Braces are a very common occurrence in the world of dentistry. They are used often to straighten teeth in people of all ages. Straightening teeth is useful for much more than a beautiful smile, they also increase oral health in general. For example, crooked teeth can cause cavities even if your oral routine is perfect. There are various types of braces used, depending on the needs of the patient. The most commonly used braces are those placed on the front of the teeth with metal wires and brackets. However, lingual braces are also an option which is placed on the back of the teeth.
What Are Lingual Braces
If you’re familiar with traditional braces, then you may know that often, when they’re removed, a smile wire type of brace is placed on the back of teeth. This is similar to the way lingual braces work. Instead of being placed on the front of the teeth, they look just like traditional braces, the brackets and wires are just placed on the back of the teeth.
Virtually Invisible
Of course, wires and brackets aren’t exactly clear, however, since they’re placed on the back of the teeth, they’re not easily seen. Traditional braces can be a little bulky and make it obvious a patient has braces based on their puffier looking lips. However, lingual braces eliminate this issue which is another addition to their virtually invisible status.
Used More for Adults
Although lingual braces can be used in younger patients, they’re more common in adults for a few reasons. Being an adult with braces can be embarrassing so the fact that lingual braces are invisible is at the top of the list. However, lingual braces are also useful for older patients because they’re a little easier to get used to than traditional braces. For example, if a high school student plays a wind instrument, lingual braces will provide for a smoother adjustment than traditional braces.
Not Commonly Offered
It may be tricky finding a dental professional that offers lingual braces. Since continuing education classes are needed in order for professionals to offer them, they are often times skipped over. However, they aren’t like trying to find gold, they just may not be as easily available as traditional braces might be.
Take the Same Time as Traditional Braces
Lingual braces are much like traditional braces in the way they are used and straighten the teeth. They don’t expedite the process and take around the same time to go through the process as traditional braces do.
Overall, lingual braces are a great option for those on the fence about getting braces. It can be a tougher choice as an adult, however, with the lingual braces as an option, it should make the decision a bit easier.