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.

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There are also psychological problems that can develop in people with an overbite. People, especially adults, with overbites are far less likely to smile, and they suffer from lower self-esteem. Correcting an overbite gives a more uniform appearance to face and allows the individual feel more comfortable while smiling and eating.

The treatment process for adults is not unlike that for a child and will need to be done over a period of time—months, and in some cases may take one or more years.

There are two causes that create an overbite:

• Skeletal where the bone causes the upper jaw to extend over the lower jaw, leading a misalignment of the teeth, and

• Dental caused by the patient’s abnormal mastication behavior, or by the teeth being too large for the space they’re meant to inhabit.

In mild cases there are several options for correcting this misalignment, but all will involve a form of treatment combined with braces.

Elastics and Spring Loaded Bite Correctors

Elastics or rubber bands placed on hooks present on the braces help to slow down bone growth in younger adults, or help to move the teeth back into a more aesthetically pleasing, chewing position in older adults. These along with spring loaded bite correctors, will bring the teeth back into alignment with the lower jaw and teeth. This is sometimes employed along with extraction. Extracting unnecessary molars that have caused the teeth to become misaligned can create space for the teeth to fit the jawbone correctly.

Orthognathic Surgery

In extreme cases Orthognathic surgery may be the only option for correcting the overbite. This is when there is a skeletal misalignment caused by the bones of the upper and lower jaw having grown at different rates or lengths. This is a hereditary issue that can be exacerbated by allowing a child to suck their thumb or a pacifier for extended periods of time.

The surgery is performed to shorten the upper jaw. Sometimes the overbite is caused by the lower the jaw being too short and surgery must be performed to lengthen the bone. It is an invasive surgery, as the bones do have to be exposed; however, if the situation is not dealt with, the overbite can cause more problems as you age.

The benefits of correcting an overbite far outweigh the available treatments and expense. Not only are you healthier, you’re able to smile and feel comfortable about your appearance. People who feel confident are more successful and happier with their lives.

If you’re having problems chewing your food due to an overbite, or if you simply yearn for a more confident smile, consult a dentist to find out what your options are for correcting the issue.

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Additionally, crooked teeth also have a tendency to shift even more out of alignment as time progresses. One tooth out of place may cause the others to shift as well. Even people who wore braces as children or teens sometimes find that their teeth are shifting.  A beautiful, healthy smile is worth the effort of wearing braces which can be less visible now.

Cosmetically, braces today are generally much smaller and less visible than previously. When full braces are needed, options such as lingual braces placed on the back of the teeth, clear or ceramic braces may be less noticeable than the metal types of appliances. The typical time for an adult to wear braces used to be 2 and one-half years.

Now, with current technologies, the treatment time may be 12 to 18 months. Clear aligner trays such as Invisalign may be an option for some types of bite correction. The trays are worn for a specified period of time and replaced in sequence to align the teeth. Not all types of bite problems can be corrected with clear aligners, thus it’s best to have an orthodontist evaluate your bite to determine if you are a good candidate.

There is nothing like having a straight, beautiful, healthy smile for boosting your self- confidence and making you feel good about yourself. If your smile needs a makeover, contact Lansdowne Orthodontics today to see which options are right for you. At Lansdowne Orthodontics, we provide each patient with multiple options to achieve an ideal result in optimal treatment time. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional care. Our reputation depends on our good work and your good word.

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