The term “invisible braces” usually means braces that are clear. They aren’t really invisible; they are just hard to see from a distance. The closest things to really invisible braces are made of metal and have silver color brackets like ordinary braces. The difference is that they go on the back of the teeth instead of the front, making it nearly impossible for anyone to see them when looking at someone who is wearing them.
These braces are called lingual braces because they go on the back of the teeth near the tongue. Lingual braces are custom made to fit each patient by an orthodontist with specialized skills in their design and placement.
Lingual braces are not an option in all orthodontic cases. They are not a good choice for fixing an overbite, and they do not work for people with very small teeth. An exam can determine if you are a good candidate for lingual braces. If you are, there are still several things you should consider before deciding on lingual or another type of braces:
All braces take some time to get used to, but lingual braces generally take more time. The closeness to the tongue can make eating, swallowing and speaking difficult at first. Also, the overall treatment time or the time you have to wear the braces is generally longer with lingual braces than it is with traditional braces.
Lingual braces cost more than regular braces because of the extra skills and time it takes to make them and place them.
Because the braces make the back of the teeth even harder than usual to see, plaque buildup can be a problem. All types of braces present a challenge when brushing and flossing your teeth, but lingual braces present the biggest challenge. Regular dental checkups while wearing your braces are very important.
For teenagers and adults, braces are often avoided because of the way they look. For many adults the stigma of braces being “for kids” often causes them to choose to live with crooked teeth instead. Lingual braces can remove this dilemma entirely. If you would like to learn more about lingual braces or see if you are a candidate for them, call our office now.
