Lingual vs. Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for You?
Getting braces when you are an adult is a particularly difficult decision for a number of reasons, and then there’s the confusion of whether to go with traditional or lingual braces! In order to make the right choice, it’s important you first understand the differences between the two.
Lingual braces are more discreet
Privacy is the biggest advantage that lingual braces have over traditional braces. While a metal bracket in front of the teeth is what we usually expect after getting braces, that’s not what happens when you decide to opt for linguals.
Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, making them invisible to anyone and everyone except your orthodontist. There are also braces available which are only placed over the front six teeth – the ones predominantly on show when you smile. These, again, are placed behind the teeth so they are invisible to anyone looking at your teeth.
They are extremely effective in moving the teeth into place gradually. The treatment generally takes between six and sixteen weeks depending on the patient.
Are there any similarities between the two?
Traditional and lingual braces are similar in the way that both types are a combination of metal brackets and wires. Still, some significant differences are indeed present in their modes of getting the job done.
Most notably, lingual braces slowly reposition the teeth and gum from their concealed positions behind the teeth, whereas traditional braces do the same from the front of the teeth.
Lingual braces can affect speech initially
Perhaps this is the reason why not everyone opts for lingual braces. Even though they cannot be seen, their presence affects speech in most cases. The good news is that people adjust to them in a few weeks to a month and soon the speech problems are gone.
Traditional braces can affect speech too, so they are not exactly a solution to this problem. However, the effect is usually not as profound as it is with lingual braces.
Which one works faster?
It’s a stalemate, since both take about the same time to get your teeth fixed, which is anywhere between 18 to 24 months.
Once the treatment period is over and the braces are taken off, you might have to wear retainers indefinitely to keep the teeth in place.
Traditional braces are less expensive
Traditional braces are cheaper compared to lingual braces, because they require less time and effort from the orthodontist. Linguals, on the other hand, need the attention of more experienced orthodontists for a more extended period.
This does make them somewhat costlier than their traditional counterparts, unfortunately.
Maintenance
Maintaining all types of braces takes dedication. You will need to clean, brush and floss frequently and meticulously. There will also be some restrictions regarding sticky or hard foods such as candy, fruits, hard shells etc.
When compared, one would have to say that lingual braces will require a bit more effort to clean. The little extra effort, in the beginning, is hardly significant in the long run.
So what method should you choose?
No one method is more successful than the other and each has its own set of pros and cons. What matters is that you choose the best method for your needs and get it done by a reliable and experienced clinic.
As an adult, you might prefer the lingual braces for the anonymity they provide. This is mostly a decision based on social and personal perception than any medical advantage.
Contact Us
Our dentists in Bolton can help you make an informed decision between Lingual and Traditional Braces. Get in touch to book your consultation by visiting our contact page.
You can also find out more about the dos and don’ts of caring for your braces in one of our other blogs.
