Lingual braces differ from traditional fixed braces by being fitted to the inside of your teeth for a more hidden teeth straightening treatment. Nevertheless their design still includes small metal brackets and arch wires, so they can provide as good results as traditional braces.
How Lingual Braces Straighten Teeth
While bonded to the back of your teeth, lingual braces will apply a continuous pressure that straightens your teeth in a way that is both gradual and gentle. When your treatment is complete, your teeth should look properly set and aligned.
While lingual braces work the same way as traditional braces, they are different in design. Your brackets will be custom-made to fit the individual shape of each tooth with dental problems. Lingual braces are also fitted to the back of the teeth, allowing them to be virtually invisible to others when you talk or smile.
What to Expect While Wearing Lingual Braces
Due to lingual braces being fixed behind your teeth, you may feel slight discomfort for longer compared to other treatment options. However, after this initial discomfort they should be fine.
When wearing fixed braces, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, as well as keeping your braces cared for. It is very easy for food to become trapped in your teeth straightening appliance, so try to avoid sticky, sugary and hard foods and remember that brushing your teeth after meals is essential.
If you enjoy playing contact sports or any sports with risk of injuring your teeth, we advise players wearing braces to protect themselves using a mouth guard. This includes cycling, skateboarding, rugby, hockey, etc. If you instead enjoy playing an instrument, there may be an initial phase where your lingual brace treatment can make this tricky, but it will become easier once you adjust to your braces.
To ensure your teeth straightening treatment is most effective, we encourage you to attend all of your dental check-up appointments. This allows your treatment progress to be monitored, your teeth to be looked after during treatment and keeps you on track for great results on completion.
Booking a Teeth Straightening Treatment Consultation
At Dulwich Orthodontics we offer a wide selection of teeth straightening appliances, catering to different people and their orthodontic problems. If you are looking for fixed braces but with a hidden look, consider lingual braces. You can book a consultation with our team, who will happily discuss with you what the treatment entails, if you qualify for it and advise you on your next steps.
To get in touch, please complete our online enquiry form or call us on 020 8265 9797.