Lingual braces; a guide from our orthodontist

Many adult patients who have misaligned teeth have heard of the world-famous aligner Invisalign, which is the perfect tool if you have a mild to moderate case of dental misalignment.  But what if you are one of those adults who has more complex orthodontic needs and would also prefer not to have to wear metal braces on the front of your teeth? Is there a way that you can get your teeth straightened without drawing unwanted attention to any procedures?

Yes, there is and they are called lingual braces!

At Katz and Madhok Orthodontics, our orthodontist in Edgware has expertise surrounding all areas of orthodontic care, including the fitting and maintenance of lingual braces which are perfect for those who need a bit more help straightening their teeth than would be achievable with an invisible or clear aligner.

In the following guide, our orthodontist in Edgware introduces you to lingual braces and hopefully answers any questions you may have about this orthodontic tool.

What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are a kind of brace that is fitted to the teeth and is made from metal and gold.

Unlike traditional braces, this option is affixed to the back of your teeth rather than the front and so, it is more visually discreet, but it will require a specialist in this area of orthodontic care to fit it and our orthodontist in Edgware is qualified to do so.

Caring for them

But of course, being affixed to the back of a tooth rather than the front creates its own set of unique problems.

For instance, it is wise to invest in interdental brushes when you are wearing lingual braces as the chance of food getting stuck underneath them is as high as it would be for standard braces. The awkwardness of the position of the brackets means you will have to be more diligent in your hygiene regime.

We may even advise you to see our hygienist to ensure that your oral hygiene is maintained whilst you wear a lingual brace.

Tightening

As this brace is fitted, it will require you to attend tightening and adjustment sessions which will take place every 6 to 8 weeks depending on your clinical needs.

To mitigate any discomfort that is associated with the adjusting of the brace, our team recommends taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

If you find that you are in excessive discomfort following a tightening or adjustment session, then please contact our team and we will aim to mitigate this.

Length of treatment

As it is a fitted brace, the length of treatment is likely to be slightly longer than it would be if it was a clear or invisible aligner. For most people undertaking lingual braces, they may be worn for up to 36 months.

Retainers

Once this treatment is completed, you will need to wear a retainer. This is more important when you have undertaken excessive movement of your teeth which usually occurs with fitted braces. The retainer will prevent your teeth from moving back into their former positions and will keep your smile straighter. So keep your retainer in!