What are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces, also known as hidden invisible braces, are bonded to the inside surfaces of your teeth that faces the tongue and are virtually invisible. They are custom made to your individual teeth using 3D cad/cam advanced technology. Your orthodontist takes an accurate impression or digital scan of your teeth, which is then used to create customised wires and brackets that will perfectly fit along the line of your teeth and help to gradually move them into the desired positions.
As with all orthodontic appliances, lingual braces have their pros and cons.
Advantages
Lingual braces are completely hidden and non-visible. This can be of particular importance to those who are in a people-oriented job such as teachers and can improve your confidence whilst having your teeth straightened.
Lingual braces are also far more efficient than clear aligners for complex tooth movements like correcting rotations, changing the vertical positions of teeth, and closing the spaces after extractions. They allow the orthodontist more control over tooth movement and unlike when removable aligners are worn (or, more importantly, not worm), the issue of patient compliance is never a problem.
Additionally, when wearing braces, discoloration (white spots) may occur sometimes if the oral hygiene is not ideal. With lingual braces, any discoloration that may occur will be on the inside of the teeth where it is not visible.
Disadvantages
The lingual braces can be difficult to get used to and wear. In general, most patients suffer with some discomfort in the beginning as the tongue gets used to the braces.
You may also experience some difficulty with your speech, which could take from a few hours to even couple of weeks to adapt.
Wearing lingual braces will also make brushing and flossing of your teeth more difficult and time consuming.
Patient selection is also very important, as lingual braces are not suitable for all orthodontic problems.
Treatment with lingual braces usually costs about twice as much as conventional ones. This is mainly due to the fact that the lingual braces and wires are entirely custom-made in a dental laboratory, requiring specialised 3D cad/cam and robotic wire bending technology. Treatment with lingual braces also requires more frequent appointments and much longer adjustment appointments than conventional "outside" braces.
Watch the video below to see how the Incognito™ Hidden braces work.
Dr. Kostas is a certified Incognito™ provider and offers the option of lingual braces to his patients. The only way to assess your suitability for lingual braces and get an accurate quote for the cost of treatment is to arrange an initial consultation with us so that we can closely assess your needs, concerns and treatment expectations.
