Nowadays, there are many options available for people who want to have their teeth straightened – metal braces, clear aligners and porcelain veneers are some of them. However, you may not know about lingual braces, which are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are fixed to the inside of the teeth. Lingual braces can achieve the same results as traditional braces in a more discreet way.
At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are happy to be able to offer teenagers and adults an alternative to metal braces. Our experience has shown that teenagers and adults alike will sometimes avoid essential orthodontics treatment because they do not like the look of metal braces. In Harley Street, orthodontics have never been easier. Dr Sarah Neale and Dr Emma Laing can help you achieve healthy, straight and attractive teeth with lingual braces.
How do lingual braces work?
The process for lingual braces involves taking an impression of your teeth, which is then sent to the dental laboratory for the creation of customised brackets. The process may take up to six weeks. Once your braces are made, your dentist at Harley Street Dental Clinic will fix the braces onto the back surfaces of your teeth.
Like traditional braces, lingual braces work by applying mild yet constant pressure on the teeth, to help them slowly shift to their right position. The treatment can last from 18-36 months, depending on each individual case.
Lingual braces are designed to work on most types of bite irregularities and teeth misalignment that can be treated by traditional metal braces, making this orthodontic option available to most adult and adolescent patients who visit our Harley Street clinic. However, some patients may not be ideal candidates for lingual braces – people with short teeth or serious cases of misaligned teeth cannot wear lingual braces. However, they may be a viable option for patients who want to straighten their teeth discreetly, but do not qualify for clear braces or invisible aligners.
Patients who visit our clinic for orthodontics in Harley Street will receive customised care instructions to follow during treatment with lingual braces. These instructions may include recommendations to brush gently and avoid hard and sticky foods.