Not so long ago, braces were a rite of passage for teenagers alone. Nowadays, adults are also reaping the rewards of straight teeth, thanks to the growing popularity of invisible braces.
ad | Collaborative article
Metal train tracks used to be the only way to straighten teeth, but now you can choose from clear fixed braces, clear aligners, and – most excitingly – hidden lingual braces.
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are fixed braces, much like train tracks, that attach to the back surfaces of your teeth. They’re virtually undetectable, and most people won’t know that you’re wearing braces.
Incognito braces are a popular brand of lingual brace made from cast-gold! Its brackets are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly for a secure bond and, importantly, a low profile.
Lingual braces were created for two very different reasons. In the 1970s, they were first developed in the US for a Playboy Bunny who didn’t want her braces to show. At the same time, an orthodontist in Japan started fitting braces behind his patients’ teeth to protect their lips and cheeks during martial arts.
Since then, lingual braces have improved dramatically. However, despite being the most invisible teeth straightening option, they don’t enjoy the same status as alternatives like Invisalign.
To find out why let’s look at the pros and cons of hidden Incognito braces.
The pros of Incognito braces
-
- They’re very discreet – the most someone will see is a flash of gold if you throw your head back and laugh
-
- The brackets are custom-made for each tooth, so they’re very effective at aligning teeth
-
- They can help to treat many different concerns, from crooked teeth to bite problems
-
- Gold brackets are nickel-free and less likely to attract plaque
-
- Unlike aligners, you can’t lose lingual braces or forget to wear them
-
- They’re usually only offered by experienced orthodontists
The cons of Incognito braces
-
- Prices can be double the cost of Invisalign
-
- You might need to travel to find a provider of lingual braces
-
- It might take you a while to adjust to wearing braces behind your teeth
-
- They can cause ulcers and a lisp to begin with
-
- Adjustments with your orthodontist will take longer
-
- They could be slower to align your teeth than traditional (labial) braces
Lingual braces are undoubtedly a fantastic choice if you want to straighten your teeth discreetly. Perhaps their cost and availability have stopped them from rivalling Invisalign, but for the right cases, they’re a brilliant option.
Alternatives to lingual braces
If you don’t think lingual braces are the one for you, there are two discreet alternatives.
Invisalign
Invisalign avoids brackets and wires completely. Instead, it straightens your teeth using custom-made, transparent aligners.
As well as being almost invisible, Invisalign is loved for its convenience. Appointments are quick, and you can take your aligners out to eat and drink and clean your teeth.
You will need to be committed to your treatment, though. For Invisalign to work, you’ll need to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours every day.
Like Incognito braces, there is a period of adjustment, and you’ll take a few days to get used to your aligners.
Clear braces
Metal fixed braces work brilliantly and are still a popular and cost-effective orthodontic option. To make them less noticeable, you can even swap your metal brackets for clear ceramic ones.
Clear brackets are much less obvious and will blend in with the colour of your teeth. Clear braces aren’t as discreet as Invisalign or lingual braces, but they’re a great compromise if you’re looking for something more affordable that delivers excellent results.
Find out more
To learn more about your teeth straightening options, do your research and speak to an expert like Sensu in London to find out which treatment is the best one for you.
