Lingual Braces Vancouver

Lingual braces are orthodontic appliances that fit behind the teeth and are, therefore, not visible. The word “lingual” means tongue or palate and, when related to braces, refers to the inside of the teeth.

The biggest difference between lingual braces and traditional braces are they only visible to your orthodontist because they sit behind the tooth. They give each tooth its own bracket and wire. The appliance is shaped to the back of each tooth.

Yes! Lingual braces are just effective as traditional braces. They can treat various conditions, including crowded teeth, missing teeth, irregular spacing, and bite issues. They also slowly straighten your teeth.

Lingual braces are more expensive than traditional braces. They use customized designs to fit each tooth, making the application complex. The treatment period can be longer.

There are several ideal candidates for lingual braces. Those who want their braces to be less visible and want to avoid damaging the front surfaces of their teeth can benefit from these orthodontic appliances. Musicians who play wind instruments, older adults and those who play contact sports can also use lingual braces.

Factors such as your case's severity and the issue being addressed affect how long it takes to see visible results with lingual braces. You may notice your teeth shifting after four weeks, but results start becoming more visible in two to three months.

Results vary depending on the case and the patient. On average, the treatment period for most patients is one to two years.

The level of discomfort with lingual braces is similar to that of traditional braces. However, they will irritate the tongue a bit more. They do not cause discomfort in lips and cheeks like traditional braces. The effects vary depending on the patient and orthodontic issues.

Lingual braces do not need to be taken out when eating or drinking as Invisalign does. However, you should eat soft food that’s easy to chew after getting them on the first time and after adjustments. It will decrease the amount of discomfort you experience.

You should brush your teeth with a soft round-bristle toothbrush twice daily. Dental floss can be hard to use when you have an orthodontic appliance in your mouth, so use interdental cleaners to reach hard-to-reach places. While you can eat the foods, you regularly eat, avoiding sticky foods that stick to the braces is recommended. Lastly, remember to clean your appliance with dental floss after eating.