Do you have crooked teeth? If so, you may have considered braces at some point. Perhaps you have been hesitant about seeking orthodontic treatment because you do not want your braces to be obvious. You may have heard about Invisalign, but you may have concerns about keeping up with the aligner trays or have another qualm about that orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces could be the answer for you if you prefer a discreet orthodontic treatment that is not self-removable. 

Benefits

This type of treatment is beneficial to people who have reservations about wearing braces. These individuals may represent different age groups. For example, lingual braces are ideal for shy teenagers who fear being teased about wearing braces, and they are also ideal for adult professionals who may feel self-conscious about orthodontic treatments that are obvious due to their age. Some people mistakenly associate wearing braces as being for children and young adults. There are people who have orthodontic problems that may be too severe for Invisalign to correct. These patients may be better suited for braces, which allow orthodontists to manually tighten brackets. If discreetness is desired and complicated tooth structures exist, lingual braces will likely be a better solution than Invisalign. 

How Lingual Braces Work

These braces operate with the same components that are found in ceramic and traditional metal braces. This means that the straightening process is achieved by using a wire and bracket technique, which involves bonding the brackets to teeth. The major difference is the surface of the teeth that the brackets are placed on. Ceramic and traditional braces are placed on the frontal surface of teeth where they can clearly be seen. Lingual braces are placed on the back side of teeth. They are constructed of metal brackets, and a metal wire passes through the brackets. The wire is used to tighten the braces. 

Important Oral Considerations

Perhaps you are stoked about the possibility of getting lingual braces. If you decide to proceed, you will need to ensure that you practice excellent oral hygiene. This is because the placement of the brackets is behind the teeth, which means that there is a potential for food particles to get stuck more behind the teeth in the brackets. People who wear braces on the front of their teeth also have to be mindful of trapped food particles, which can cause demineralization or decay. With braces in the lingual position, you must be diligent at brushing and flossing to remove food particles and bacteria. For example, some people who do not wear braces forget to or skip brushing the back surfaces of their teeth sometimes, which can cause decay and other issues. Imagine skipping this critical step while wearing braces. Commit to taking care of your oral health, and you can reap the full benefits of lingual braces. 

Contact a company like Braces Inc. for more information.

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