Are Lingual Braces Truly Invisible?
Adults looking forward to having straighter teeth along with better self-confidence that can be provided by an attractive smile can find several options for the treatment. Many people have heard about metal braces and clear aligners that are removable and virtually invisible. However, there is another option which many people have not heard about and it is lingual braces.
As an orthodontic appliance lingual braces are the most inconspicuous among different varieties available on the market. These braces will not be visible at all because they are attached to the back of the teeth making them totally invisible even to the wearer.
What Is the Difference between Traditional and Lingual Braces?
The brackets from conventional braces are attached to the front of the teeth and held by wire in place. They may look unsightly but are the most effective option for treating malocclusions. Lingual braces are similar to conventional braces but are attached to the back of the teeth to provide similar effects as conventional braces. The reality is that lingual braces are hidden away inside the mouth to keep them out of sight even from the wearer or any other people who may observe him or her. There is no such thing as invisible lingual braces or any other orthodontic appliance because even clear aligners are visible to the cautious eye. However, they are a good solution for people that do not want to be embarrassed by displaying metal braces in their mouths.
If you are considering lingual braces to have straighter teeth and believe this is truly an invisible option you may want to look at invisible braces before and after pictures from the orthodontist treating you. The pictures you see will make you believe that these braces are truly invisible because they will not be visible in the mouth of the wearer. They will, however, be present at the back of the teeth and only a careful examination with dental tools will reveal the presence of lingual braces in the mouths. Therefore you will need professional help from an orthodontist to view lingual braces in the mouth of any patient including yours if you decide to have them.
What Are the Benefits and Downsides of Lingual Braces?
Every medical procedure has certain benefits and downsides and the different types of orthodontic treatments are also similar. Choosing the type of orthodontic appliance best suited for your needs will depend on different considerations that you may have. Lingual braces have been accepted by people for various reasons. People with dental veneers believed their placements could be damaged by conventional braces and therefore chose this variety over the conventional variety. Many people did not like the thought of removing clear aligners with their fingers worrying about germs. However one can also come across patients that were fearful of injuries when they had conventional braces on their teeth and therefore preferred the lingual variety to prevent mouth injuries.
Benefits
Lingual braces can disappoint users in the initial stages because of the discomfort it causes but patients begin to experience comfort within 48 hours and start feeling better the first two days. Perhaps the biggest benefit is the results that are visible to the wearer and the excitement it causes because the patient can look in the mirror and observe the progress much before their braces are removed by the orthodontist.
Downsides
One downside of lingual braces is the higher cost that is associated with these appliances. If conventional braces cost between $ 3000-$ 5000 and clear aligners are between $ 3000-$ 8000 lingual braces will cost approximately 15 to 35 percent higher making them a significant investment to improve problems with the teeth.
Lingual braces are difficult to get accustomed to because they can initially affect speech and tongue comfort. People are advised to discuss with orthodontist offering lingual braces in Houston to understand what can be expected with this orthodontic appliance.
You also need to wear a retainer after the lingual braces are removed to keep your teeth in their new improved positions. It is also essential for you to get the lingual braces from a specialist who has received training in this technique for which lingual braces in Houston can be considered as your best option.