Dr. Y Karthik is an Orthodontist in Bangalore and is expertised in the field of comprehensive Orthodontist treatments.
Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces in that brackets and wires are installed in the mouth and on the teeth to fix misalignments. However, lingual braces differ because they are almost entirely invisible. They are placed on the back of the teeth facing the tongue, rather than the front of the teeth. Because of this, lingual braces allow for a more discreet option for orthodontic patients not willing to wear traditional braces for a lengthy amount of time. They are gaining popularity for this reason, for both children and adults.
The brackets used with lingual braces are customized to fit each patient’s mouth perfectly, using an impression of the teeth, and must be installed onto each individual tooth to properly correct misalignments. Likewise, the wires connecting each bracket require some customization to serve each patient best.
The most significant advantage many patients find with lingual braces is the ability to be more discreet when correcting their teeth. For adults, in particular, wearing bulky metal braces for years is not the ideal option in social or professional situations. Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth, giving patients access to all the benefits of metal braces without being as obvious.
Besides being virtually invisible, lingual braces are just as efficient as other options when it comes to complex misalignments, including correcting rotations, closing gaps due to extractions or evening out the height of teeth. Also, any discoloration or white spots resulting from wearing braces will be on the inside of the teeth rather than the outside as with traditional metal or ceramic braces. Lingual braces are also custom fit for every patient, which can give a higher level of comfort.
With more patients asking about lingual braces, orthodontists and dental professionals are looking into this option as an effective alternative to traditional or ceramic braces. However, not every orthodontist has experience installing and treating misalignments with lingual braces.