Many people are not particularly happy about the state of their teeth; hence, the need to get it corrected. The idea of installing braces that runs from the front of the teeth can be uncomfortable for adults not to mention teens. Lingual braces are made similarly but are hidden behind the teeth making it partially invisible like Invisalign.
Even though the orthodontic world has transformed beyond what it was decades back, braces installed in front of the teeth remains an ever-present invention detested by many but one they just can’t do away with. Invisalign adds more spice to the aesthetic touch patients have been crying out for but does little in terms of straightening.
Ultimately, the best orthodontic for adult and teen would be one that does a decent job of straightening and also easy to hide at the same time. Lingual braces seem to fit that description. However, they aren’t completely flawless but remain a better alternative to regular braces.
Therefore, if you’re considering exploring a wide range of lingual braces in London, we recommend reading this guide. You will discover vital information such as how to choose the best lingual braces, Reviews of lingual braces as well as how they work. That’s not all! You will also discover the difference between the cost of lingual braces in London as well as Invisalign in London. Finally, you will discover why lingual braces are better than regular braces.
What are Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are therefore hidden orthodontic devices stationed behind the teeth precisely around the area where the tongue rest, meaning they’re often out of public view unless the mouth is opened wide.
This factor makes it ideal for people who want to align their teeth without notice as well as teenagers who are worried about what others will say if they’re seen with braces. They’re also a quick fix for people who have big events coming up. Lingual braces are very versatile and serve a lot of purposes. They are ranging from wrong positioning to excess gapping.
Most times, you will hear people refer to it as incognito braces, don’t get confused. It still means the same thing. Just as invisible braces have become synonymous with the term “Invisalign.”
How Do Lingual Braces Work
The primary goal is the same: to correct the alignment of the teeth but also the contacts between the upper teeth and the lower teeth. The difference between the two approaches lies in the aesthetic comfort during treatment. Lingual orthodontics is the only reliable technique that allows you to treat a dental deformity while hiding the device. This comes as an added advantage for those who don’t want their braces to look obvious.
However, Because these braces are stationed behind the teeth doesn’t mean they’re comfortable. In fact, the rings give the impression of hair on the tongue when stuck behind the teeth. Patients with lingual braces often feel uncomfortable for about four weeks after installation but get used to it as time goes on. Ultimately, everyone’s response to having braces on is quite different. While some may get used to it after a few days, others take months.
Lingual Vs Traditional Metal Braces
The lingual brace applies the same working principle as traditional braces. However, lingual braces are more expensive than traditional braces and take more time to adjust during a checkup. Adding the manufacturing cost and since you will be visiting your doctor more often than usual, you will have to pay extra for your doctor’s attention.
Lucky enough, lingual braces are available to both children and adults, making it the most familiar orthodontics for adults and teens. However, there’s no guarantee that it will work for all teens. The braces may not fit into teens with small teeth due to the large brackets they often come with.
Also, using braces comes with risk. With lingual braces, you’re taking calculated risks rather than extreme ones. Sometimes, traditional braces may damage the teeth and result in dental issues like clarification. Even if this happens when using a lingual brace, it will be less visible since they’re affixed behind the teeth.
Lingual Braces Vs Invisalign
If you’re keen to keep your braces from public view, the two possible options will be lingual braces and Invisalign. Lingual braces are affixed behind the teeth while Invisalign is aligned in front just like traditional braces. However, Invisalign act as simulation, hence they’re hard to notice even when the mouth is wide opened.
Choosing between the two could be harder than each one of these against the traditional brace. They have the same invisibility factor, but the way they straighten the teeth are different. Invisalign uses neither wires, not brackets. Instead, they’re made of plastic aligners which move the teeth back to its original position.
Since lingual braces work the same way as traditional braces, Invisalign will be a clear favourite in terms of hygiene and aesthetic appeal. With Invisalign, there’s no restriction to what you can eat.
You have the option to remove whenever you want to eat or brush your teeth. You can carry out your usual dental care routine, something you can’t do with a lingual brace. Hence, you may end up having a heap of dirt behind your teeth with a lingual brace.
Cost of Lingual Braces In London
Lingual braces aren’t the most popular braces option in the UK. Less than 35% of UK orthodontists offer this type of service. On average, it cost nothing less than £6,000 to get a lingual brace. The cost could go as high as £10,000 if you go for custom brands.
From research, lingual orthodontic treatment is one of the hardest to find. This is because it’s a specialist area which attracts extra charges when you finally find one. You must note that the price range mentioned above is not static; the price of orthodontics for adults and teens vary from place to place. It could be priced between £2,000 – £10,000 in the UK, and it could be higher or lower in other places.
Frequently Asked Question About Lingual Braces
Can You Eat With Lingual Braces?
The feeling can vary from one patient to another. It is difficult to give a precise answer. Some patients feel no discomfort while for others, chewing may be difficult, especially after tightening or during some phases of treatment when some teeth are not aligned equally. In these moments, soft foods are particularly recommended.
Are Lingual Braces Uncomfortable?
Yes. At the beginning of treatment, you will feel some amount of discomfort particularly if it is your first time, but everyone gets used to it, but in a very different way:
– Majority of patients usually speak again normally within 4-14 days
– for Others, it could take as long as two months
In addition, It should be noted that during treatment, fatigue can cause temporary discomfort at the beginning but subsides within a few days. In conclusion, apart from the period of adaptation, the lingual device is not particularly troublesome to speak with except in rare and special cases.
What Others Are Saying About Lingual Braces
There’s no better way to know if this works or not than reading reviews online. There are several lingual brace review on dental websites as well as online forums. You can also watch endless testimonies on YouTube, which gives you an accurate idea of what they cost and what to expect. Reviews from real people on YouTube are your sure-bet of getting first-hand information from people who have tried this option.
Also, you will learn several pain-relieving tactics and how to cope with the situation if it is your first time.
Our Final Thought About Lingual Braces
The real reason why most people favour lingual braces over traditional braces is the invisibility factor. It isn’t particularly aesthetically pleasing but manages to hide the brackets behind the tongue which is hard for people to notice.
Taking cost into consideration, we consider the price of lingual braces in London to be high. Why spend £5,000 on a simple brace when you can get better orthodontics for adults and teens for less than half of that price. In the UK, over 90% of orthodontists offer traditional braces service, which cost a maximum of £3,000.
Although the cost of getting Invisalign braces in London a little higher, they require less maintenance and checkup than other braces. Plus, you can eat your favourite meal and brush your teeth every morning like you do every normal day.
But, if your main motivation for choosing the lingual brace is to hide the fact that you’re trying to correct your dental deformity, then you should consider cheaper alternatives like neutral-coloured ceramics braces and Invisalign since they’re both hardly noticeable.