more increases likeability (as people will naturally assume a great smile equates to happiness), which can ultimately lead to increased opportunities (like landing a dream job). Have doubts? Smile a little more and see how things begin to change. You’re bound to be pleasantly surprised!
Is There Anything Else I Should Know About Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are a great teeth straightening solution, and they move teeth via upper and lower arch wires that connect to the braces. The maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) archwires connected to the lingual braces gradually shift teeth into alignment, per the unique treatment plan created by the either doctor in the Temecula or Lake Elsinore office. Patients should avoid gum, candy, and anything hard that might break the braces. Floss and brush teeth regularly and rinse your mouth out with water after every meal.
To reduce a potential speech impediment, patients can practice various verbal exercises like reading to themselves aloud. Most patients have reported regular speech patterns in just a few days but should not be alarmed if normal speaking activities extend beyond a week.
Lingual Braces Near You - Temecula and Lake Elsinore Offices
With over four million Americans on the road to a new smile, why wait any longer? Lingual braces are a great way of drastically improving a smile, in a way that maintains a patient’s confidence, while being discrete.
Trust your journey to orthodontists who have your best interest at heart and specialize in providing patients with a personalized treatment plan designed to address their individual needs. Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Burke and Dr. Redford are readily available to answer questions and offer a facility led by state-of-the-art devices.
How Much Do Lingual Braces Cost?
The cost of lingual braces is typically more expensive than traditional braces or Invisalign for several reasons.
- Placing the braces on the back of the teeth can present a challenge for the orthodontist during the treatment process.
- Brackets are custom made and rely on advanced technology to offer a more customized solution for each patient.
- On average, dental appointments are about 15-to-20 minutes longer than traditional braces.
Since each patient is unique, the actual cost is different based on the type of braces recommended by the doctors. Contact the office of Burke & Redford Orthodontists for a complimentary, no obligation consultation at (951) 699-8011 and our team will be happy to prepare a customized, invisible solution for you. Choose the Temecula or Lake Elsinore for your free consultation, or fill out the Schedule a Consultation form on our website anytime. We will schedule a time that works with your schedule to discuss how invisible braces and lingual braces can work best for you.