Lingual Braces Vs Invisalign
When children or teens need orthodontic treatment it’s usually a straightforward decision that is made by their parents. Children have their whole lives ahead of them and orthodontic treatment gives them the chance to live it with a beautiful smile.
For adult patients, the decision tends to come with a lot more questions. Am I too old, is it too late, is it worth it, what will other people think? The good news is that once you’ve decided to achieve your perfect smile, we have a full range of orthodontic options to cater to your needs and lifestyle.
Two of the most popular treatment choices are clear aligners, like Invisalign and lingual braces. Both have many aesthetic advantages and are the preferred choice for many of our adult patients.
When most people think of braces or orthodontics, they think of the traditional metal braces that are placed on the front of the teeth. Some adults are self-conscious about braces. Lingual braces or clear aligners like Invisalign are appealing options for orthodontic treatment.
Lingual Braces or Invisalign?
With traditional braces, teeth are moved into the correct position using front-facing metal brackets and wires. Lingual braces and Invisalign operate differently.
Lingual braces – braces that are placed on the back of the teeth
Invisalign – a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth
Read more about both options; what is the most invisible type of braces? and is Invisalign right for me?
What are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces work in a similar fashion to the traditional front-facing metal braces, but the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of teeth, making them virtually invisible. In fact, when we speak with patients during their lingual brace treatment we often hear that no one, not even close friends and family, even knows our patient is having orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces are the ideal solution when it comes to discreet teeth straightening.
How do I know if Lingual Braces are right for me?
If it’s important for you to wear braces that aren’t obvious, lingual braces are worth it. With lingual braces, you can move your teeth into the correct position discreetly, providing you with a great bite and a beautiful new smile.
There are some challenges associated with wearing lingual braces that aren’t found in traditional braces:
- They can be more difficult to clean
- They can have an overall treatment time that is longer than with traditional braces
- Typically, more expensive
- Not ideal for all cases, for example: severe crowding, complicated bite problems, small or unusually shaped teeth
- They can be more uncomfortable at first due to the proximity of the lingual braces to the tongue
- Difficulty swallowing without using a tongue thrust
- Speech issues like lisping can be experienced in early treatment phase
- Appointments can take longer than with traditional braces
If you understand these challenges and are willing to make the effort required for wearing lingual braces then we’d advise discussing all the options with your orthodontist. Our experienced clinicians will take the time to discuss whether lingual braces are right for you or whether other treatment options like Invisalign would be more suitable.
Are there different types of Lingual Braces?
Each orthodontist chooses their own lingual system according to his or her preference, level of training, cost and other patient factors. There are a variety of brands available that differ slightly in design, but they all function the same way. The lingual brace systems we use at Park Lane Orthodontics in Reading, Berkshire are:
- Incognito by 3M
- 2D Braces
How much do lingual braces cost?
As lingual braces are custom-made, require special equipment, and a high level of specialist technical and orthodontic expertise, they usually cost more than traditional braces or clear aligners. Click here for more information on the cost of lingual braces
How do I find an orthodontist who offers lingual braces?
Not all orthodontists offer lingual braces due to the technical skill, equipment, education and training required to effectively treat patients with these advanced braces.
At Park Lane Orthodontics in Reading, we’re proud to offer lingual braces as a discreet way of straightening your smile and correcting your bite.
If you’d like to learn more about what lingual braces are, please contact us on 0118 467 8708. Alternatively, please email reception@parklaneorthodontics.co.uk to book a consultation in Reading or click here to arrange a free remote video consultation.