Braces can be critical to the future of your oral health.  You might choose to have your teeth straightened if they are crooked or overcrowded or to improve your self-esteem with a lovely smile.  Whatever the reason, straightening teeth is not a quick fix and should not be undertaken until you have considered all the facts.  Lingual braces are a great solution for patients who want or need invisible braces.  Maybe you have a very public job where you have to meet people on a daily basis.  You might feel mortified by the idea they may comment on your braces.  In this instance, lingual braces are a great choice but you need to be aware they have their downside as well as upside before you commit.  The Straight Teeth Suite in Leicester will talk you through the pros and cons of lingual braces to help you make up your mind.

On the upside:

The most obvious advantage of lingual braces is that they are virtually invisible. Even when you laugh no one is going to notice as lingual braces are fixed to the reverse of your teeth as opposed to conventional braces fixed to the front.

Lingual braces are made just for you, so they fit perfectly to correct your specific problem. While crooked teeth are a common problem, every case is individual and needs to be treated accordingly.

With lingual braces, there is nothing rubbing on the inside of your cheeks and with the use of a little dental wax, there is nothing to stop you enjoying the pleasure of a sweet kiss.

Although great care must be taken with cleaning lingual braces, as with all braces, any staining or discolouration will not be seen. If particles of food get stuck in the wires or brackets, no one will know before you can brush your braces clean.

With lingual braces your teeth are pushed into the correct position from the inside and you therefore in the end of your treatment can expect a nicer arch shape

One of the main advantages is they show results very quickly.

And the downside:

One of the biggest disadvantages of lingual braces is the cost. They are more expensive than traditional metal or ceramic braces. However, the Straight Teeth Suite are happy to work out a payment plan to help you spread the cost making lingual braces within everyone’s reach.

Lingual braces are difficult to clean. It is awkward to see your braces without one of those clever little mirrors a dentist uses, and you can’t see just how dirty or stained they have become. Visits to the hygienist are essential to help keep your lingual braces and your teeth clean.   As  you should see a hygienist regularly with all types of braces,  lingual braces are no more or less time consuming.

Lingual braces can be uncomfortable at the beginning. Once they are fitted, they can feel a little sore, and can impair speech and eating for a few days. The tongue can get tender but,  with the use of dental wax, this can be eliminated. All braces are uncomfortable at the outset but with lingual braces it does  not take long to get used to them.

We all have different pain thresholds, and people have varying degrees of resistance to pain. The initial pain you might feel  with lingual braces is no different from  conventional braces and can be eased with a dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Lingual braces may take marginally longer to fit, adjust and clean than conventional braces. The Straight Teeth Suite take the same amount of care with traditional braces as they do with lingual braces. They give each patient lots of time to see they are comfortable with their treatment and everything is progressing as it should.

The arguments for and against lingual braces or traditional braces show lingual braces to have a clear, or invisible advantage!

If you would like a consultation to see if you are a suitable candidate for lingual braces, contact the Straight Teeth Suite in Leicester HERE

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