Lingual braces – a brief introduction
Discreet straightening of the teeth is the ongoing trend these days. Modern orthodontic dentistry offers a range of options that correct your misaligned teeth in a sure and subtle approach without letting the world have an air about it. One such tried and tested option is lingual fixed braces. This range of dental appliances remains virtually invisible in your mouth. So, whether you are smiling, eating or talking – no one comes to know you are wearing braces on your teeth.
This innovative version of braces is equally ideal for both youngsters and adults. Although it caters to the typical needs of adults more fittingly. It is because of these innovatively designed appliances a lot of adults are anxiously signing up for orthodontic treatments unlike that in the past. So, what are you waiting for? If you want to transform your smile, have your misaligned teeth straightened or want to close the gaps between the teeth. You just feel free to contact us now at the 1A Orthodontics in London.
What exactly are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are a little modification of conventional braces that are meant to correct your misaligned teeth or the jaws. Unlike conventional braces which are fitted to the front surface of your teeth. lingual braces are worn on the back of the teeth. In other words lingual braces are fitted to the surface of your teeth that remains hidden from the view whenever you smile. As such the range of appliances is also called hidden braces. In modern dentistry “lingual orthodontics” is a commonly used term. And the lingual side means the side facing the tongue, so that makes easier understanding what this range of braces actually is. Although lingual braces on your teeth are not seen by others yet the range of appliances is only a variation of fixed metal braces and makes use of wires and brackets.
What is the price of lingual orthodontic braces?
Compared to all other options to straighten the teeth lingual braces are somewhat costlier. This braces system requires specialist equipments and those equipments need to be fitted to your teeth. Moreover those specialist equipments must be custom designed to accurately sit on the unique arches of your mouth. Even at the front end your appointments could be much longer. Considering all these facts and factors it is not unusual for this range of orthodontic appliances to be little costlier than the other alternative options.
If you want to know the exact price of lingual braces for your teeth. It is best to talk to a dentist who provides the treatment. It is relevant to mention in the ongoing context, most private dental surgeries in the United Kingdom offer easy finance options in form of monthly payment schemes for this treatment. As a result straightening the teeth with lingual braces is more affordable than that in the past.
The way lingual braces work
For easier understanding of how the range of orthodontic appliances works let us break it down into simpler steps:
- Step 1
As the first step to the treatment your dentist or orthodontist takes digital scan or physical impressions of your teeth. Based on the scans or the impressions a 3D simulation of your mouth is created. Custom designing the wires and the brackets for a patient’s teeth becomes easier with help of the 3D simulation.
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- Step 2
The customised brackets are glued to the back of the teeth and the highly durable arch wire is threaded through the brackets. The wires of your lingual fixed braces apply a gentle pressure which gradually brings your teeth into correct alignment. This is how your smile undergoes a complete transformation over a period of time.
- Step 3
Your braces require some level of adjustment or the other every six to eight weeks. Your dentist provides this adjustment and this is how your treatment gradually progresses till you achieve the final results.
Can lingual braces affect your normal speech?
When you initially put the range of appliances on your teeth there could be little lisp or whistling sound in your speech. This is nothing to be annoyed for and the problem vanishes away automatically within a week or two. In order to overcome this side effect quickly you must speak as much as you can. The more you speak the sooner your teeth become adjusted to the hidden braces and you resume your normal speech once again.
How painful are lingual braces?
When any orthodontic braces are concerned there is always some initial discomfort and pain associated and lingual braces are no exception. Initially when your teeth start moving into the right positions. You are likely to experience a dull ache and the best way to manage. That is the pain relieving medications that are available over the counter at drugstores. Gradually over the initial couple of weeks the pain and discomfort associated with the braces wither away. According to a dentist who offers lingual braces at reasonable cost in London initially after the braces are fitted to your teeth your tongue is likely to feel little sore. This soreness is more noticeable while you speak or eat. Even this issue will subside on its won in a few days. However you can apply dental wax on the brackets or use pain relief gel for the mouth to overcome the difficulties quickly.
Your dietary restrictions with lingual braces
When you are on lingual braces you must avoid biting on hard and chewy items. Biting on such foods may damage or even break your appliance. So stay safe from hard foods like certain nuts, celeries, boiled sweets, toffee, crusty rolls, crisps and others. It is also important to stop biting on fingernails, ice cubes, pen caps and pencil tips to keep your lingual orthodontic appliances intact and fully functional. Soft foods like soups, mashed vegetables, yoghurt and pasta, etc. are more easily manageable. Even if you have hard foods make sure to cut it into tiny pieces before placing them into the mouth.
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Who are ideal for lingual braces?
According to a dentist who has years of experience in handling patients with braces behind teeth there is no ideal age for lingual braces. You can wear them at any age. However before signing up for the treatment you must have a consultation with your dentist. During the consultation the expert will assess your suitability for the treatment.