Lingual braces – an introduction
In the last few years or so, orthodontists across the world seem to have a renewed interest in lingual braces. Orthodontic dentistry as a whole has evolved a lot which is evident from the introduction of customised lingual braces systems to the market. This range of appliances is quite popular in the market; it is important to mention that traditional systems are fast adapting to digital platforms to remain in sync with the ongoing digital age. In this changed circumstance the question that everyone is obviously asking is – what are lingual braces?
Differences between lingual braces and traditional braces
Orthodontic or dental braces have a crucial role to play in improving oral health by sorting out problems of crooked and crowded teeth. When the teeth align properly into their ideal position the smile of any individual obviously becomes beautiful. Conventional braces systems in their current version involve metal brackets made of stainless steel and elastic ties that remain attached to each tooth. This basic structure is connected by rubber bands or ligatures which actually exert the necessary pressure on the tooth to shift those into correct position.
But this system is not aesthetically much appealing. Clear braces that come in the colour of the teeth and lingual braces are much better options for people who prioritise aesthetics of their orthodontic appliances more than anything else. Lingual braces unlike any other category of teeth straightening appliances are the braces that are placed behind your teeth and are thus much less visible compared to the other options.
The word ‘lingual’ has a specific meaning which is “on the same side as facing the tongue”. In easier words you can say lingual braces are just like your traditional braces apart from one striking difference – the arch wires and the brackets in this system are placed on the back of the teeth and those remain out of the line of vision. This range of dental appliances is truly invisible in nature as the braces are worn at the back of the teeth and not in the front as conventional fixed braces and is indeed a great aesthetic alternative for conventional metal braces.
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Because of better aesthetics lingual braces are a great choice for both teenagers and adults alike. Even when technicalities of the treatment are involved the range of appliances proves efficient achieving certain movements in the teeth unlike both conventional braces and clear aligner trays. It is important to mention in this context that dentists and orthodontists all over the world rely on lingual braces to open up a deep overbite which is same for a patient who suffers from spacing.
For patients who are interested in aesthetically appealing orthodontic treatment options, lingual braces offer an excellent treatment option. Lingual braces do not include the typical challenges that clear aligners bring up. Much unlike conventional braces, the lingual ones remain hidden from view and thus you can continue with your orthodontic treatment discreetly mentions an orthodontic expert who handles cases of lingual braces in Birmingham over the years. In addition to all the facts and factors mentioned above the range of dental appliances proves impressively efficient in correcting the misalignment of the teeth as well as the bite.
More about lingual orthodontic appliances
As far as lingual braces are concerned, the bracket system bonds on the lingual surface of the teeth and the choices in the bracket system are steadily expanding. Thanks to the evolution of the CAD CAM technologies not it is not only possible but also easier for clinicians to plan the positioning of the brackets digitally with much higher levels of precision as compared to the past when manual intervention was the only way out.
A section of lingual braces systems uses straight wires; whereas a different section of these braces systems makes use of customised robotic bent wires. But both the varieties of braces systems are worn on the lingual side of the teeth or behind the teeth and offer genuinely invisible orthodontics to patients. The overwhelming majority of patients who sign up for lingual braces are teenagers and adults who are interested in invisible orthodontics and do not want to be on clear aligner systems like Invisalign.
Your options in lingual braces
As of now there are broadly two types of lingual braces available in the market – stock brackets and customised brackets. The stock brackets are placed on the models of the teeth inside a dental lab or a practice and then it is transferred into the mouth of a patient. On the other hand customised lingual brackets are digitally fabricated and this is completely based on treatment simulation.
These custom built brackets are built based on the form and the shape of an individual and the most popular example of this variety of appliances is Incognito. It is important to mention that every lingual braces system has its own biomechanical advantages as well as disadvantages in correcting the positioning of the teeth.
A quick look at the table below will help making things clearer –
| Conventional braces | Lingual braces or truly invisible braces
|
Clear aligner system or Invisalign
|
| Children and teenagers | Adults and teenagers | Patients of all age groups |
| Compliance is never a factor | There is no need to wear the aligner trays | Easily removable whenever the need be |
| Aesthetically not appealing though efficient in moving the teeth into correct alignment | Aesthetically appealing and also efficient in moving the teeth | Aesthetically appealing but has limited efficiency in moving the teeth into correct position |
| Can solve complicated cases of teeth misalignment | No attachments are required | Maintaining sound oral hygiene throughout the course of the treatment is easier |
Benefits that lingual braces offer
- Lingual braces are placed on the lingual side of the teeth and thus the appliances remain really invisible inside the mouth of a patient. it is relevant to mention in this context that conventional braces are highly prominent whereas clear aligner trays are partially invisible. Clear aligners make use of tiny attachments or anchors which when placed on the teeth at the front of the mouth become easily visible explains an orthodontic expert who charges reasonable cost for lingual braces in London at 1A Orthodontics London.
- Lingual braces are fitted to the back of the teeth and remain fixed similar to conventional braces. so, unlike clear aligners there is no need for you to worry about storing, removing or cleaning of your lingual braces.
