Lingual Braces

Conventional braces are considered the most effective way to straighten crooked teeth, especially for complex cases where teeth are very overcrowded. However, they have some disadvantages.

Many teens, especially, are embarrassed to wear the contraptions for 2-3 years (sometimes longer for adults). They can be uncomfortable, especially after the frequent tightening to keep up progress to the goals. They are hard to clean around and so there are dietary restrictions on foods that are sticky, as well as the need to avoid ones that are hard and could damage them. Sometimes the wires or brackets can irritate the tongue or inside the cheeks.

Lingual braces are an innovation that not many dentists or orthodontists in the U.S. have yet utilized (they are popular in Europe and Asia), but are available at Garden Grove Dental & Orthodontics. Like traditional braces and unlike Invisalign, they can be used to treat even the most complicated cases where teeth are severely crooked, whether the patient is a teen or senior.

The big difference is the lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth so that unless you open your mouth widely, no one would even see that you are having your teeth straightened. There is no “metal mouth” stigma. “Lingual” refers to the back of each tooth, the front side is called “labial.”

Lingual braces also do not leave decalcification white marks that are visible, which is a common problem when patients have been wearing traditional or labial braces, but have not practiced adequate dental hygiene.

WebMD says that if there is any pain, those with conventional (labial) braces experience it in the lips and cheeks, while lingual brace wearers are more likely to feel it in the tongue. “Studies differ, but seem to favor lingual braces. Discomfort will go away eventually, meantime use orthodontic wax, over-the-counter pain medication, and eat cold food…You may have to eat softer foods at first and learn how to clean your braces, including using a water flosser, but generally lingual braces may mean fewer lifestyle changes.”

WebMD recommends customized lingual braces, though they are more expensive than prefabricated ones.

Call Garden Grove Dental & Orthodontics today to set an appointment for a full dental exam to explore your orthodontic options to create a new, straightened smile you will be proud of.