There are several options nowadays for those interested in receiving a novel type of braces – these are quickly becoming trendy options for those interested in receiving braces, but who might be skittish about the appearance of the traditional kind. How can braces work behind the teeth?
How Can Braces Work Behind the Teeth?
As with any type of major dental procedure, it makes good sense to inform yourself about all of the relevant details surrounding your procedure. Here is a quick primer on several of for these new types of braces that work behind the teeth.
The Hidden Braces Basics
Hidden braces, or lingual braces as they’re more properly known, are very similar to traditional braces. However, these types of braces are applied behind the teeth rather than in front. This serves to hide them from plain sight.
In order to make the mold for lingual braces, a patient will visit a dentist who will subsequently make a mold of their teeth. Technology has reached a point of sophistication so that they are able to replicate the shape of each of one’s teeth individually.
The Benefits of Hidden Braces
The obvious overall appeal of lingual braces comes with its appearance. These braces are basically invisible to most people who will interact with someone who has them. This saves people the trouble of having to deal with the social stigmas associated with having braces.
This also means less planning surrounding when you should attempt to get braces or when you can receive treatment of this kind. This is because avoiding receiving braces treatment because of the embarrassing aesthetic effects they produce won’t be so much of an issue.
Another interesting benefit of lingual braces is that their positive benefits will be entirely visible to you as they occur. In this way, you can literally witness your teeth realign and straighten over time.
The Disadvantages of Hidden Braces
One of the main disadvantages of Hidden Braces is that many patients find that they have to adjust their speech due to the presence of a new object in their mouth. Although this can be an issue with traditional braces as well, with lingual braces, it becomes more pronounced.
One of the classic situations with these is that the “S” sound becomes a “TH,” giving the patient a temporary lisp.
Some dentists recommend that patients undergo tongue exercises to help them adjust to this new reality inside the mouth. Usually, within a few weeks, a patient is able to return to normal speech patterns.
Another temporary issue: eating and drinking may become slightly awkward in the first few days or weeks. Just like regular braces, certain foods you’ll avoid. Because they can interfere and stick in the braces and cause tooth decay. Some examples of such foods include gum, toffee, and soft drinks.
Another thing to consider is that lingual braces are more costly than traditional braces. Although most patients would consider the trade-off well worth it for the benefits that lingual braces offer, this is something to consider.
Good Fit For Hidden Braces?
Most patients who are interested in receiving lingual braces will find themselves qualified to receive treatment. There’s virtually no difference between the requirements for lingual braces and standard braces.
This is good news for those who want to receive quality dental work without having to interfere with their aesthetic ideals. It also bodes well for the development of further advances in non-invasive dental techniques.
However, some patients who have complex issues with their dental health will find that standard braces will work better for them than lingual braces. Your dentist will determine much of this prior to receiving any kind of work.
Another thing to consider is that lingual braces are somewhat prone to breaking more than standard braces. This can come into play if you think that you have lifestyle risks that might involve high impact that could damage your braces.
The Lingual Braces Specialists of Tarzana
We at The Smile Specialists pride ourselves on staying up to date on all of the latest and greatest techniques in modern dentistry. If you’re interested in talking with a dentist to find out if getting braces behind the teeth would work for you, contact us today in order to set up an appointment with our orthodontist.