What Are Lingual Braces? – Alias Lingual Braces
Getting braces is a rite of passage for many of us. In fact, around 200,000 people are fitted with braces every year in Britain.
Braces help to straighten teeth that are crooked, crowded, or protruding. They also close gaps between teeth and help correct the bite.
But did you know that braces can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and aid your digestion?
There are different types of braces available- including lingual braces, Damon clear braces, Six Month Smiles braces, and invisible braces.
You may be wondering the answer to the question ‘what are lingual braces?’ Well, we will outline exactly what they are and how they work.
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces carry the same features as normal braces, except they are fixed to the back of your teeth on the tongue or side of the teeth. Because they go behind your teeth, they are nearly invisible.
Due to their low profile, and discrete nature, lingual braces are an excellent cosmetic treatment for people who are looking to straighten their teeth, without anyone noticing the actual braces in the person’s mouth.
They are called lingual braces because the word ‘lingual’ refers to the tongue, near it, or the side towards the tongue. Regular braces are fitted to the front surfaces of the teeth.
Typically, lingual braces are made of stainless steel, titanium, or an alloy made of gold.
Lingual braces are suitable for people of all ages, including children.
Only dental specialists can install lingual braces because it requires a high level of training.
What are lingual braces suitable for?
- severely crowded teeth
- complex orthodontic problems
- an overbite or crossbite
- gaps in your teeth
- a desire to straighten your teeth, but you don’t want the braces to be visible
Where can I get lingual braces?
Here at Didsbury Dental Practice, our dental specialists can fit you with Alias lingual braces.
Treatment takes between 18 and 36 months, depending on the severity of the overcrowding.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort and speech interference after just a short adjustment period to lingual braces.
To ensure precise results and optimum comfort, lingual braces are custom-made from non-allergenic gold using the latest computer technology. The process for lingual braces involves taking an impression of the teeth, which is then sent to a dental laboratory and used to create customised braces.
To book a consultation with one of our dental specialists, click here.
If you are not sure what are lingual braces, or you need help with any orthodontic problems, contact us for more information.
Visit our website to find out more about invisible braces and Six Month Smiles braces.
What are lingual braces good for?
- Very discrete and almost invisible in your mouth, because they are not fitted to the front surface of the teeth. There are no metal wires or brackets in plain sight- so your family and friends won’t even notice that you wear braces!
- Takes dentists less time to install lingual braces (than regular braces).
- Straighten teeth and fix all sorts of problems- from crowding, twisted teeth, bites, crowding, and spacing.
- Can be custom-made to suit your teeth.
- Regular braces often leave white squares on the teeth after they are removed- if this happens with lingual braces, you won’t see the white spots at the back or side of the teeth or tongue.
- Won’t leave lasting damage to the front teeth.
Are lingual braces more painful than normal braces?
No, lingual braces should not feel more painful than any other type of brace.
After getting any type of braces, patients may experience temporary soreness and difficulty with chewing. However, this usually doesn’t last long.
If you get lingual braces installed, follow the care advice from your dentist. Any temporary pain can be managed with painkillers, plenty of rest, and a soft food diet.
If you do experience severe discomfort, pain, swelling or bleeding in the mouth, use the NHS 111 service or see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Here at Didsbury Dental Practice, we are a 24-hour emergency dentist, which is open 7 days a week, including bank holidays and Christmas Day.
To book an emergency appointment, just call our dental emergency helpline on 0161 250 9616, or walk into the practice and we will aim to see you as soon as possible.
It is not necessary for you to be an existing patient at our practice in order to book an emergency dentist appointment with us.
Our emergency dental care is second to none.
Click here to find out more about our emergency dental care services.
Are lingual braces available on the NHS?
No, lingual braces are only available through private dentists, as NHS funding is limited and cannot cover the cost of these treatments.
How long do I have to wear lingual braces?
Standard braces may be worn for years, but lingual braces typically take anywhere between 1 to 3 years.
Your dentist will tell you how long you need to wear your lingual braces and give you advice when you go for check-ups.
Are lingual braces better than normal metal braces?
It really depends on your preferences and your orthodontic requirements.
Your dentist will tell you which braces are most suitable for your teeth.
Lingual braces are much more discrete and incognito than normal braces, similar to invisible braces (Invisalign).
lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth, so they are pretty much invisible to everyone, apart from your dentist. Whereas, normal metal braces are very visible on your teeth.
Also, patients choose to have lingual braces because they need their teeth straightened or repositioned, so it is a cosmetic treatment. Nobody chooses to have normal metal braces for cosmetic purposes!
Additionally, lingual braces have the advantage of being shaped to each tooth; whereas, normal metal braces consist of wires and brackets.
How much do lingual braces cost in the UK?
That depends on the orthodontist that you go to.
Lingual braces have to be custom-made to fit the shape of the patient’s mouth and teeth.
They are priced anywhere between £2,000 to £3,000.
Speak to your dentist to see what your consultation and treatment prices will be, as you will probably receive a personalised quote.
Here at Didsbury Dental Practice, we offer a dental finance service for patients, which enables you to spread the cost of your dental treatment, subject to acceptance.
All you need to do is complete the application form provided at reception and we will submit this on your behalf.
Once you are accepted, you will need to pay a deposit of the total cost of treatment to qualify for the subsidy.
Contact us for further details about our patient finance options.
Do you get a lisp with lingual braces?
After getting lingual braces, you may experience a slight lisp, as your mouth gets used to the feeling of the braces. But not to worry, this won’t last long.
Here at Didsbury Dental Practice, we regularly see patients fit lingual braces. Most of our patients experience minimal discomfort and speech interference after just a short adjustment period to lingual braces.
How do you brush your teeth with lingual braces?
Brushing your teeth regularly is important when you have lingual braces fitted.
Use interdental brushes, or an electric toothbrush with a small head attachment, to help you clean those stubborn, hard-to-reach areas of the teeth.
You can also buy interdental soft picks, which can remove plaque from tight spaces of the teeth, without causing damage.
Floss daily to remove debris, especially after eating meals.
Use a fluoride mouthwash to keep your gums healthy and reduce the risk of gum inflammation.
What foods can you not eat with lingual braces?
There are some foods and drinks that may not be suitable while you are wearing lingual braces.
Anything which is really hard to bite and chew, may put pressure on your braces and be difficult to eat.
You may find it helpful to avoid the following foods if you are wearing lingual braces:
- Raw carrots
- Sticky toffee
- Nuts
- Sugary sweets and fizzy drinks- will encourage tooth decay
- Chewing gum
- Drinks which stain the teeth- such as coffee and wine
Opt for softer foods, which are easier to chew. Try cutting up hard foods such as apples and cucumbers, so that you are not using too much force to bite into them.
If you find yourself in a tooth emergency, visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
How do I take care of myself when I am wearing lingual braces?
When you wear lingual braces, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, as this will reduce the risk of gum inflammation and bring you overall health benefits, too.
- Brush your teeth after meals, as well as in the mornings and at night.
- Use an interdental brush to clean the inner areas that your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Floss regularly to remove built-up plaque and leftover food from the gum line.
- Gently brush your tongue, as plaque can build up there, too.
- See your dentist regularly for check-ups and follow their advice.
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports, to protect your mouth.
- Always book an emergency dentist appointment if you experience any problems.
- If you have soreness or pain after getting lingual braces, your dentist may recommend a product to ease your discomfort, such as orthodontic wax.
- Use a mouthwash to re-mineralise the teeth and keep your mouth fresh.
- Drink plenty of water, to stay hydrated.
We hope we have now answered the question ‘what are lingual braces?’
To find out more about Didsbury Dental Practice, visit our website here.
Find out more information about our emergency dental treatment here.
We offer a wide range of dental treatments, including Invisible Braces (Invisalign), Six Month Smiles and Damon Clear Braces.
If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Manchester, call our dental emergency helpline on 0161 413 2835 or walk into the practice and we will aim to see you as soon as possible.
Check out our blog to read more articles on dental health.
