Lingual orthodontics and lingual braces: advantages, frequently asked questions and prices

Lingual braces

Since there are different types of brackets that are placed on the inside of the tooth -instead of on the outside- we will see which ones offer higher quality.

And it is that only the bracket that has been specifically designed to be placed inside can be considered lingual.

What are braces or intralingual orthodontics?

The brackets that are placed inside are a fixed orthodontic technique that is characterized by being the only one that absolutely nothing is seen.

This is achieved because the brackets are placed on the lingual side, that is, on the inside of the tooth.

This type of dental appliance is just as effective as other less aesthetic orthodontic systems, such as transparent or white brackets, sapphire brackets, or conventional metal brackets.

In other words, the lingual technique allows us to solve any defect related to the alignment and bite of our teeth ( crowding or piling, open bite, overbite, gaps or separations between teeth, crossbite...).

Both Invisalign and lingual orthodontics are framed within invisible orthodontics, although there are several differences between the two.

The main distinction is that the aligners are removable, so the patient can remove them from the mouth to brush their teeth and eat.

In addition, lingual braces are metallic and are not made of a transparent material like Invisalign splints.

How many types of lingual braces are there?

If we have already advanced that the quality of the bracket that is placed on the patient is extremely important, then we are going to specify more about the types of internal devices that exist.

As patients, we must make sure that the invisible braces that our orthodontist is going to place on us are specifically designed for it.

We say this because many of the brackets that are offered as lingual are metal appliances that are simply placed on the inside of the teeth.

In our dental clinic, we work with the 3M Incognito brand, which is the market leader and the first in the world.

Launched a fully customized lingual brace system in 2004.

For this reason, in this article, we are going to focus on the invisible braces that we consider to be of the best quality: the Incognito.

They are, without a doubt, the most technologically advanced and the first choice of adult patients who are very demanding with their physical appearance.

How do incognito braces work?

In order to correct the aforementioned dental problems, Incognito lingual brackets have a slightly different operation than the rest of the systems (transparent or white, sapphire or metal brackets).

In the first place, their manufacturing process varies, they are made of a gold alloy and are technologically very advanced.

The design of the bracket is done by computer and, later, the manufacture is carried out in a personalized way.

This is because the brackets are created one by one -with said gold alloy- tailored to the patient's teeth.

On the other hand, the rest of the brackets mentioned do not have this strong technological component, they are not made to measure and are made with a much cheaper material (metal, porcelain or even plastic).

Instead of manufacturing each bracket in a personalized way, a multitude of them are made at the same time and the same ones are placed on all patients.

In addition to brackets, Incognito also manufactures custom dental appliance archwires and bonding trays.

The latter are created from the molds that are made of the patient's mouth and serve to place the brackets in it that will later be transferred to the teeth.

In which cases is lingual orthodontics recommended?

Since the efficacy of lingual brackets is more than proven, it is indicated to correct any type of malocclusion.

Thus, it solves problems of crowding, open bite, crossbite, overbite, etc.

For this reason, the decision to opt for lingual braces or any other dental appliance is the importance given to appearance during treatment.

At this point, we anticipate that it is the most expensive orthodontic treatment currently offered on the market, which is why it is chosen by people who put aesthetics before price.

This may be due to their lifestyle because their job requires them to meet certain standards regarding their image or simply because they do not want anyone to notice that they are wearing a device.

Although in the aesthetic aspect, lingual orthodontics does not interfere in any way in the life of the patient, it supposes a series of difficulties and inconveniences when speaking or eating.

This is known as the adaptation period, which is essential to go through regardless of what type of orthodontics you wear.

However, in the case of lingual brackets, this process varies and can be more bearable depending on the ones chosen.

Advantages and disadvantages of the internal dental appliance

Incognito orthodontics from the 3M brand has numerous benefits, whether we compare it with any other type of bracket or with Invisalign.

Among all of them, the benefits that make the difference of this system are the following:

pros

1. The only 100% invisible brace

Although, as we have said before, Invisalign also falls into the category of invisible orthodontics, it can be noticeable at very short distances.

Despite this, it is a very discreet method, especially since it does not involve the placement of brackets.

And it is that it is a procedure that uses transparent splints tailored to the patient's mouth.

The aligners are changed every two weeks to gradually make small dental movements.

However, we can affirm that lingual orthodontics is the only procedure that is completely imperceptible, even at short distances.

Therefore, no one will notice that you wear an orthodontic appliance throughout the entire treatment.

2. Highly effective method

There is a false myth that aesthetic orthodontic methods are less effective than more traditional metal braces.

The truth is that orthodontics with lingual brackets is recommended to address any type of malocclusion: an open bite, crossbite, overbite, etc.

Many more complex cases have been treated with lingual orthodontics, such as those that require extractions or have severe crowding.

3. Does not produce visible stains on the enamel of your teeth

Fixed orthodontic methods make oral hygiene at home difficult.

For this reason, it is common that, on some occasions, small spots appear on the enamel of the surface of our teeth.

However, lingual brackets are cemented on the internal face of the pieces.

In this way, in the event that dental hygiene has not been as rigorous as it should throughout the treatment, there will be no visible stain or discoloration after it .

The result will be more aesthetic, therefore, than if you have opted for a fixed orthodontic treatment with metal or sapphire brackets.

4. Requires less collaboration from the patient

Compared to the other invisible orthodontic system - transparent splints - the patient does not have to be so aware of their treatment.

And is that, for it to be effective and the treatment deadlines are met, it is necessary that the aligners are worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day.

This is perceived as a disadvantage for some patients who, due to their lifestyle or habits, do not wish to maintain this regularity of use.

Of course, even if you opt for lingual orthodontics, it is essential that you take care of your hygiene and attend the check-ups scheduled by your orthodontist.

5. It is recommended for athletes

People who play sports regularly, especially if they are in contact sports, have a higher risk of accidental blows to the mouth.

In the case of wearing metal or sapphire braces, the impact would cause injuries to the inside of the cheeks and lips.

For this reason, lingual orthodontics is a more convenient option for elite athletes or amateurs who practice this kind of activity.

In any case, whether or not they have braces, the use of a custom-made sports mouthpiece is highly recommended.

6. Predictable

Manufacturing is done through computer-configured registers and the brackets are custom-made for your teeth.

Therefore, the adhesion area is maximized, great precision is achieved and the treatment times planned by the orthodontist are met.

7. Tough

The gold alloy with which these aesthetic brackets are made allows to obtain a lot of resistance with a minimum thickness.

8. Comfortable

Being so thin, small, and made to measure, lingual braces hardly cause discomfort to the tongue or when speaking.

Cons

Orthodontics with lingual brackets offers certain disadvantages compared to other orthodontic methods.

1. Hygiene

In the first place, like the rest of the fixed orthodontic methods, it makes it difficult to access hygiene in all the corners of the mouth.

For this reason, you must take special care and complete the cleaning of your mouth with the use of the oral irrigator -or Waterpik-.

2. Food

On the other hand, it supposes certain restrictions regarding the diet that you must follow during the treatment.

You should avoid eating hard foods (nuts, kicks) and sticky foods (candies, chewing gum).

In addition, it is advisable that you do not bite using a lever movement, for example when eating a sandwich or an apple.

3. Adaptation period

All orthodontic appliances require an adaptation period.

In the case of Incognito brackets, this is increased compared to Invisalign.

Initially, you may notice some discomfort when talking or chewing that will disappear after 2 to 3 weeks.

4. Price

Currently, Incognito invisible braces are the most expensive orthodontic treatment that exists.

Therefore, patients who prioritize aesthetics over the cost of the device resort to it.