Hidden Braces: Can You Get Braces in the Back of Your Teeth?

In the world of orthodontic advancements, hidden braces, also known as lingual braces, have emerged as a discreet solution for achieving straighter teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which are visible on the front of the teeth, lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, offering a virtually invisible treatment option. This blog dives into the intricacies of hidden braces, exploring their mechanism, advantages over traditional methods, candidacy criteria, and what to expect during the adjustment period. Discover how hidden braces can enhance both dental aesthetics and oral health flawlessly.

What Are Hidden Braces?

Hidden braces, or lingual braces, represent a modern orthodontic treatment where brackets and wires are affixed to the back surfaces of teeth instead of the front. This placement makes them virtually invisible from the outside, addressing aesthetic concerns commonly associated with traditional braces. By exerting gentle pressure on the teeth, lingual braces gradually and ultimately move them into their correct positions, similar to conventional braces.

How Do Braces On the Back Of Teeth Work?

Braces on the back of teeth, also known as lingual braces, work similarly to traditional braces but are settled on the inside (lingual) surface of the teeth, making them less visible from the outside. Here’s how they function:

• Customized Brackets: Lingual braces use custom-made brackets designed to fit the contours of the backside of each tooth. These brackets are created using impressions or digital scans of the teeth.
• Bonding: The custom brackets are bonded to the backside of the teeth using dental adhesive.
• Archwires: Like traditional braces, lingual braces use archwires threaded through the brackets to put pressure on the teeth. These wires gradually move the teeth into the desired positions over time.
• Adjustments: Regular visits to the dentist near you are necessary to adjust the archwires, ensuring continuous and precise pressure for effective teeth movement.
• Treatment Duration: The duration of treatment with lingual braces can vary depending on the difficulty of the case but typically ranges from 18 to 36 months.

Lingual Braces Versus Regular Braces: How Do Braces Behind the Teeth Work?

Lingual braces and regular braces differ primarily in their placement and visibility, influencing how they work to straighten teeth:

• Placement: Unlike traditional braces that are visible on the front of teeth, lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth, making them an appealing choice for individuals concerned about the appearance of orthodontic appliances.
• Emergency Visits: Adjustments or repairs to lingual braces may require more time and effort compared to traditional braces, as access to the back of the teeth is more challenging.
• Comfort and Adaptation: Lingual braces may take slightly longer to get used to compared to traditional braces, primarily due to their position on the tongue side of the teeth.
• Appearance Changes: Lingual braces do not affect the appearance of the lips or cheeks as much as traditional braces, which can sometimes cause temporary changes or irritation.
• Maintenance: Lingual braces require meticulous oral hygiene practices to prevent plaque buildup behind the teeth. Special dental tools may be needed for effective cleaning.

The Process of Getting Lingual Braces

Getting lingual braces involves a series of steps designed to ensure precision and comfort throughout the treatment process:

• Consultation: The journey initiates with a thorough consultation with a dentist specializing in orthodontics in SE Calgary. During this appointment, the dentist examines your teeth, discusses your dental history, and evaluates if lingual braces are suitable for your needs.
• Examination and Planning: During the consultation, the dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which probably includes digital scans, X-rays, and clear impressions of your teeth. These are used to create customized brackets and wires.
• Customization: Custom-made brackets are fabricated based on the impressions or digital scans of your teeth. These brackets are designed to fit precisely on the lingual (back) surface of each tooth.
• Placement: At the next appointment, the brackets are bonded to the back of your teeth employing dental adhesive. This process requires meticulous precision to ensure each bracket is securely positioned.
• Adjustments: Like traditional braces, lingual braces use archwires to apply gentle pressure on the teeth, slowly and ultimately moving them into the desired positions. Regular adjustments are needed to tighten the archwires and progress the treatment.
• Monitoring Progress: Throughout the treatment period, you’ll visit your dentist regularly for adjustments and to monitor your progress. These visits are crucial for ensuring the braces are effectively moving your teeth and for making any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
• Maintenance: Proper oral hygiene is essential during treatment with lingual braces. It’s important to brush and floss carefully around the brackets and wires to halt plaque buildup and potential dental issues.
• Post-Treatment: Once your teeth have achieved the desired alignment, your dentist will remove the lingual braces. You may wear a retainer in order to maintain your new smile and stop teeth from shifting back.

Advantages of Hidden Braces

Hidden braces offer several advantages over traditional braces and other orthodontic treatments:

• No Discoloration of Front Teeth: Since lingual braces are positioned on the back of the teeth, there is no risk of discoloration or staining of the front teeth that can sometimes occur with traditional braces.
• Less Interference with Lips: Lingual braces typically cause less irritation to the lips compared to traditional braces, especially during the initial adjustment period.
• Minimal Impact on Lifestyle: Once patients adapt to lingual braces, they typically experience minimal impact on their daily activities, including speaking and playing musical instruments.
• Confidence Boost: Patients can smile confidently throughout their treatment without the self-consciousness often related to visible braces.

Who Can Be a Good Candidate for Lingual Braces?

Deciding if someone is a suitable candidate for lingual braces involves several factors that dentists consider during the consultation process:

• Dental Misalignment: Lingual braces are effective for correcting various types of dental misalignment, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and other bite issues.
• Age Considerations: Lingual braces can be suitable for both adolescents and adults. Adults who feel self-conscious about using traditional braces often opt for lingual braces due to their hidden placement.
• Oral Health: Candidates should have excellent oral hygiene habits and be committed to maintaining their teeth and gums throughout the treatment period. Lingual braces require diligent oral care to prevent issues like plaque buildup.
• Treatment Goals: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the duration of treatment and the results they can achieve with lingual braces. Dentists will discuss treatment goals and outcomes during the initial consultation.

What Can You Expect During the Adjustment Period?

Adjusting to lingual braces involves several considerations:

• Initial Discomfort: Mild discomfort or pressure on the teeth and gums is common during the initial days after getting lingual braces. This discomfort typically subsides as the mouth adjusts to the braces.
• Speech Adjustments: Some patients may encounter minor changes in speech initially due to the presence of lingual braces. With practice, speech patterns usually adapt, and any speech impediments diminish over time.
• Oral Care: Detailed instructions provided by the dentist guide patients on maintaining optimal oral hygiene with lingual braces. This includes brushing and flossing techniques tailored to braces, ensuring dental health throughout the treatment period.

Conclusion

Choosing hidden braces, or lingual braces, presents a transformative option for orthodontic treatment. Their discreet placement behind the teeth offers a significant aesthetic advantage over traditional braces. From their effective realignment capabilities to personalized treatment durations and minimal visibility, lingual braces cater to diverse orthodontic needs. Whether enhancing dental aesthetics or correcting bite issues, understanding these benefits ensures informed decisions in achieving a confident smile. Ready to explore hidden braces for a confident smile? Schedule a consultation at Willow Park Dental today to discover if lingual braces are right for you. Enhance your smile discreetly and effectively!