Every person desires a beautiful and symmetrical smile that brings confidence in any type of social situation. However, not everyone has a perfect smile, and most people suffer from some form of teeth misalignment issues. Many individuals hesitate to undergo orthodontic treatment due to the appearance of traditional metal braces for the teeth. Fortunately, there is a discreet alternative in the form of lingual braces that combines aesthetics with an efficient form of treatment. In this article, we are going to look at what are lingual braces, exploring their purpose, advantages, cost, and effectiveness.
What are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces, also known as incognito braces, represent a specialised orthodontic treatment method involving the use of brackets and archwires to correct teeth misalignment issues. Their defining feature lies in their application where they are fitted on the inner surface of the teeth, making them practically invisible to the public eye. Every set of lingual braces for the teeth is custom designed to fit the unique contours of an individual’s teeth, ensuring precise adjustments and proper treatment results.
Applications of Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are used for various purposes in orthodontic treatment, addressing a wide range of misalignment issues which include:
- Irregular Teeth Positioning: Lingual braces are used to effectively straighten teeth misalignments, close gaps between teeth, and solve issues related to rotation and overlapping of the teeth.
- Overbites and Underbites: By realigning the upper and lower jaws, lingual braces can correct malocclusions such as overbites, underbites, and open bites, improving the overall bite functionality and placement.
- Aesthetic Appearance: For those who desire to maintain a natural appearance during their entire treatment process, lingual braces provide a discreet option that remains hidden from the public eye which is similar to invisible aligners.
Advantages of Lingual Braces
- Discreet Option: The most important advantage of lingual braces lies in their near invisibility from the public eye. Since the brackets and archwires are fitted to the inner surfaces of the teeth, they remain hidden when smiling or having a conversation, just like invisible aligners.
- Customization: Lingual braces are custom-made to fit each individual’s teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit superior to that of traditional braces. This customised approach enhances the overall treatment experience.
- Better Results: Lingual braces give highly effective results, compared to those achieved with traditional braces, in correcting various dental misalignment issues.
- Speech Enhancement: In some cases, lingual braces enable patients to adjust more swiftly to speaking normally, as the tongue remains in its natural position during the whole treatment process.
Cost of Lingual Braces
The cost of lingual braces varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the orthodontic case, your location, and the orthodontist’s experience. Generally, lingual braces tend to be more expensive than their traditional counterparts due to the advanced customisation and additional expertise involved. To obtain a personalised cost estimate, consulting your nearby orthodontist is recommended.
Effectiveness of Lingual Braces
Lingual braces have proven highly effective in achieving desired orthodontic outcomes. By exerting consistent and controlled forces on the teeth, they gradually move them to their desired positions. The success of lingual braces depends significantly on the patient’s commitment to proper oral hygiene and regular follow-up appointments with the orthodontist.
Lingual braces offer an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces for the teeth for individuals seeking orthodontic treatment. Through discreet placement and customised fit, lingual braces provide an effective means of straightening teeth and correcting various dental misalignments. Although they may involve a higher cost than traditional braces, the enhanced aesthetics and successful treatment outcomes make lingual braces an enticing choice.
