Straightening Misaligned Teeth Using Lingual Braces

Although braces are meant for both kids and adults, the thought of having adult braces may look embarrassing for some as they are easily noticeable. With lingual braces, you can be able to straighten your teeth, fix the crowdedness and gapped tooth without anyone noticing that you have braces.

Definition and Types

Lingual braces are invisible braces made up of wires and brackets attached at the back of your teeth. They are like traditional braces but require specialized training because fixing the wires needs attention. For this reason, it is only offered by few orthodontists. However, you can get your lingual braces in Houston, TX, at Greater Houston Dental Arts. Lingual braces are an alternative to ceramic braces and traditional braces.

An orthodontist can recommend the following types of lingual braces brands according to your preference. They vary in design and how they are attached and secured at the back of your teeth

• Incognito
• In-Ovation
• IBraces
• Suresmile Lingual QT
• STb Light Lingual System

How Are Lingual Braces Placed?

If you are in Houston, TX, and want to straighten your misaligned tooth, visit our dental clinic and get lingual braces near you. Our dentists will first guide you on the types of options available on braces. Our dental practitioner will first examine your teeth and consider your needs before starting the placement plan.

During this procedure, the orthodontist will first take impressions of your teeth and send them to the lab. The lab experts will manufacture customized brackets that will perfectly fit your teeth. It takes about six weeks for them to be manufactured. On completion, the doctor will install them on your next appointment. Some permanent teeth may be removed if teeth are overcrowded and separators placed between molars.

Before installing them, the dentist will clean, polish, air dry the teeth and apply a nourishing conditioner. He/she will use a strong dental cement to fix the brace at the lingual. Runner bands, arch wires, and hooks will also be used to install each brace to an individual tooth to correct misalignments. Installing braces at the back of the teeth is very discrete, thus less noticeable. To perfectly position the braces, the brackets are placed simultaneously, and a customized tray holds them in position.

This placement procedure only takes an hour. Once they are secured, your gums may feel sore or sensitive for a short period. Dental wax is provided to fix wires or brackets that may cause pain or irritation. Lingual braces are worn for 18-36 months, depending on the condition of the teeth.

How to Take Care of Your Lingual Braces

Good oral hygiene has to be observed when one has any orthodontal appliance. The following tips will prevent plaque deposits that may cause dental infections:

• Use a soft toothbrush to clean the gum line and brush your teeth
• Brush your teeth after every meal for not less than two minutes
• Floss daily using an interproximal brush to remove food debris and plaque between the teeth
• Use fluoride rinse when rinsing to strengthen teeth
• Flush out food debris on the teeth or around the brackets using an oral irrigation device.
• Adhere to the routine dental check-ups
• Avoid habits that give pressure to teeth or foods that require a lot of chewing

Benefits of Lingual Braces

Lingual braces in Houston have grown in popularity, and more patients prefer them to ceramic braces or traditional braces. Its benefits include:

High comfort level

Lingual braces are custom-made to fit every patient’s teeth. The dentist takes a digital impression of your teeth and sends them to a lab to manufacture a set that will have a perfect fit in your mouth, thus enhancing comfortability.

Virtually invisible

Lingual braces are practically invisible to others. They are placed on the back of the teeth, and no one can see or notice them. Since they sit on the tongue side, they can not spoil the front surface of the tooth.

Boosts one’s confidence

Misaligned or gapped teeth can dull your smile, lowering your self-esteem. It can also affect your facial structure and shape. Lingual braces will straighten and align your teeth, giving you a fantastic look.

They are fixed

Unlike Invisalign, there is no replacement now and then. Only check-ups to adjust them are necessary.