We are proud to be one of the only practices in the area which offers lingual braces, which are braces behind the teeth. With lingual braces behind the teeth instead of in front like traditional braces, a patient can straighten his or her teeth without altering the esthetics of the smile during treatment. Because they are behind the teeth, lingual braces are practically invisible!
Pros of Lingual Braces
Besides being nearly invisible, lingual braces are custom fit for each patient, which can provide an extra level of comfort. They offer many benefits, and like with all things, have a few drawbacks. A few benefits to lingual braces are that they:
are discreet,
not as bulky as traditional braces,
and can treat various complex misalignments.
Cons of Lingual Braces
Some drawbacks to lingual braces are that they:
are not well suited for deep overbites,
can cause a lisp or difficulties with speech,
and as with most braces, can cause discomfort or soreness.
The costs of lingual braces tend to be more because the application process and treatments are customized, delicate, and more time-consuming than traditional braces. Depending on your needs, your treatment time and costs for lingual braces may be more than the treatment time and costs of traditional braces.
The application process for these braces is different than traditional braces. Traditional metal braces are cemented and applied individually, one tooth at a time. Lingual braces are harder to apply because there is less room behind the teeth for the orthodontist to work with. With the harder reach, in order to properly place the brackets, a customized tray is used to cement all the brackets at once.
Maintaining Behind the Teeth Braces
Like with traditional braces, while wearing lingual braces you will want to avoid eating certain foods, including hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. These types of foods can damage brackets and wires and can be tricky to remove and clean away.
More and more patients are asking about lingual braces! We are so excited to be able to provide lingual braces to our patients. Not all orthodontists are trained to apply lingual braces. Brooks Orthodontics offers this treatment in skilled hands! Give us a call today to see if you are a candidate for lingual braces!
Give us a call today (205) 537-3008 to learn more about Lingual Braces!