Lingual braces and normal braces both aim to straighten teeth. Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth and are barely visible. Normal braces are fitted on the front of the teeth and are more visible.
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between lingual braces and normal braces? Lingual Braces Vs Normal Braces can be a tough choice as they both aim to achieve the same goal of straightening teeth but in different ways.
Lingual braces are a discreet option as they are glued behind the teeth and are unseen when talking or smiling. Normal braces are often the more affordable option but will be visible on the front of your teeth throughout treatment. Both types of braces use wires and brackets to gradually move teeth into the right position.
Types Of Braces
There are two main types of braces used for teeth straightening – lingual braces and normal braces. Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth and are barely noticeable. Normal braces are attached to the front of the teeth and are more visible.
Both braces aim to gradually move the teeth into the right position through the use of wires and brackets. Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth while normal braces are on the front.
Are Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are a type of clear braces that are placed on the back side of the teeth. They are fitted by dentists behind the teeth where they are not visible.
Lingual braces use very small brackets and wires that are bonded onto the back surfaces of the teeth. This allows them to be hidden from view and appear discreet.
Lingual Braces Work
Lingual braces work in a similar way to normal braces by applying gentle pressure to slowly shift teeth into alignment. Small brackets are bonded tightly behind each tooth.
An archwire is slotted into the brackets and periodically tightened by the orthodontist. This causes the teeth to gradually move into the desired positions over a period of months.
Are Lingual Braces Discreet
Yes, lingual braces are very discreet since they are fitted behind the teeth where they cannot be seen. When talking or smiling, no one will notice you are wearing braces.
The brackets and wires are positioned out of sight so they do not interfere with lip and tongue movements either. This makes lingual braces a good choice for people who want invisible treatment.
Teeth Are Suitable For Lingual Braces
5 easy tips for teeth that are suitable for lingual braces
- Straight teeth or only minor irregularities – Lingual braces work best for tiny adjustments rather than major realignment.
- No missing teeth – Lingual brackets won’t work as well if teeth are missing which could throw off proper alignment.
- Good oral hygiene – It’s important to be able to clean lingual brackets thoroughly, so good brushing and flossing habits are a must.
- No severe overbite/underbite – Major jaw alignment issues may not be correctable with lingual braces alone.
- Adult teeth fully emerged – Lingual braces require all permanent teeth to be in place, so patients should be post-adolescent.
What Are Normal Braces?
Normal braces, also known as train track braces, are fitted to the front of the teeth. They consist of brackets, archwires, elastic bands and sometimes headgear.
The colourful brackets are bonded onto the outside of the teeth in order to smoothly move them into the right position over time.
Normal Braces Align Teeth
Normal braces function by placing pressure on teeth from various angles. Small brackets are glued to the front of each tooth to hold an archwire in place.
This wire applies force that slowly shifts teeth into alignment. It is tightened periodically by the orthodontist along with other components like rubber bands.
Are Normal Braces Visible
Yes, since normal braces are attached to the front surfaces of the teeth, Lingual Braces Vs Traditional Braces they are clearly visible when talking, smiling, laughing or opening the mouth.
The bracket and wire materials are often colourful, so normal braces are not discreet at all but rather noticeable when worn.
Are Normal Braces Affordable
In general, normal metal braces are more affordable than lingual or invisible clear braces options. Insurance plans may help cover part of the cost for necessary orthodontics in children.
Community health centres or dental schools also offer treatment at lower fees compared to private orthodontists. Payment plans allow braces to fit most budgets too.
Is A Good Candidate For Normal Braces
Good candidates for normal braces include teenagers seeking orthodontic correction, or adults with minor misalignment needing cosmetic improvement.
They work for most mispositioned or crowded teeth cases where significant tooth movement is required in both arches. Brushing habits do not impact visibility of these out-in-the-open braces either.
Treatment With Braces
Braces treatment involves using wires, elastics and other orthodontic tools to slowly shift teeth into place. Both lingual and normal braces require adjustments.
Proper cleaning and a healthy diet are necessary along the journey. Some discomforts like teeth becoming sore are common at first but usually subside quickly.
Braces Treatment Take
Most orthodontic treatments last between 12 to 24 months. Severe misalignment may take two years while minor fixes can be as short as 6 months.
Faster treatments are now available but still take at least 1 year on average. Genetics, age and commitment to care affect overall schedule.
Is Involved In Braces Adjustments
Adjustments occur every 4-6 weeks as visits to change and tighten the wires guiding tooth movement. X-rays may be taken.
elastic bands or headgear are added and removed during checks by the orthodontist to control pressure points for proper straightening.
You Care For Your Braces
Always brush at least twice daily, floss daily and use fluoride mouthwash to avoid cavities and gum disease. Replace worn out elastics.
Eat softer foods slowly to avoid wires being cut or brackets broken during chewing. Rinse daily with salt water for sore gums or cheeks.
Are There Discomforts With Braces
In the early stages soreness comes from brackets rubbing and wire pressure. Ibuprofen helps. Teeth may also feel tender when chewing.
These issues soon fade away but some pressure will be felt during subsequent tightening visits. Any wire pokes should be reported for quick fixing.
Benefits Of Braces
Straight teeth boost smiles creating confidence. Improperly positioned ones cause difficulties but braces treatment remedies misalignment.
Abnormal bites leading to uneven wear or breaks are corrected for ideal functioning. Jaw development and facial growth attain balanced symmetry too.
Straight Teeth Can Do For Your Smile
Well aligned teeth flaunt gorgeous smiles radiating confidence and attraction. They chew and bite food perfectly avoiding breakages.
Teeth whitening after braces further illuminates smiles for a sparkling impression certain to turn heads.
Braces Improve Your Bite
Misaligned teeth lead to abnormal chewing that strains teeth and jaws. Braces correct bites preventing uneven chips and wear over time.
A harmonized bite distributes pressure uniformly for less stress on facial bones and muscles at their correct relationship.
Braces Help With Jaw Alignment
Crooked teeth stem from irregular jaws sometimes requiring braces with jaw aligners to achieve optimal results.
Misaligned jaws are guided into balanced symmetry improving appearance and allowing proper function like speech and chewing comfort.
Braces Boost Your Confidence
Appearance significantly impacts confidence which is boosted immensely by straighter teeth from braces. They build self-esteem.
Employers and peers treat those with lovely smiles more positively making braces a worthwhile investment in overall well-being too.
Cost Of Braces
The cost of braces is an important factor to consider when deciding on orthodontic treatment. While braces can help align teeth and boost self-confidence, the price tag can be steep – often ranging between $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the type of braces and length of treatment needed. Sarah’s parents had to save up for many months to pay for her braces, but they felt it would be worth it for her long term dental health nd smile.
Lingual Braces Cost
Lingual braces tend to be significantly more expensive at $5000- 8000 compared to normal metal around $3000-6000 due to etching technique.
Insurance coverage and payment plans help defray costs over the 1-2 year treatments to make them achievable.
Is Insurance Coverage Available For Braces
Many dental insurance plans contribute a portion especially for children and teens needing braces. Coverage amounts vary so check individual policies.
Families can save receipts towards yearly maximums in anticipation of future orthodontics costs too by choosing high coverage options.
Braces Require Maintenance After Treatment
Regular teeth cleanings and checkups catch any problems early to retain results. Removable aligners wear part time to guard against relapse.
Retainers are worn full time for 6 months then overnight indefinitely. Failure leads to possible future need for refinements.
You Have Braces Touch-Ups Later In Life
Loose or migrated teeth down the road can sometimes be corrected quickly by an orthodontist through part time braces or aligner wear.
Consolidating benefits justifies touch-ups for continued confidence, especially if insurance helps cover refinements as needed over a lifetime.
Making A Choice
Deciding to get braces was a big choice for Emily. She wanted straight teeth but was worried about the discomfort of wearing braces. After talking it over with her parents and dentist, Emily decided that getting braces now was the best decision to get the smile she wanted in the long run.
Lingual Braces Vs Normal Braces – What’s The Better Option?
Both achieve straightness considering preferences like looks, convenience, budget or lifestyle stage may impact choice for lingual or normal braces.
Convenience Or Cost Be The Driving Factor
Cost guides many but consider convenience of lingual braces not hindering speech, kissing or eating versus normal ones affecting lifestyle less over time.
Are You More Concerned With Comfort Or Discretion
Lingual braces allow comfort from discretion although may feel less comfortable initially while the opposite goes for normal braces visibility.
Type Of Braces Fits Your Lifestyle Best
Careers like media demand almost invisible treatment whereas lifestyles constantly exposing smiles may tolerate normal braces better despite conspicuous nature.
Frequently Asked Question
What Is The Main Difference Between Lingual Braces And Regular Braces?
Lingual braces are placed on the back side of the teeth instead of the front, making them less visible.
Are Lingual Braces More Expensive Than Regular Braces?
Lingual braces tend to cost more than traditional braces since they require more adjustments by the orthodontist during treatment.
Are Lingual Braces As Effective As Regular Braces?
When installed properly, lingual braces can be just as effective at aligning teeth as traditional braces. Treatment times may be slightly longer though.
Are Lingual Braces More Difficult To Clean Than Regular Braces?
Cleaning lingual braces located on the back of the teeth can pose more of a challenge versus cleaning traditional braces on the front of teeth. Special brushes and floss holders help make cleaning easier.
What Types Of Tooth Movements Can Lingual Braces Achieve?
Both lingual and regular braces are capable of basic tooth movements like closing gaps, correcting overbites or underbites, and rotating teeth. Lingual braces work may take longer for more complex tooth alignment issues.
Conclusion
While lingual braces offer the advantage of being less visible than traditional braces, they also have some drawbacks. Lingual braces tend to be more expensive and difficult to clean compared to regular braces. For minor tooth alignment issues, lingual braces may not be worth the added challenges.
However, lingual braces can still be a good orthodontic option for those who want straight teeth but are self-conscious about the aesthetics of traditional braces. When the extra cost and maintenance are acceptable, lingual braces can discreetly move teeth into proper alignment just as effectively as regular braces worn on the front of the teeth.Â
