On lingual braces – honestly.
Lingual, i.e. on the tongue side, orthodontic treatment for various orthodontic discrepancies. The essence of lingual orthodontics is that the brackets and the metal arch are placed on the inner, tongue-side surface of the teeth, making the braces invisible from the outside.
Lingual braces – how do they differ from external braces?
As its name suggests, lingual braces are fitted to the inner, or tongue-side, surface of the teeth. Like conventional braces, lingual braces consist of brackets and a metal archwire. The key difference is that the bases of the brackets must be individually customised because the inner surfaces of the teeth vary more than the outer surfaces.
Lingual orthodontics final result
The main disadvantages of lingual braces are their higher cost compared to traditional braces, potential for tongue irritation, prolonged adjustment period, and possible speech difficulties.
When using lingual braces, cleaning the teeth and interdental spaces is a huge challenge (under home conditions). It requires a special toothbrush, interdental brush, introduction of a new oral hygiene routine, and frequent (or more frequent) dental hygiene treatments.
For those who desire as little change as possible to their comfortable „pre-braces” lifestyle, we recommend the innovative devices of easily removable and invisible Invisalign braces.
The world-class appliance mentioned above also offers a solution to another negative aspect of internal, lingual braces, as it is made of deep-drawn, transparent foil, so it can never injure the tongue (with lingual braces, both the brackets and the arch pose a certain risk to the integrity of the tongue and mouth).
Does it bother you in speech if the brace and wire are placed on the lingual side of the teeth?
After fitting, both external and internal braces can be quite unpleasant. With internal braces, the tongue also comes into contact with them, which affects speech. Irritation or discomfort often occurs when wearing internal braces, as the metal is constantly in contact with the tongue, potentially even causing abrasions.
This is why it is not the most ideal solution for public figures, performers, and managers, as it significantly hinders speech. It may be necessary to relearn speech, paying particular attention to pronunciation, as lisping and indistinct speech can occur frequently with lingual braces fitted. The formation of sibilant sounds, common in the Hungarian language, such as „sz,” „z,” „c,” and „s,” „zs,” „cs,” can become difficult, which can create a childish, immature impression in adults.
Fortunately, patients with metal allergies – or those who wish to avoid the disadvantages of lingual braces fitted on the inside of the teeth – do not have to give up comfortable and invisible orthodontics.
These aesthetic Invisalign aligners, made from a deep-drawn, durable, transparent film, help the wearer achieve visible results in as little as 3 months, and exert their beneficial effects without metal wires and brackets irritating the oral cavity or gums.
One of its greatest advantages is that it can be easily removed and replaced at any time with a single movement. This means that brushing your teeth, eating, or an important meeting remain as natural an experience as before. The only thing that changes is your smile, which becomes more and more perfect day by day with the help of Invisalign.
How can proper oral hygiene be maintained with lingual braces?
When wearing lingual orthodontic appliances, particular attention must be paid to dental hygiene. Cleaning with lingual braces is much more difficult than with any other type of brace, so for this purpose, we recommend frequent use of an interdental brush, cleaning each bracket individually.
In addition to regular orthodontic check-ups, professional dental hygiene treatment is also essential for keeping teeth and braces clean. When wearing lingual braces, tartar formation is more intense because the teeth and their surroundings are much harder to clean, making regular professional tartar removal and scaling essential.
Is a retainer still necessary after lingual braces?
A retainer must be worn after all types of orthodontic treatment, including lingual orthodontics, to ensure the teeth solidify in their desired position in the bone.
