Key Points

  • Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic treatment where the braces are placed on the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the outside.
  • Braces help align crooked teeth, correct bite issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite, and improve oral health.
  • There are several types of lingual braces, including traditional lingual braces, Incognito, Harmony braces, and self-ligating lingual braces. Some lingual braces are made from clear or ceramic materials for an even more discreet look.
  • The primary benefit of lingual braces is their invisibility, making them ideal for adults and teens who want to avoid visible braces. They are custom-designed for each patient’s teeth, providing a personalized treatment plan.
  • Lingual braces can cause initial discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the braces, with potential speech difficulties in the first few weeks. They can also be harder to clean, leading to a risk of decalcification if oral hygiene is neglected.
  • Lingual braces are typically more expensive than traditional braces due to their customized nature and the more complex fitting process.
  • Treatment usually lasts between 18 months and 3 years, with the duration depending on the severity of alignment issues.

Braces that go behind the teeth, or lingual braces, are a great option if you’re looking for a more discrete path to a straighter smile. Unlike traditional braces that are visible on the front of your teeth, lingual braces are custom-fitted to the back. This makes them virtually invisible to others. They’re a game-changing solution if you want to keep your orthodontic treatment private without sacrificing effectiveness.

The Purpose of Braces

Traditional braces are used to correct dental issues related to the alignment and positioning of your teeth and jaw. They help improve both the function and appearance of your teeth. Here are just a few of the many reasons you might get braces:

  • Straighten your teeth: Braces are used to align crooked, misaligned, or overlapping teeth. Straightening your teeth improves your appearance and makes it easier to clean your teeth and maintain good oral hygiene.
  • Correct bite issues: Braces can address bite problems, such as an overbite when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth, an underbite when your lower teeth extend beyond your upper teeth, a crossbite when your teeth are misaligned horizontally, and an open bite when your front teeth don’t touch. Correcting these issues helps ensure your teeth come together properly when you chew.
  • Improve your oral health: Misaligned teeth are harder to clean. This increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. By aligning your teeth, braces make it easier for you to brush and floss effectively.
  • Prevent future dental problems: Untreated dental alignment issues can lead to long-term problems like jaw pain, tooth wear, and difficulty chewing. Braces help prevent these issues from developing or worsening over time.

Types of Braces That Go Behind the Teeth

There are a few types of braces that go behind the teeth.[1] Let’s review the main types.

  • Traditional lingual braces: These are similar to traditional metal braces but are attached to the back of your teeth instead of the front. Lingual braces work by using brackets, wires, and rubber bands to gradually move your teeth into alignment.
  • Incognito braces: Incognito is a specific brand of lingual braces. They are custom-designed for each patient using advanced 3D technology to ensure a perfect fit. Interestingly, they are made with gold alloy, which makes them more durable and also reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
  • Harmony braces: Harmony braces are another type of custom-made lingual braces. The system is designed to move teeth more efficiently, which can sometimes shorten your treatment time.
  • Self-ligating lingual braces: These braces are a type of lingual braces that use self-ligating brackets. This means they don’t require rubber bands to hold the wire in place. The brackets have a small mechanism that holds the wire, reducing friction and making adjustments much easier.
  • Clear ceramic braces: Some lingual braces are made with clear or ceramic materials to make them less noticeable, even though they’re still placed behind your teeth. These are often used in cases where the patient prefers the aesthetic appeal of clear braces but still wants them to be hidden from view.

Benefits of Braces That Go Behind the Teeth

Lingual braces offer several benefits[2], especially if you’re looking for a more discreet way to straighten your teeth. Let’s break down these advantages:

  • Invisible: The biggest benefit of lingual braces is that they’re placed on the back of your teeth, which makes them completely invisible from the outside. This makes them an excellent option if you’re self-conscious about wearing conventional braces or just want to maintain your appearance during treatment.
  • Ideal for adults and teens: If you’re an adult who wants to correct your teeth without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment, lingual braces could be the perfect choice. They’re often preferred by those in a professional environment or anyone who wants a more discreet treatment option. Teens who feel self-conscious about visible braces can also benefit from lingual braces for the same reasons.
  • Personalized treatment: Lingual braces are custom-designed to fit your unique dental situation. They’re made to match the exact shape of your teeth. This allows for a more precise treatment plan. This customization can improve the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize your discomfort.
  • Less irritation: Although there is an adjustment period as your mouth gets used to the braces, lingual braces are generally more comfortable than they used to be. The modern designs reduce friction and make them more comfortable as you go through treatment.
  • Easy to clean: While cleaning behind-the-teeth braces may initially feel tricky, they allow you to brush and floss effectively. With proper care, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment, especially when compared to options like clear aligners like Invisalign.
  • Fewer restrictions on food: Unlike aligner trays, which need to be removed for meals, lingual braces stay in place throughout the day, so you don’t have to worry about taking them out when you eat. While you’ll still need to avoid some foods, lingual braces are less restrictive in terms of your diet and don’t require you to eat mostly soft foods during the duration of the treatment.

Challenges of Braces That Go Behind the Teeth

While lingual braces offer many benefits, they also come with some downsides.[3] Keep these things in mind before you choose to use lingual braces.

  • Initial discomfort: When you first get lingual braces, you may experience discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the braces being placed on the back of your teeth. The brackets and wires can irritate your mouth and lead to soreness, especially at the beginning of the treatment.
  • Speech impediment: Lingual braces can affect your speech, particularly during the first few weeks. You may find it harder to pronounce certain words clearly, as the braces are positioned at the back of your teeth, which can interfere with normal tongue movement.
  • Decalcification: If you don’t clean your teeth properly, there’s a higher risk of decalcification or white spots on your teeth due to the limited visibility and access for cleaning around the braces.
  • Painful adjustments: Adjusting the wires and brackets can be more challenging with lingual braces, as the positioning behind your teeth can sometimes make the process less straightforward.
  • Eating challenges: Eating with lingual braces can also be tricky. Since the braces are on the inside of your teeth, you might experience more food getting caught in the braces. Additionally, it may take you a little longer to get used to chewing with them.

Dental Care You Deserve

Whether you’re aiming for a straighter, brighter smile, better overall oral function, or both, the team at Kunik Orthodontics is here to help. When you’re ready to make a change, we’ll be here to guide you every step of the way.

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