In the US, over 4 million people wear braces. Hearing this statistic, you might automatically think of metal bracket braces.
But did you know there are other options, such as clear braces or even lingual braces? Many people haven’t heard of the latter, so you might be curious about it.
In that case, read on to find out all about lingual braces. It might just be the right type of teeth straightening method for you!
What Are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are very similar to traditional metal bracket braces. However, the “lingual” part of its name means “near or on the side of the tongue”.
What does this translate to? Instead of the brackets being on the front of your teeth, they’re in the back!
Benefits of Lingual Braces
So what are the benefits of lingual braces? Why should you get them instead of traditional braces or other teeth-straightening methods?
They’re More Discreet
Maybe you already feel very self-conscious about your teeth. Braces will only draw more attention to them!
If you get lingual braces, they’re basically like invisible braces. No one will know you have them, except if you open your mouth up widely.
Fewer Dental Appointments
It can be a pain to drop everything and go to your dental appointments. So understandably, you might be looking for a teeth-straightening method that won’t require many visits.
The good news is, with lingual braces, you’ll only need to go in every 6 to 8 weeks! This will free up your time for more important things.
Other Things You Should Know
While lingual braces can correct your overbite, you might not be a good candidate if you have a serious overbite. The brackets might pop off, so your dentist might suggest another teeth-straightening method for you.
Also, because of the placement of the brackets, you might have a lisp while wearing them. However, your tongue should get used to it quickly and you’ll be able to speak normally.
As for the cost of lingual braces, it’s slightly more than traditional braces. This is because they’re more delicate (which means it takes more time to apply them) and sometimes need to be customized for individuals.
Expect to pay anywhere between $5,000 to $7,000. Of course, the exact amount you’ll pay will depend on the length of treatment, if you have insurance coverage, and where you live, as well as which dentist you’re seeing.
Lastly, you should still keep up with good oral hygiene. Your dentist might give you a waterpik to clean your teeth more easily.
Ask Your Dentist About Lingual Braces
Now that you know what lingual braces are, you might be interested in them as an option for teeth straightening. If so, then the next step you should take is to make an appointment with your dentist and ask if you’re a good candidate. From there, you’ll be able to get the perfect smile you’ve always wanted!
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