Lingual Braces in Springvale
Some patients want straighter teeth without anyone noticing treatment is even happening. That’s exactly what lingual braces are designed for, a fully hidden alternative to traditional braces that sits behind your teeth rather than in front of them.
Lingual braces work on the same basic principle as traditional metal braces, using brackets and wires to gradually shift teeth into place, but they’re fitted to the tongue-side surface of your teeth instead of the front. This means the brackets and wires stay completely out of sight during everyday conversations, meetings, and photos.
To find out more about getting lingual braces in Springvale, call Springvale Dental Smiles and schedule an appointment today.
How Lingual Braces Are Custom-Made for Your Teeth
Lingual braces consist of custom-made brackets and wires, similar to traditional braces, but positioned on the inner surface of your teeth facing your tongue. Since every tooth’s back surface is a slightly different shape and angle, each bracket is individually milled or cast from a mould or digital scan of your specific teeth, rather than a standard off-the-shelf shape used for front-facing brackets.
The wire itself is also shaped to a tighter, more complex curve than a traditional archwire, since it needs to follow the contour of your teeth from behind. This is part of why lingual braces generally involve more specialised lab work and a longer lead time to fabricate than traditional braces before your first fitting appointment.
Once in place, the orthodontist adjusts and tightens the wires at regular visits, gradually guiding your teeth into their correct position, just as with traditional braces, but entirely hidden from view.
Why Choose Lingual Braces?
There are a few reasons patients specifically ask for lingual braces over other orthodontic options.
- Complete Discretion: Nobody can see the brackets or wires from the front, making them popular with adults in professional or public-facing roles.
- Reliable Results: The underlying mechanics of tooth movement are the same as traditional braces, regardless of where the brackets sit.
- No Compromise on Effectiveness: Unlike some removable clear aligner systems, lingual braces stay fixed in place, so results don’t depend on patient compliance with wear time.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces can treat many of the same issues as traditional braces, including:
- Tooth misalignment
- Crowding
- Spacing problems
- Bite gaps
- Mild to moderate rotations
Lingual braces suit most teenagers and adults, though severe bite or jaw problems may still require additional treatment or surgery alongside orthodontic correction.
How Long Should Lingual Braces Be Worn?
Treatment time with lingual braces is generally similar to traditional braces, often around two to three years, though this depends on the severity of your bite problem. Because the brackets sit closer to your tongue, some patients notice a slightly longer adjustment period for speech in the first few weeks, which typically settles as you get used to wearing them.
Will Lingual Braces Affect My Speech?
Some patients notice a temporary lisp or slight change to their speech in the first one to two weeks, since the tongue needs to adjust to the brackets and wire sitting behind the teeth. This generally resolves on its own as your tongue adapts, and most patients speak completely normally well before treatment finishes.
Are Lingual Braces More Expensive Than Other Options?
Lingual braces are typically priced higher than traditional metal braces, largely due to the custom fabrication process each bracket requires. Costs vary depending on the complexity of your case, and our team can talk you through a detailed quote at your consultation.
Is Everyone a Good Candidate for Lingual Braces?
Most teenagers and adults are suitable candidates, though lingual braces can be more challenging to fit for patients with very short or small teeth, since there’s less surface area on the back of the tooth to bond the bracket. Your orthodontist will assess your teeth at a consultation to confirm whether lingual braces are a good fit for your case.
What Is the Treatment Process?
The orthodontist will first assess your bite and explain what lingual braces can realistically achieve for your specific case. You may undergo dental X-rays and impressions to determine whether lingual braces are suitable, since more complex cases sometimes suit traditional braces better. Afterward, the orthodontist will follow these steps:
- Get impressions of the teeth: The orthodontist takes a mould or digital scan of your teeth, which is sent away to fabricate custom brackets shaped precisely to the back surface of each tooth.
- Precondition the teeth and place the brackets: The orthodontist cleans and prepares the back surface of your teeth before bonding each custom bracket into place.
- Insert the wire: Once the brackets are set, the orthodontist threads and shapes the wire behind your teeth, connecting the brackets together to begin guiding your teeth into position.
- Ongoing adjustments: You’ll return for regular appointments so the orthodontist can tighten and adjust the wire as your teeth gradually shift.
How Do You Maintain Your Lingual Braces?
Monthly check-ups are advisable for adjustments and monitoring your progress. Because lingual braces sit behind your teeth, cleaning around the brackets takes a little more care than traditional braces, so your orthodontist will show you specific brushing and flossing techniques to keep the area free of plaque buildup.
The information above is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for personalised advice. Please speak with your orthodontist to discuss what’s appropriate for your specific situation.
To find out more about how you can get lingual braces in Springvale, contact Springvale Dental Smiles at (03) 9546 1127.