Who Needs Lingual Braces?

These days, you have more choices than ever when you need to straighten your teeth, and we offer them all here at Duval Orthodontics.

Today, Dr. J.A. Duval and our team are taking a closer look at a lesser-known treatment called lingual braces.

Which orthodontic treatment is best?

All the treatment options work well on a wide range of malocclusion problems, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Overcrowding
• Underbite and overbite
• Gaps
• Jaw misalignment

However, extreme misalignment problems, such as a severe overbite or underbite, may benefit from the rigid structure of traditional braces. 

With the exception of a few complicated cases, most types of orthodontic treatments work equally well, so the choice is yours. 

What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are traditional metal braces that we attach to the backside (the tongue side) of your teeth. This makes them virtually invisible. 

You still have the same brackets and wires that come with traditional braces, but you escape the look of a metallic smile.

Although all orthodontic treatments generate some slight discomfort as they shift your teeth in the right direction, lingual braces tend to cause the highest level of discomfort — at least at first. After the initial adjustment, the sensation subsides and is more in line with other treatments.

Also, the hardware attached to the back of your teeth may interfere with certain sounds you make when you speak. It may take a few months of practice before you can overcome the lisp caused when your tongue touches the backside of your teeth. 

Good candidates for lingual braces

Lingual braces are a good option for anyone who needs braces but wants to hide them. So, whether you’re a self-conscious teen or an adult who wants to keep your appearance professional and attractive, lingual braces offer the advantage of invisibility.

Studies show that lingual braces are just as effective as traditional braces and achieve the same desired results.

Bad candidates for lingual braces

The only condition that’s not well-suited for lingual braces is a deep overbite. In this case, the pressure on the lingual brackets may become too intense and cause the braces to detach from the teeth.

Pros and cons of lingual braces

As with all orthodontic treatments, lingual braces come with some pros and cons that you’ll have to consider before you make a choice.

Pros of lingual braces

• You can’t see them
• They’re customizable
• They fix almost every type of bite problem

Cons of lingual braces

• You may develop a temporary lisp
• Your treatment may last longer
• More uncomfortable than traditional braces at first
• More expensive

It comes down to personal preference. Call our office for an appointment at one of our two convenient locations in Albany and Warner Robins, Georgia. You can also book an appointment with Dr. Duval using our online scheduling tool.