Lingual Invisible Braces
Lingual braces are the latest method of moving teeth invisibly. They are an excellent system for aligning teeth at the same time as delivering improvements to your bite. Demand for lingual teeth-straightening has been driven by patients who want to improve their smile and bite, but don’t want to be seen in braces. Actors, media personalities, models – people who are expected to look perfect or otherwise do something about it, but discreetly!
The word lingual comes from ‘lingua’, the latin word for tongue, to describe orthodontic brackets fitted behind teeth instead of on the front surfaces. While the patient can feel the brackets with the tongues and in the early days of treatment, may find eating and speaking a little challenging, no-one can see the brackets.
Invented in the 1970s, lingual systems have been refined over the years. Now that brackets are smaller and neater, they are more easily concealed at the back of each individual tooth. A wire is connected to each bracket and exerts force to move the teeth into new positions over a period of days, weeks and months.
Why have lingual treatment?
Many different kinds of orthodontic systems are available and each has its own advantages. The outstanding advantage of lingual braces is that they are completely hidden so patients have no need to feel self-conscious while their teeth are straightened. Mechanically, lingual braces are every bit as effective as traditional systems and for some problems, they can be more effective. Treatment times are roughly the same.
Those are the pros, what about cons?
There may be a temporary change in how you speak at the outset of treatment but the tongue soon adapts to having the brackets at the back of your teeth. Like all orthodontic systems, there will be some discomfort for the first 7-10 days but this soon eases.
Is lingual suitable for all cases?
Lingual orthodontics is suitable and effective for most people. It is not recommended for the young, those in their early teens, because their teeth may not have fully erupted. As with any course of orthodontic treatment, the patient should have healthy teeth and gums.
Why does lingual treatment cost more?
The system of brackets behind the teeth requires more complex, tailored fabrication. For the orthodontic specialist, there is also more preparation time involved.
How long does treatment take?
Length of treatment varies from patient to patient. Simple realignment cases can take only a few months while the majority take up to 18 months and only the most complex cases take longer.
Anything else I should know?
During treatment you will need to take additional care of your oral hygiene to maintain the health of the teeth around the brackets.
Teeth are responsive to orthodontic treatment but in the long-term they will need to be held in their new positions by retainers. Your orthodontist will recommend that once treatment is completed, you have fixed or removable retainers.
Teeth are responsive to orthodontic treatment but in the long-term they will need to be held in their new positions by retainers. Your orthodontist will recommend that once treatment is completed, you have fixed or removable retainers.
How much does it cost?
Top Arch £2160.00
Bottom Arch £2160.00
Both Arches £3360.00
Bottom Arch £2160.00
Both Arches £3360.00
Use your cusor to drag left and right to see the before and after pictures
