Would you like to straighten your smile without the whole world knowing? Lingual braces provide all the strength of traditional braces, but they’re completely invisible and you don’t have to remember to put them back in all the time. Let’s take a closer look at this clever alternative to traditional braces and clear aligners.
What are lingual braces?
Basically speaking, lingual braces are just like traditional metal and wire braces except, instead of sitting on the front of your teeth for the whole world to see, they’re hidden on the back of your teeth. Treatment times are very similar to traditional braces, and on average you will need to wear them for between 12 and 24 months, depending on your exact needs.
Do lingual braces hurt?
Like all varieties of braces, lingual braces will cause some discomfort, particularly in the first few days after they are fitted. This should subside fairly quickly and can be controlled with paracetamol. With lingual braces, you may also find that your tongue will be sensitive in the first week or so due to the braces being attached to the back of your teeth. Again, this should soon subside as your tongue gets used to the new layout of your mouth.
What are the advantages of lingual braces?
First and foremost, the biggest advantage of lingual braces is the fact that they are completely hidden. Unlike clear aligners, which are restricted in the complexity of issues they can correct, lingual braces are able to correct the more complex cases, just like traditional braces. They’re also extremely versatile and adaptable; if you only need your six front teeth straightened, they can just be applied to those exact teeth. Lingual braces are suitable for all ages, but they tend to be most commonly used by adults due to them being invisible.
The cutting-edge technology used to create lingual braces is nothing short of amazing. Each bracket is individually made to perfectly fit your tooth via 3D cam-tech technology, and each archwire is robotically bent to match precisely.
What are the disadvantages of lingual braces?
If you have a narrower jaw, there is a possibility lingual braces may not be suitable for your mouth as it may crowd it too much. At Ortho3 in the Sydney CBD and at Bondi Junction, Dr Kerry Lester will be able to assess your suitability for lingual braces and advise you on the best course of action for your unique needs. As with other orthodontic options, you may find that your speech is slightly affected by lingual braces in the initial stages, but this should subside.
How much do lingual braces cost?
Like all orthodontic treatments, the cost of lingual braces depends on your unique circumstances. Dr Kerry Lester will be able to advise you as to the exact cost of the treatment you require at your consultation.
Are lingual braces covered by my health insurance?
Each health insurance provider covers different things, and to different levels. Please contact your health insurance provider to check for certain if they offer any cover for lingual braces.
Lingual braces Sydney CBD and Bondi Junction
If you’d like to invisibly straighten your smile, Dr Kerry Lester at Ortho3 in Sydney’s CBD and Bondi Junction is an experienced provider of lingual braces. With over 20 years’ experience as a specialist orthodontist, Dr Lester can help you find the best treatment to get the results you want.
Contact us today to find out if lingual braces are the best option for you.