While the most popular forms of braces are the regular metal braces that are worn with metal brackets, an arch wire and elastics, there are other kinds of braces that people can wear. Some people choose to use brackets that are made out of ceramic and plastic materials. Other people, whose orthodontic needs are not complicated, sometimes opt for Invisalign, which uses aligners instead of traditional braces. Still others opt for lingual or “hidden” braces.
Lingual (hidden) braces are, essentially, braces that are fixed to the inside of the teeth. They still use brackets and wires, but those brackets and wires are not visible to other people. Lingual braces are a little different than traditional metal or ceramic braces. Instead of simple brackets that are bonded to the teeth and wires that are held on with elastics, with lingual braces, the patient has a bracket that is custom built for each tooth in the patient’s mouth. The brackets are fixed to each tooth with cement and then the arch wire (the same wire used on regular braces) is threaded through the brackets.
The Advantages of Hidden Braces
- They work the same way as regular braces
- They are better, cosmetically than regular braces
- If food is caught in your braces, it does not show to other people (usually).
The Disadvantages of Hidden Braces
- Hidden braces take longer to get used to. Your tongue will run into them a lot at first and it could cause quite a bit of discomfort. In addition to the possible discomfort, you will probably have a very strong lisp while your mouth gets used to talking around the wires and brackets.
- Hidden braces are harder to take care of. Because the brackets are on the back side of your teeth, it is harder make sure that they are cleaned properly. Cleaning your braces thoroughly takes more time as you will have to work around your teeth.
- If something gets stuck in your braces, you will probably be the last person to know it. There is little that is more embarrassing than being informed that there is something weird hanging and flapping around in your mouth.
- Lingual braces are often more expensive because the brackets are custom made for your teeth and an orthodontist needs to have extra training to be qualified enough to install them on a patient’s teeth.
In terms of cost, hidden braces are often quite a bit more expensive than traditional metal braces. This is because the brackets are custom made for the patient’s teeth. While there is no way to put a definite number on it, these braces often cost in the multiple thousands of dollars.
The truth is this: no matter what kind of braces you get, there is going to be an adjustment period. Each type of orthodontic device has its advantages as well as its disadvantages, but if the only reason you are considering lingual braces is a cosmetic reason, you might want to reconsider the option of choosing ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth. If your teeth do not need much adjustment you might want to think about investing in Invisalign braces. Of course, hidden braces are more stable than Invisalign or ceramic braces and, because they are custom made for your teeth you will know that your teeth are getting the best orthodontic care possible.
