What Are Lingual Braces?
There are a whole plethora of braces on the marketplace and you are really going to have to do you homework in order to find the right ones for you. Traditional braces are always an option. They will get the job done. However, most people find their appearance unacceptable, as well as being inconvenient and uncomfortable, painful when getting your wires tightened and just downright unpleasant. They are extremely difficult for those who play woodwind instruments, and can cause mouth injuries to those who participate in contact sports.
A wonderful alternative to traditional braces are lingual braces or ibraces as they are also known. They are just as efficient as traditional braces but without the aesthetic problems. They work to correct even the most difficult orthodontic problems, such as misaligned teeth, underbite, overbite, malocclusion and even crossbite, as well as minor cosmetic corrections. They are suitable for people of all ages and are 100% customized.
While traditional braces are made from metal wires and brackets, they are placed on the front of the tooth. Lingual braces work the same as conventional braces, but they are placed on the back of the teeth. They are made of gold, so nickel allergies will not interfere with your progress. Lingual braces are the same color as your teeth, so they are almost impossible to see.
What Will Happen If I Choose To Wear Them?
The first step after the initial meeting with your orthodontist will be impressions taken from your teeth. He will place a mushy substance into a set and will ask you to bite down for about 30 seconds. No lies from this girl, it is going to taste pretty gnarly, but the “mush” does come in different flavors. The mold will be sent to the lab and a bracket for each individual tooth will be created. They will be placed in wax and situated in an applicator. The Orthodontist will convey each bracket to its appropriate back tooth and it will be cemented to the surface.
There are many advantages to having lingual braces. They are one of the most up to date, state-of-the-art, ultra-modern devices on the planet. In fact, they are “the ONLY 100% customized fixed appliance structure for invisible orthodontic treatment on theUS market.” They have individually constructed brackets and wires which require fewer wire adjustments than conventional braces, and are suitable for most patients. Linguals are specially made for one’s jaw shape as well as each tooth.
Disadvantages Of Lingual Braces
As there are many advantages to wearing Lingual braces, there are several disadvantages you should be made aware of; One, they are expensive. This is because the treatment requires special accreditation and training in order for the Orthodontist to use the Lingual system. It may take a little calling around to find an orthodontist who is familiar with Linguals and is accredited. Also, since the braces are customized, the extra lab fees will be transferred to you.
Some of the problems early on that you may have to deal with are; changing your diet, as sticky and crunchy foods as well as gum are restricted. Your doctor will give you a list of foods you may eat, as well as those that are restricted. Fizzy drinks and some fruit juices can damage your braces. In the beginning, you may have problems catching your tongue on the braces. This will become less of a problem as you get used to wearing them.
Also, food may get trapped in the brackets. Since they are worn on the back, it is difficult to see what remains after brushing. It is imperative that food particles be removed, as tooth decay and periodontal problems may arise. I suggest getting a dental mirror, which will give you a much better view. Also, your orthodontist may require you to have weekly or monthly visits with your dental hygienist to prevent damage from taking place.
Linguals may affect your speech during the first month or so. You might develop a slight lisp. You can practice talking at home and try enunciating each word over and over.
Swallowing may be difficult at first, and you might develop a tongue thrust. This is when you swallow while placing your tongue between your teeth. Practice swallowing at home without the tongue thrust by bringing your upper and lower jaw together so your teeth slightly touch and swallow. Practicing this several times per day will help. Remember all of these things will get better. Try and keep your eye on the big picture, when your braces are removed and you have one dazzling smile.
References:
1. American Association Of Orthodontics
2. American Lingual Orthodontic practice
3. Dr. Laughlin’s Advice