Lingual Braces

Are Lingual Braces Right for You?

While lingual braces offer numerous benefits, they aren’t necessarily the ideal solution for everyone. Several factors should be considered when determining if this orthodontic option suits your specific situation.

Ideal Candidates

Lingual braces work well for most patients, but they’re particularly beneficial for:

• Adults and teens who want invisible orthodontic treatment
• Patients with complex orthodontic needs that clear aligners can’t address
• Musicians who play wind instruments
• Athletes participating in contact sports
• Individuals with certain allergies to plastic aligners

During your consultation at Esteem Dental, we thoroughly evaluate your dental structure, orthodontic needs, and lifestyle factors to determine if lingual braces will be effective for your specific case.

Adjustment Period

The adjustment to wearing lingual braces typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Because they’re positioned behind your teeth, they may initially affect your speech and cause some tongue irritation. 

However, most patients adapt quickly, and any discomfort diminishes as you become accustomed to them. Our team provides detailed guidance on managing any initial discomfort and practical tips for adjusting to your new braces.

Treatment Process at Esteem Dental

Our approach to lingual braces treatment focuses on customization and precision, ensuring optimal results while maintaining your comfort throughout the process.

Consultation and Planning

During your consultation, we will help you with the following: 

• Examine your teeth and jaw structure
• Take digital impressions and X-rays
• Discuss your treatment goals and concerns
• Create a customized treatment plan
• Review financing options and insurance coverage

This thorough planning phase allows us to create truly customized lingual braces that fit your teeth perfectly and address your specific orthodontic needs.

Custom Fabrication

Lingual braces require more customization than traditional braces. After your consultation, we:

• Create precise digital models of your teeth
• Design custom brackets for each tooth
• Fabricate the brackets and wires specifically for your mouth

This customization ensures maximum comfort and treatment efficiency, though it may require slightly longer preparation time than conventional braces.

Regular Adjustments

Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit our office approximately every 6-8 weeks for adjustments. During these appointments, we:

• Check your progress
• Make necessary adjustments to the wires
• Address any concerns or discomfort
• Provide guidance on oral hygiene

Our team works diligently to ensure these adjustment appointments are efficient and comfortable, minimizing any disruption to your schedule.

Caring for Your Lingual Braces

Maintaining good oral hygiene with lingual braces requires some special techniques, but our team provides detailed instructions and tools to help you keep your teeth and braces clean.

Daily care typically involves:

• Using specialized floss threaders and interdental brushes
• Rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash
• Possibly using a water flosser for thorough cleaning
• Regular brushing after meals

We may also recommend avoiding certain foods that could damage your braces or make cleaning difficult.

Lingual Braces vs. Other Orthodontic Options

When considering orthodontic treatment, it’s helpful to understand how lingual braces compare to other options, such as metal braces, clear aligners, or ceramic braces.

Lingual braces are completely hidden while providing the full capabilities of traditional braces. Unlike clear aligners, they don’t require removal for eating and can’t be lost. They also treat a wider range of orthodontic issues than some aligner systems.

However, lingual braces may be more expensive than traditional braces and can take longer to adjust to initially. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all available options and will develop a treatment plan best suited to your specific needs, preferences, and budget.