With the advancement in dental technology, there are several types of orthodontic treatment options that are available in the market today. These are used to correct various oral concerns such as bad bites, crooked teeth, crowding, and more. Most of the common types of braces that are used today are traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces. In this blog, we will explain in detail the various pros and cons of lingual braces, to help you make an informed decision in the future.
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic treatment option which is similar to the traditional metal braces, but they are fixed at the back or the lingual side of the teeth.
In this blog, we've listed down the pros and cons of lingual braces. Have a look:
Advantages of Lingual Braces:
1] Invisible: The biggest advantage of lingual braces over traditional metal ones is that these braces are almost invisible. Since they are fixed at the back of the teeth, one cannot see the brackets and wires unless you open your mouth wide.
2] Used To Correct Most Malocclusion: Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth & it can be of several types. Most of these concerns can be treated effectively with the use of lingual braces. These braces are ideal to straighten the smile and fix issues such as bad bites, overcrowding, and more.
3] Custom Designed: Lingual Braces are custom designed for each individual to offer maximum comfort. These customized brackets will also result in fewer problems related to speech and chewing food.
Disadvantages of Lingual Braces:
1] Expensive: Lingual Braces are more expensive than the traditional metal ones especially if the braces are custom-made. Not only this but these braces are also more expensive than other types of invisible ones. A specially trained orthodontist is required to apply these braces, which may again affect the cost of the same.
2] Difficulty in Cleaning: One may need to work a bit more in order to maintain absolute oral hygiene with lingual braces. There might be some discomfort in the beginning and food residues may get stuck between the brackets of the braces. Thus, it becomes extremely important to take extra measures for your oral health whilst wearing braces. The use of an electric toothbrush and water flosser® may help in providing a painless, hassle-free, and thorough cleaning of the mouth.
3] Temporary Effect on Speech: Wearing braces may temporarily affect one's speech. However, this shouldn't last for more than a few days. Since the lingual braces are fixed at the back of the teeth and affect how the tongue touches the teeth, a person may develop a temporary lisp.
Consult your dental professional regarding the type of orthodontic appliance that will best fit your teeth and gums. It is essential to properly maintain your teeth whilst wearing your appliance, in order to achieve good oral health. It is best advised to use an electric toothbrush and a water flosser® to thoroughly clean every corner of the mouth.
