Aligning your teeth can be very daunting, especially when you know that the most common solution requires patience. Braces, can not only be painful at times, but they are also very visible and virtually impossible to hide from others.
However, there is another solution to that where you can have your teeth straightened directly.
Lingual braces are like your ordinary (outside) braces but are placed behind your teeth. This means that the wires, brackets, and elastic bands that realign your teeth are placed on the “inside”.
So what are the pros and cons of receiving lingual braces compared to regular metal braces placed on the outside of the teeth? Here are some points that you might want to consider before visiting a dentist near you.
Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces
Pros:
1. They are ‘invisible’
As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest advantages of lingual braces is that they are situated on the inside. They are technically non-visible to others. This can help bring you that confidence and self-esteem slowly as your teeth realign themselves.
2. Highly effective treatment
Lingual braces are considered to be more effective than clear aligners. Since this type of orthodontic treatment is bonded to your teeth, there is constant pressure on them. This means they are shifting correctively towards proper alignment making this highly effective.
3. Shorter treatment period
Lingual braces are always working, this also means that it shortens the treatment period compared to traditional braces placed on the outside of your teeth. Studies show that lingual braces shorten the realignment process to fifteen (15) months from the usual twenty (20) months associated with ordinary braces.
Cons:
1. Placing and adjusting them takes longer
Lingual braces can mean more chair time at the dentist than your ordinary braces since these are placed at the back of your teeth. This is not an easy process and it requires thorough and precise work.
Aside from that, it may also take longer to have them adjusted or cleaned. But if you look on the bright side, it’s just these processes that take long. Still, lingual braces realign your teeth faster.
2. It can be very uncomfortable in the beginning
Patients often complain about discomfort with lingual braces. Since they are at the back of the teeth, they often come in contact with the tongue.
3. We might need a special diet
Lingual braces cannot be removed. This means that there are some foods that you cannot eat so as not to bring more discomfort or damage to your braces.
4. Costs more
Out of all the disadvantages of lingual braces, their cost might be the first thing that concerns you. This treatment costs around $3,000 – $5,000 more than ordinary braces.
Lingual Braces and Lisps
Most people are wondering if lingual braces can cause lisps and the answer is yes.
Normally, the tongue touches the back of our teeth when we speak. Since lingual braces are there, your speech will be affected. It will take some time to adjust to this but things will improve when you do acclimate.
Lingual Braces in La Crête
There sure are a lot of things to consider when you decide to acquire lingual braces. If you’re still thinking twice about acquiring them, consult a dentist in La Crête and ask for their opinion.
You can visit different clinics and inquire about prices since this is also one main factor you need to consider before you receive your lingual braces. Once you’ve decided, make sure to schedule your appointment with a dentist near you.