Braces are a highly effective way of straightening your teeth and enabling you to have the smile you have always wanted. There are several different types of braces that can be used for straightening teeth; some types are fixed (metal braces) and others are removable (retainers), some are visible and others are invisible. Your orthodontist will examine your teeth, diagnose your condition and recommend the type of braces that will be the most effective for treating your teeth. If you meet the recommendations for invisible braces, you might have the option of wearing lingual braces.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Unlike traditional braces that are placed on the front surface of your teeth, lingual braces are placed on the back surface of teeth, next to your palate and tongue. These braces are also known as incognito braces because they hidden from view and others can't see them, even up close. These types of braces are typically suitable when complex movements are needed by the teeth in order to straighten them. For example, movements that include closing gaps that have be created from a tooth extraction, if the rotation of the teeth needs to be corrected or if the height of the teeth needs to be altered.

Placing Lingual Braces

After your examination, if the orthodontist determines you will benefit from lingual braces they will take an impression of your teeth that will be used to make customized brackets for your teeth. Once the brackets have been made and received by the orthodontist they will schedule an appointment to for you to have them attached to the back of your teeth.

Wearing Lingual Braces

It is important to keep in mind wearing lingual (or any type of braces) may be slightly painful at least until you become accustomed to wearing them. The braces are designed to put continuous pressure on your teeth in order to gradually move them to the required position. However, the wires used for lingual braces are smaller and lighter than those on traditional braces, so there will be less pressure exerted than with traditional braces. The downside to this is that you may have to wear the lingual braces a little longer than you could expect to wear traditional braces.

There are different brands of lingual braces, but your orthodontist will explain your options and recommend the brand that is best suited for you. It may be slightly difficult to speak and/or eat for a few weeks after the braces are installed, but once you get used to them you will be able to do these things without any problem. It is essential that you follow the orthodontist instructions on how to keep your teeth, mouth and braces clean. The lengths of time braces are worn vary, depending on your specific issues.