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Would you like to get your teeth straightened without anyone knowing? Well, that’s exactly what lingual braces do!
Well-aligned teeth can enhance your smile and boost your confidence. Not just that, they also improve your oral health and improve your overall facial aesthetics. While orthodontics uses braces to straighten and align teeth, not everyone is comfortable with them. Adults, customer-facing professionals, and public speakers prefer discreet treatments.
Lingual braces are a modern option that straighten your teeth without being visible. Unlike traditional braces, which are fixed on the front surfaces of the teeth, lingual braces are placed on the inner, tongue-facing side, making them nearly invisible when you smile or speak.
At Hortman Clinics, one of the top celebrity-favorite aesthetic clinics in Dubai, our board-certified orthodontists tailor treatment plans to suit your unique smile needs. If you are looking to correct crowded teeth, close gaps, or rectify bite issues, lingual braces may be the right solution for you.
Let’s explore more about lingual braces– what they are, how they work, their many advantages, and the best way to take care of them during treatment in this blog!
What Are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are advanced fixed metallic braces that are stuck on the inner or back side of your teeth to bring about desired alignment. Since they are ‘hidden’ behind your teeth, they are often called hidden braces or invisible fixed braces. They can treat most of the same orthodontic cases that are possible with traditional braces.
Just like traditional fixed braces, lingual braces move teeth into their required positions. However, lingual braces are custom-fabricated to match the unique shape and contours of your teeth and bite. This is made possible by modern digital technology, which allows orthodontists to plan every stage of your treatment even before the brackets are placed on your teeth.
Customization of lingual braces helps in:
- Ensuring treatment precision
- Improving patient comfort
- Enhancing overall efficiency of the treatment
How Do Lingual Braces Work?
Lingual braces look and work very similarly to the traditional metallic braces. At every appointment, the orthodontist tightens the wires in the braces to move the teeth into their desired positions.
Treatment with lingual braces can take around 2 to 3 years to complete, during which the teeth are gradually repositioned using gentle forces over an extended period.
At Hortman Clinic, the process to get lingual braces typically includes:
- Comprehensive orthodontic consultation with our experienced orthodontist
- Digital scans or impressions before treatment begins
- Customized treatment planning using advanced software
- Fabrication of personalized brackets
- Precise placement of the braces using dental adhesives
- Periodic adjustment appointments
During each appointment, the orthodontist applies controlled force on the archwire, which brings about changes in the bone surrounding the tooth. Here’s how it works!
- When your archwire is tightened or changed, it applies a gentle, continuous force to your teeth.
- This pressure tells your body that the teeth need to move in a specific direction.
- As the bone around the tooth experiences pressure, it naturally responds by remodeling (reshaping itself).
- On the side toward which the tooth is moving, the bone is slowly broken down to create space.
- On the opposite side, a new bone is built to support the tooth in its new position.
This process happens gradually over several weeks.
You may feel some pressure or discomfort in your teeth for a few days after an adjustment. This is normal and usually settles on its own.
Bone remodeling is a natural process that allows your teeth to move safely during orthodontic treatment.
Who is a Candidate for Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are recommended for people who wish to straighten their teeth and correct their bite discreetly.
You may be a good candidate for lingual braces if you
- Have healthy gums and teeth
- Are seeking invisible orthodontic treatment to correct your bite
- Have moderately complex alignment issues
- Have excellent oral hygiene
At Hortman Clinics, known for non-surgical aesthetic treatments in Dubai, our orthodontists assess your bite, teeth alignment, oral health, and treatment goals to understand if lingual braces are the best solution for you.
People who are prepared to follow their orthodontist’s instructions, including avoiding foods that may damage the braces.
What are the Benefits of Lingual Braces in Dubai?
Lingual braces are effective and offer several advantages, making them a preferred option for many people. Some of their benefits include:
- They are virtually invisible: Lingual braces are completely hidden behind your teeth, so most people wouldn’t know you are undergoing treatment.
- Effective for moderate to complex cases: Lingual braces are effective in treating moderate crowding, mild alignment issues, and complex bite problems. In terms of capabilities, they are very similar to traditional braces.
- Are customized for every individual: Unlike traditional braces, each bracket in lingual braces is customized to your teeth. This ensures precision, comfort, and predictable outcomes.
- Precise control of tooth movement: The customization of lingual braces allows the orthodontist to achieve precise tooth positioning and bite correction.
- No visible staining on the front of the teeth: Since the brackets in lingual braces are placed on the inner side of the teeth, the front surface remains free from stains and bracket marks.
- Allows continuous tooth movement: Lingual braces are fixed on the teeth, and so, they work 24×7 without relying on patient compliance. This ensures effective treatment with long-term results.
- Suitable for active lifestyles: Due to their discreet nature, lingual braces are a popular choice among professionals, public speakers, performers, and anyone who prefers a less noticeable appliance.
What Conditions Can Lingual Braces Correct?
Lingual braces can correct common teeth alignment and bite issues while being incognito. Orthodontists at Hortman Clinics recommend the use of lingual braces in the following scenarios:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Rotated teeth
- Excessive vertical overlap of teeth (Overbite)
- Underbite
- Crossbite
By addressing these orthodontic issues, lingual braces contribute to:
- Better oral function
- Easier oral hygiene
- Improved speech in some cases
- Enhanced smile aesthetics
- Greater confidence
How are Lingual Braces Different From Traditional Braces?
Lingual braces are very similar to traditional metal ones in how they look and work. However, there’s a significant difference in their visibility, comfort, and overall treatment appearance.
This is why choosing between lingual braces and traditional braces depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.
- Visibility
Lingual Braces are metallic in appearance and are attached to the back surface of teeth, making them nearly impossible to see when eating, smiling, or speaking. This makes lingual braces an excellent choice for people looking for a discreet teeth-alignment solution.
Traditional braces, on the other hand, are fixed to the front surface of the teeth, making them clearly visible throughout treatment. While they are available in a less conspicuous ceramic option, they are still visible from close distances.
- Comfort
Since lingual braces are fixed on the back side of the teeth, they may cause irritation to the tongue, as it is in constant contact with them. This may be uncomfortable for most people, especially at first. However, as the tongue gets adapted to the braces, comfort improves.
Traditional braces may initially irritate the lips and cheeks.
Regardless of the type of braces you choose, most people adapt to either treatment within a few weeks.
- Ease of maintaining oral Hygiene
Both lingual and traditional braces require consistent brushing and flossing. However, lingual braces may require additional attention when cleaning around the brackets, as accessing and viewing the back of your teeth may be challenging.
On the contrary, cleaning with traditional braces is relatively easier, as you can visualize all parts of the bracket and the wire.
Your orthodontist will demonstrate effective oral hygiene techniques, depending on the type of braces you have.
- Lifestyle considerations
Lingual braces allow you to smile confidently without visible brackets, making them an excellent choice for people in marketing, customer-facing professional roles, adults who are conscious about wearing a metallic smile, and those in the public eye.
Traditional braces remain an excellent option for patients who are less concerned about appliance visibility.
How are Lingual Braces Different from Clear Aligners?
Lingual braces and clear aligners share one common feature – they are both less conspicuous and nearly invisible. However, they differ in appearance, functionality, and comfort levels.
- Type of braces
Lingual braces are fixed to the teeth and consist of brackets with a wire running through them to bring about tooth movement. They cannot be removed by the patient.
Clear aligners are removable plastic trays, which, when worn, apply gentle yet constant pressure on the teeth to bring about movement. They can be easily removed and worn back by the patient.
- Visibility
Lingual braces are fixed on the tongue-side of teeth, making them almost impossible to spot during daily activities.
Clear Aligners are transparent trays that are difficult to notice even from close distances.
- How they work
Lingual braces are worn continuously as they are fixed. During every treatment session, the orthodontist tightens the wires to apply pressure to the teeth, causing them to move into their new positions.
Clear aligners are trays that must be worn for 20-22 hours every day. When worn, these trays apply gentle yet constant pressure on the teeth, causing them to move into new positions. The trays must be changed as per the given schedule as treatment progresses.
- Treatment complexity
Lingual braces can often treat most orthodontic cases that traditional braces can– from mild, moderate, and many complex alignment and bites.
However, clear aligners are only suitable for many minor orthodontic concerns, though treatment suitability varies by individual case.
- Effectiveness of treatment
Since lingual braces are fixed, they are a type of ‘set and forget’ treatment, which continues without depending too much on patient compliance.
Clear aligners are largely dependent on patient compliance, and therefore, the effectiveness and success of treatment depends on how long the patient wears the trays every day. Not wearing the trays for a longer time delays treatment.
Lingual Braces Myths vs Facts
Though lingual braces have become largely popular among patients, there are several misconceptions surrounding them. Let’s separate common myths from the facts.
Myth: Lingual braces don’t work as well as traditional braces.
Lingual braces use the same orthodontic principles as traditional braces and can treat mild, moderate, and complex malalignment cases and bite issues successfully.
Myth: Lingual braces are completely painless.
Fact: Like any other orthodontic treatment, lingual braces may cause some temporary discomfort and tenderness right after placement or wire adjustments. Most patients adapt to them in a short period of time.
Myth: Only adults can wear lingual braces.
Fact: While adults are the most common group to wear lingual braces, teenagers can also opt for them, depending on their orthodontic needs and dental development.
Myth: Everyone is a candidate for lingual braces.
Fact: Not everyone is eligible for lingual braces treatment. Treatment suitability depends on factors such as your bite, oral health, tooth position, and treatment goals.
Your Lingual Braces Journey at Hortman Clinics: Here’s What It Includes!
At Hortman Clinics, the leading luxury aesthetic and wellness center in Dubai, your orthodontic treatment is carefully planned to provide personalized care from consultation through to completion.
Step 1: Initial consultation
Your first appointment for lingual braces includes a comprehensive oral examination, during which the dentist will assess your smile and evaluate your bite. They will also understand your treatment goals and discuss the best way possible for you, including whether lingual braces are the right solution.
Step 2: Digital diagnostics
If you are a candidate for lingual braces, the orthodontist will take digital scans or impressions of your teeth, clinical photographs, and X-rays if required.
Step 3: Customized treatment plan
All these diagnostic details help the orthodontist create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. They will also discuss the estimated cost and duration of the treatment.
This appointment is a good opportunity to ask questions and understand the expected treatment process, as well as any other concerns you may have.
Step 4: Placement of lingual braces
Once the treatment is agreed upon, the orthodontist sends the digital scans and impressions to the laboratory to fabricate your lingual braces. Once they are ready, the custom-made brackets are bonded to the inner surface of your teeth and archwires are carefully positioned.
Your orthodontist checks comfort and fit before completing the appointment.
Step 5: Regular adjustment visits
You will be required to visit your orthodontist for wire adjustments and to monitor tooth movement as per their schedule. Your orthodontist will also guide you in maintaining oral hygiene and caring for your appliance.
Step 6: Treatment completion
The total duration of treatment varies for each individual, depending on the complexity of the case, bite-correction requirements, patient cooperation, and individual response to treatment.
Once the treatment is completed, the braces are removed, the teeth are polished, and retainers are provided to help maintain your new smile.
Your orthodontist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor long-term stability.
Your First Few Weeks With Lingual Braces
The first few weeks with your lingual braces can be slightly challenging as you experience mild discomfort, get used to speaking with the braces on, and deal with tongue irritation. These are normal in the adjustment period as your mouth adapts to lingual braces.
- Mild discomfort: Most people experience temporary soreness after placement of lingual braces, including tenderness in the teeth for a few days. Mild discomfort typically decreases as treatment progresses.
- Speech adjustment: Since the braces are placed on the inner surfaces of your teeth, your tongue may initially have difficulty moving around, affecting your speech. This is why some patients notice slight changes in pronunciation during the first few weeks.
Reading aloud and regular conversation often help the tongue adapt more quickly. Speech generally improves as patients become used to the braces.
- Tongue irritation: Initially, the tongue may rub against the brackets as they are new, resulting in minor irritation. This reduces in a few days as the mouth adjusts. Your orthodontist may recommend orthodontic wax if needed.
- Eating habits: In the first few days after lingual braces placement, you will be advised to eat softer foods as they may feel more comfortable. You can return to your normal diet as you are more comfortable with your braces. Follow your orthodontist’s advice regarding foods to avoid.
- Oral hygiene routine: Create and follow nan oral hygiene routine that includes brushing after every meal and flossing daily. Proper cleaning helps maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment.
What is the Cost of Lingual Braces in Dubai?
The cost of lingual braces at Hortman Clinics varies, depending on several factors, such as:
- Complexity of the case
- Duration of treatment
- Customization of the appliance
- Orthodontist expertise
During your consultation at Hortman Clinics, your orthodontist will give you a comprehensive treatment plan for your needs, including an estimated cost of your treatment.
Hortman Clinics also offers easy payment plans to help make lingual braces affordable.
How to Care For Your Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces require additional care and effort to maintain oral hygiene. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential throughout orthodontic treatment. Here are some ways to care for your lingual braces throughout treatment:
- Brush thoroughly: While brushing twice a day is recommended, it is best if you can brush after every meal using a soft-bristled brush. When doing so, pay close attention to the areas around brackets and wires.
- Floss every day: Flossing can be challenging with lingual braces but is important. Using special orthodontic flossing tools may make cleaning easier. Ask your orthodontist for more information.
- Attend regular orthodontic appointments: Keep all scheduled adjustment visits with your orthodontist, as it gives them a chance to identify any issues early and keep your treatment on track.
- Protect your braces: During your lingual braces treatment, avoid biting on hard objects as it can cause the brackets to break or come off your teeth. This can delay treatment time.
Follow dietary recommendations provided by your orthodontist. Contact your orthodontist if a bracket or wire becomes loose or damaged.
- Maintain overall oral health: Continue routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings. Healthy gums and teeth contribute to successful orthodontic treatment.
How to Choose the Right Orthodontist for Lingual Braces Treatment?
Lingual braces require special expertise. If you are looking to undergo lingual braces treatment, look for an orthodontist:
- With experience in lingual orthodontics
- Offers comprehensive orthodontic evaluations and personalized treatment planning
- Has access to modern diagnostic technology
- Has a strong reputation for patient care, which includes a patient-focused approach, transparent communication, and clear guidance on oral hygiene and aftercare.
Selecting the right orthodontist plays an important role in your treatment experience and outcome.
Conclusion
Lingual braces are an effective braces option for people who wish to straighten their teeth or correct their malpositioned teeth but do not want to wear a metallic or ceramic smile. Since lingual braces is an advanced orthodontic treatment, you must always choose an orthodontist with experience with them.
Whether you are a working professional, student, or want a natural smile during treatment, lingual braces can combine aesthetics with reliable orthodontic results. Remember to choose an experienced orthodontist, maintain good oral hygiene, and keep your regular follow-up appointments for the best possible outcome.
If you are considering lingual braces in Dubai, schedule a consultation with a qualified orthodontic specialist at Hortman Clinics to determine whether this hidden orthodontic solution is right for your smile goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are placed on the inner side of the teeth, which they are hidden from view during routine activities like speaking or smiling.
Lingual braces are recommended for adults and teenagers with healthy teeth and gums who want a less conspicuous solution to align their teeth.
Yes, lingual braces are as effective as traditional braces in treating common orthodontic problems, such as crowding, spacing, bite problems, and crooked teeth.
Treatment duration with lingual braces can take anything from 1.5 to 2 years or longer, depending on the complexity of the case. Your orthodontist can provide a personalized treatment timeline based on your teeth alignment and goals.
Since lingual braces are placed on the tongue-side of teeth, some patients notice temporary changes in speech, particularly during the first few weeks. Most people adapt as they become accustomed to the braces.
Lingual braces are not painful, but you may experience mild soreness or discomfort after placement or adjustment appointments. This is usually temporary and will subside in a few days as your mouth adapts to the braces.
If you have lingual braces, you must avoid eating hard, chewy or sticky foods that could damage the brackets or wires.
Both lingual braces and clear aligners are effective, and the best treatment for you depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and preferences. While lingual braces remain fixed throughout treatment, clear aligners are removable. Your orthodontist can help you choose the most appropriate option.
Yes, lingual braces can be used to treat some complex bite issues. However, they may not be the best choice when surgical interventions are required with braces.
You will be required to visit your orthodontist once every 4 to 6 weeks for routine adjustments and progress monitoring.
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Everything we do is tailored to your needs, this is why we take our time to take care of you and answer all your questions.
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