The Benefits of Lingual Braces

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore! There are a number of reasons to consider braces. For one, straight teeth are easier to clean, which leads to less costly tooth decay. Secondly, a smile with straight teeth looks much better. However, many people – especially adults – don’t want to have visible braces. Invisalign liners can’t be seen, but they don’t work for everyone. Clear plastic brackets are effective, but up close they are plainly visible.

One solution is to get lingual braces. Lingual braces can’t be seen for the simple reason that they are placed behind the teeth. They are called lingual braces because the word “lingual” means tongue and these braces face the tongue. They are a new type of orthodontia that are created using the latest technology. Someone like a dentist or orthodontist has to be looking in your mouth at a certain angle to even know they are there.

At Runnels Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics we offer lingual braces as a treatment option to our patients. We offer different types of braces, and Dr. Scott Runnels can help determine the most appropriate treatment option for your needs. If you are considering braces for you or your child, contact Runnels Orthodontics today to schedule your appointment.

Lingual braces are excellent at correcting the heights of teeth, closing spaces between teeth and even rotating them to an extent. Any discoloration that occurs during the care of the braces is not visible.

Lingual braces are excellent for athletes and for people who play a wind instrument like the saxophone or clarinet. For some professions – for instance modelling, etc. – lingual braces are a must.

Lingual braces are made using CAD/CAM technology and 3D imaging. This digital imaging and software make the entire process extremely exact to the individual mouth. Digital impressions of the patient’s mouth are taken. Then, special software designs a virtual image and a robot creates the wires. Once the braces are made, Dr. Runnels will cement them on to the patient’s teeth. The patient returns to have the braces monitored as necessary.

Patients who get lingual braces have generally been very pleased with their decision. For the first two weeks, it is tricky to talk normally, but after that most patients report no problems. Many people who get lingual braces forget that they are even there.

Lingual braces are a SureSmile technology, a new way of making braces developed by OraMetrix. The company was founded in 1999 and the FDA gave the go-ahead to use SureSmile in 2000. Lingual braces are one of several types of braces that use SureSmile technology. More than 100,000 patients have gotten SureSmile braces so far and the technology is growing more and more popular as dentists and orthodontists discover it.