Contents: What are they? | How it works? | Pros and Cons | How much cost? | Appointment | FAQs

What are Lingual Braces?

Hidden BracesBraces have long been used to correct misalignment and other defects in one’s smile. These are mainly used to straighten teeth and close gaps. Additionally, it is frequently utilized to treat upper and lower jaw overbite, under bite, lisp and crossbite disorders.

Lingual braces function similarly to conventional braces; the distinction is that the archwire, ligatures, and brackets are put on the inside of the teeth, as opposed to the exterior of the teeth, as with traditional braces. These types of braces are less conspicuous than all the orthodontic devices used in straightening the teeth. Consider our additional Orthodontics for adults at La Habra, CA.

How do they work?

Lingual braces operate similarly to traditional braces, such as Dental braces teens. But most of the parts are placed on the lingual side of the teeth that may create complications for the patient. One frequently encountered problem is limited space between the top and bottom sets of teeth to fit the braces. The brackets are custom-made and prepared by CAD/CAM. Continue reading to learn more about this procedure:

  • Clinical Evaluation – before lingual braces are recommended for your case, one of our expert dentists will perform a detailed examination of your teeth and determine the severity of the alignment. He will also determine the study models and radiographic images of the teeth to develop a customized treatment plan for each patient.
  • Making Impressions of your Teeth – Before an impression is made, we will clean your teeth thoroughly. Following that, we will take 3D impressions of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws using a special scanner.
  • Cast and set-up – From the impressions created, the lab technician will produce a cast and modify it based on the dentist’s instructions to produce a proper treatment for your case. The setup is a physical mock-up of what your teeth will look like when it is perfectly aligned.
  • Fabrication of Treatment Plan The mock-up dimensions are digitized using 3D special software and fed to the computer. A special CAD (Computer Aided Design) will be used to design the brackets specifically for your teeth. Brackets for each tooth are designed separately.
  • Production – Through computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software the brackets are designed via a numerically controlled (NC) milling machine. Robotic bending is used to develop an archwire.
  • The applicator tray– The fabricated brackets are placed into the applicator tray and the stent should fit over the teeth and hold the brackets in its exact alignment for proper bonding. The hardware stent is sent to the dentist. The brackets will be attached during the next visit and will include the following steps:
    • Teeth preparation – The teeth are roughened, thoroughly cleaned to have allowed for proper bonding.
    • Cement application – The cement is applied over the brackets using an applicator tray.
    • Bonding – The applicator tray will be pressed against the teeth and the brackets of the jaw and bonded simultaneously.
    • Removal of the tray – When the cement has cured, your dentist will break away the tray and leave the brackets firmly secured to the teeth. Excess bonding can easily be scraped away.
  • The archwire – The final process involves placing the archwires. Ligatures are not needed for this treatment. The archwire can then be placed. Ligatures are not needed.

Length of treatment

The duration of treatment varies according to the patient’s circumstances, although it is typically between 1 and 3 years. When the realignment is complete, the braces will be removed. You will be fitted with removable or permanent retainers and instructed to wear them for several months to make sure that your bite does not revert to its previous state. Find out how Clear braces adult might also help you achieve a more even smile.

Taking care of Your Lingual Braces

Due to the brackets and wire’s position, it will require careful care. We recommend following the instructions below in taking care of your lingual braces:

  • Maintain proper oral hygiene – Maintaining proper oral hygiene is critical for preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
    • Brush your teeth twice a day or after every meal. Spend two minutes every time your brush your teeth and make sure all the parts of your teeth are cleaned.
    • Use only soft toothbrushes with rounded bristles to clean the gum line and the teeth. Use an interdental brush to clean in between the gaps. You may quickly clean the food particles trapped between the brackets and wires with an oral irrigation device.
    • Daily flossing, preferably after every meal will also go a long way in ensuring excellent oral health.
  • Protecting oral soft tissues – Apply dental wax on the insides of the teeth if the braces are irritating them. Dental wax helps to stop the irritation of the soft tissues.
  • Regular Visits – Children, teens, adolescents, and adults will need to visit at least monthly to your doctor to determine the current state of the treatment. Visit the dentist every six months for oral prophylaxis.
  • Diet Management – Do not eat sticky, chewy, and hard food such as carrots, apples, chewy candy, etc. Sticky and hard foods can dislodge your brackets.

Pros and Cons

Lingual braces have several advantages over other teeth alignment appliances, but they also have several limitations. Here is a brief review of the pros and cons of lingual braces:

Pros

  • Better Aesthetics – The best advantage of lingual braces is that it is near invisible compared to metal, or ceramic braces. Only during a close examination can anyone tell that you have an orthodontic appliance in your teeth.
  • Lingual braces are more invisible than clear plastic aligners because the plastic aligners have that artificial look to them because of their sheen. Find out more: What is invisalign.
  • Lingual braces give the dentist better control over individual teeth movement.

Cons

  • Potential for tongue irritation – Since these are placed on the inside of your teeth, they can often come in contact with the tongue and cause it to be irritated. If the irritation is not treated with dental wax, it will cause pain in the area. Lingual braces can also restrict the movement of the tongue which can affect your speech.
  • Speech problems – Your tongue will need to tough the teeth to produce certain sounds when speaking. With the brackets placed where the tongue used to touch, you may not be able to produce certain sounds properly. This could occur during the first few weeks of the treatment but your mouth will be able to adjust and get used to the treatment over time.
  • Cleaning care – Being on the inside, lingual braces will need special care and maintenance to keep your teeth free of cavities and gum disease.
  • Application is complicated – Since the brackets are behind the teeth, placing it will become a complicated procedure and it demands more time and care. The dental expert who will do the surgery should have had training in this specific dental practice.
  • Getting used to – It takes a lot of time for a patient with lingual braces to get used to having it in their mouth. Learn more about What are Metal Braces?

Lingual braces cost

Health insurance plans do not include braces in their policy especially if the patient is over eighteen; however, supplementary plans are available. The expenses on braces are tax-deductible if it exceeds a certain limit. These are the factors you should look for while considering braces. When purchasing any insurance plan, be sure to inquire about the optimum percentage of coverage and the plan’s lifetime maximum. Although the extent of coverage varies, a standard figure is 50% of coverage or a set $1500 lifetime maximum for each patient. Our benefits coordinator is available and can help you with insurance and provide other payment alternatives. We also have in-house zero-interest financing if your current policy does not cover this treatment.

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How much do Lingual Braces Cost?

Lingual braces will cost between $8,000 to $13,000. They  are a bit more expensive in general than Invisalign aligners or clear braces. Insurance companies may cover up to $1,500 for lingual/hidden braces placed inside the teeth.

Invisible braces – La Habra

Lingual braces offer many of the same advantages and capabilities as conventional braces. It can align teeth, fill gaps, and treat bite problems, but it is not noticeable because it is placed on the back of the teeth. Summit Smiles at La Habra provides lingual braces to our neighbors in California for straighter and healthier teeth without conspicuous metal wires and brackets. Schedule an Appointment at La Habra, California to see if this treatment option is right for you.

Lingual Braces FAQ

Are lingual braces worth it?

Lingual braces are perfect for those who want braces but don’t want them to be noticeable. Because they are linked to the rear surfaces of the teeth, they are less noticeable than traditional braces. Lingual braces are more costly in general than Invisalign aligners and clear braces. As such, you must decide whether such treatment will improve your oral health in the long run. To determine if this procedure is appropriate for you, make an appointment at our Summit Smiles office.

Does dental insurance cover lingual braces?

Yes. Certain dental insurance policies may cover the cost of lingual braces. Ascertain the specifics of your insurance by contacting your dental plan provider. To learn more about lingual braces and their costs with insurance.

Are lingual braces cheaper than Invisalign?

The estimated price of lingual braces is between $8,000 to $13,000. Lingual braces are more expensive than Invisalign treatments. Set an appointment with Dr. Manali Patel, DDS to learn if you are qualified for an Invisalign treatment.

Are lingual braces better than Invisalign?

Lingual braces are secured to the mouth and most patients will find it a more attractive option than Invisalign because they don’t need to remove the aligners which have a tendency to get lost. Although Invisalign aligners can be removed when you eat or brush your teeth, sometimes patients tend to misplace the aligners or forget to put them back. It will be more expensive to get a new set of aligners, and the duration of the duration of the treatment will increase.

Do lingual braces take longer?

Most people wear their lingual braces for one to two years or when the desired results have been achieved. The time required to wear lingual braces is often comparable to that required to wear regular braces.

Are lingual braces more painful?

During the first several weeks, the majority of patients experienced pain in their gums and tongues. Patients who receive this treatment are more likely to endure pain than those who receive metal braces.

Do lingual braces cut your tongue?

Because the brackets and wires are placed on the insides of the teeth, it is more likely to cut your tongue. Use dental wax to prevent this from happening.

Are lingual braces more expensive?

Lingual braces require skill, expertise, and a different method of treatment compared to traditional braces which makes up for its cost.

Lingual Braces Near Me

Selecting a dental specialist who is close to your home, work, or school is vital since it can conserve your time and money. Together with your usual visits, you should anticipate additional therapy or follow-up sessions. Having a dental practice nearby can help alleviate some of the stress. Choose a dentist who has a great reputation for lingual braces and with whom you feel confident.

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