There are a lot of dental treatments available to both children and adults nowadays. Orthodontists are much more transparent when it comes to their practices and they are increasingly becoming more skilled because of modern technology. While most of people’s questions can now be answered by reputable dental blogs, it is still a must to schedule regular dental check-ups to know whether your pearly whites are still at their best.
Some of the most common orthodontic treatments are traditional metal braces and clear aligners. The aim of these treatments is to correctly position the teeth and straighten them so you can smile your brightest.
There are many types of braces that can address misaligned and crooked teeth but lingual braces are less popular. Here are some of the things you need to know about lingual braces:
1. What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces have the same function as traditional metal braces, however, it is sometimes called ‘hidden braces’ or ‘incognito braces’ because unlike the traditional braces, lingual braces are placed at the back of the teeth, making it invisible.
People who speak publicly and those who need to correct teeth problems but don’t want to feel awkward when smiling opt for lingual braces. Just like traditional braces, lingual braces will also take about the same amount of time to correct dental problems. While lingual braces are hidden compared to traditional braces, same care and restrictions must be considered, because after all, they’re still braces.
2. Pros and Cons of lingual braces
If you are considering having lingual braces to correct misaligned teeth or overbites, here are its pros and cons.
PROS
- Since lingual braces are hidden, it feels much more comfortable, especially for people who play wind instruments. Also, it will not cause discomfort while playing a sport.
- There are a few advantages when using lingual braces. One is, you don’t need to worry about losing them and the other is not having the need to replace them after a week or two.
- Just like clear aligners and traditional braces, lingual braces can have complex movements such as correcting rotations, closing extraction spaces, or changing the height of your teeth.
- Discoloration or white spots on the teeth will not be visible because they occur at the back of the teeth.
CONS
- Because the positioning of lingual braces is near the tongue it can be more difficult to get used to it than traditional braces
- Because the cost of the brace itself is usually higher, lingual braces are usually more expensive than traditional braces and clear aligners. If the brackets are custom made, it will make the cost of the treatment surge.
- Lingual orthodontists who specialize in lingual braces are sometimes hard to find because the procedure requires additional training and certification for the orthodontist.
- Just like traditional braces, eating certain types of food is not advisable. Anything hard, chewy and crusty or food that could dislodge one of your brackets must be avoided.
- Patients with lingual braces might experience a temporary change in speech for 2 to 3 weeks.
3. How much are lingual braces?
You might find lingual braces more expensive than traditional braces and clear aligners. It has a price range of $8,000 to $10,000. In addition, the price can be altered depending on the condition of the patient’s teeth.
It is always advisable to consult your orthodontist before making the decision and choosing lingual braces. There are other options when it comes to treating your dental problems and it’s just a matter of listing down the benefits and the costs associated with the treatment.
