Braces that are worn behind the teeth are known as “lingual braces” or “Incognito braces,” and they look similar to traditional metal braces. The braces are called lingual because they are attached to the tongue. The lingual area refers to the back of your teeth where your tongue can reach. Unlike other orthodontic treatments, Lingual braces are attached to the back of your teeth rather than the front. Teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth or improve their smile without visible braces often choose this option because it provides a significant cosmetic advantage over traditional metal braces, which are bulky and placed on the front side of the teeth.
How Do Braces Work Behind Teeth?
Lingual braces function in the same way that traditional metal braces do. Their framework is made up of metal brackets and archwires. Taking impressions of the teeth whose alignment needs to be corrected is the first step in the process of placing lingual braces behind teeth.
These impressions are then sent to a dental laboratory to be used in the creation of customized brackets.
When the brackets are complete, an orthodontist will use a specific procedure to cement the braces to the back surfaces of the affected teeth.
The braces then gently but consistently apply pressure to shift the teeth back into their proper position gradually.
Depending on the complexity of your case, the duration of this treatment can range from 18 to 36 months.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Wearing Braces Behind Teeth
Lingual braces have both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at them both:
Benefits:
- Because they are hidden behind the teeth, they are entirely invisible.
- They are used to treat a variety of orthodontic problems.
- Marks and decalcification on the front of your teeth are extremely unlikely.
- Lingual braces are far more effective than other braces in achieving complex movements such as changing tooth heights, correcting rotations, and closing gaps in severe cases of misaligned teeth.
Drawbacks:
- The procedure may be lengthy and necessitate several appointments.
- It takes some practice to get used to speaking clearly while wearing these braces.
- These are more expensive than traditional braces or Invisalign.
- Cleaning your teeth and gums has become difficult.
Linguistic Braces vs Bracelets made of traditional metal
Traditional metal braces and lingual braces both use brackets and wires to realign misaligned teeth. The only difference between the two is that traditional braces are worn on the front of the teeth, whereas lingual braces are attached to the back of your teeth.
Lingual braces are more expensive than traditional braces in terms of cost. Lingual braces customized to fit each tooth are especially expensive because they take longer to adjust. So, in addition to the initial costs, you will have to pay for the dental visits required to fit them perfectly.
