Information on lingual braces- its cost, review and how it is different from standard braces
Lingual braces are custom made fixed braces and a great alternative to have straight teeth and beautiful smile. They are fixed at the back of the teeth and are thus invisible to others. They are formed of two components namely the brackets and arch wires. Bracket is a small metal piece attached to teeth and arch wires connect brackets together.
The brackets are joined onto backside of teeth and cannot be viewed whereas in case in standard braces brackets are in front and thus visible. So, lingual braces are cosmetic alternative to unaesthetic metal look.
Difference between lingual and standard braces –
Lingual braces
- Cemented at back
- Invisible metal work and is cosmetic
- Brackets custom made at back of each tooth so they remain unique in its shape
- Suitable for adults and teens
- Lengthy and difficult adjustment time
- Treatment cost is high
- Less familiar among people, also few orthodontists are trained
Standard braces
- Attached onto front
- Visible metal work
- Mass produces bracket so front teeth shaped uniformly
- Suits everyone
- Less time to adjust
- Cost is relatively low
- Popular among people and orthodontists
Advantages of having lingual braces-
- Correction of bad bite occurring due to misaligned teeth
- Crowding, rotated teeth, gaps are all eliminated improving the teeth’s cosmetic appearance
- Gentle and continuous pressure exerted on teeth taking teeth back to their proper position
Disadvantages –
- Food trapped in brackets and wires are not recognized many a times, so improper dental care can lead to plaque formation
Adjustment time is more
- More costly because customized braces designed using CAD/CAM technology is used, and most often behind the affordability, until backed by financial support from some orthodontic insurance plans or policy providers.
- Difficult to find an experienced orthodontist with the required skills.
However as per the lingual braces review only severe cases require teeth extraction and are avoided in more than 2/3 of the patients. It is not meant for people with very small teeth or with certain bites, children with baby teeth.
Following precautions must be taken-
- Mouth should be rinsed with salt water to overcome initial discomfort
- New swallowing techniques should be adopted
- Soft food should be eaten
- Oral hygiene maintenance
- Regular dental checkup required
|
