Lingual vs. Traditional Braces: Which is best for you?
Getting braces when you are an adult is a particularly
difficult decision for many reasons, and then there's the confusion of whether
to go with traditional or lingual braces! In order to make the
right choice, it is important that you first understand what the differences
between these two are and that's exactly what I am going to discuss next.
Privacy
Privacy is the biggest advantage which 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 lingual. Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth,
therefore making them totally invisible to anyone and everyone except your
orthodontist.
There are also braces available which are only placed over the front six teeth - the teeth that are 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, and treatment generally takes between six and sixteen weeks depending on the patient.
There are also braces available which are only placed over the front six teeth - the teeth that are 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, and treatment generally takes between six and sixteen weeks depending on the patient.
Are
They Similar?
Traditional and lingual braces are similar in the way
that both types are a combination of metal brackets and wires, but 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.
Do
Lingual Braces Affect Speech?
Perhaps this is the reason why not everyone opts for
lingual braces because even though they cannot be seen, their presence affects
the speech in most cases. The good news is that people adjust to them in a few
weeks to a month at most and soon the speech problems are gone. Traditional
braces can affect speech too, so they are not exactly a solution to this
problem, but the effect is usually not as profound as it is with lingual
braces.
Which
One Works Faster?
It's a stalemate here really, 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.
Which
One is Cheaper?
Traditional braces are cheaper to get compared to
lingual braces because they require less time and effort from the orthodontist,
compared to lingual braces. Lingual braces on the other hand, need the
attention from more experienced orthodontists and for a much longer period of
time. This does make them somewhat costlier than their traditional counterparts
unfortunately.
Maintenance
Maintaining all types of braces takes dedication
because you will need to clean, brush and floss frequently and meticulously.
There will also be some restrictions in regard to sticky or hard foods such as
candy, fruits, hard shells, etc. When compared though, one would have to say
that lingual braces will require a bit more effort to clean, but the little
extra effort in the beginning is hardly significant in the long run.
As you can see, no one method is more successful than the other and each have their own set of pros and cons. What really matters is that you choose the method according to your own priorities and get it done by a reliable and experienced clinic to ensure success. As an adult, you might prefer the lingual braces for the anonymity they provide, but that's mostly a decision based on social and personal perception than any medical advantage.
Schulz, A. (2017, December 01). Lingual Braces vs. Ceramic Braces: The Best for Teeth Alignment. Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://happytoothnc.com/lingual-braces/
As you can see, no one method is more successful than the other and each have their own set of pros and cons. What really matters is that you choose the method according to your own priorities and get it done by a reliable and experienced clinic to ensure success. As an adult, you might prefer the lingual braces for the anonymity they provide, but that's mostly a decision based on social and personal perception than any medical advantage.
Schulz, A. (2017, December 01). Lingual Braces vs. Ceramic Braces: The Best for Teeth Alignment. Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://happytoothnc.com/lingual-braces/
I was unlucky in the fact that I inherited my mother's teeth, she once broke a tooth on a melted M&M- no lie. I have had so much work done on my teeth that I forget all the things I had to use. Spacers, retainer, something my orthodontist called implements (used to pull/ push the lower jaw forward), another retainer, braces with and without rubber bands, and now I have the clear retainers to wear at night so my teeth don't shift, I only have to wear them at night for like another two years before my gums and teeth heal completely. I had braces and they were paid for by my grandparents (lucky me) but I only got them because I promised I would take care of my teeth.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the new clear retainers called Invisalign? Do you think they work?
Thank You for the information
Wow, I had no idea that there were two different types of braces; I'm only familiar with traditional braces and invisalign (invisible aligners). My teeth aren't the very best so I always wanted braces or invisalign but they were kind of too pricey for me. I know some people are embarrassed by having braces, but I honestly see nothing wrong with the way they look. If I see someone with braces, I automatically think it's adorable. The way they look is so nice, and I think its flattering (I know I'm weird), but to each his own. Knowing that there's an alternate way in having braces depending on if you want people to know you have them or not is very convenient. I may think it looks cool, but they might not, so they have a choice. This was such a great and interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI have braces so I really love your post. It is everything that I have learned about while having braces.I have traditional braces and yes I have had them on for 3 years. My mom put a lot of money into my braces but they were worth it. I seen my teeth change dramatically. My teeth were not even that bad but I wanted them straighter. Yes, getting your braces tighten really hurts, and they hurt for a couple days because your teeth are actually shifting. It is very important to brush your teeth and floss everyday. Making sure your mouth is clean and that you really don't eat things that can break your brackets is the key! Oh yea...I am ready for them to come off now!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there were two different kinds of braces. I also didn't know they could actually affect your speech but I guess it makes sense! For a while I wanted to get braces since I'd only need them for a couple months and I just wanted to experience having them I just never got myself to commit. Very informative post!
ReplyDeleteKayla J Ruiz
I also didn't know that there were two different kinds of braces. I got traditional braces when I was in 7th grade and I had them for two years. It was kind of a pain taking care of them, but now my teeth are perfectly straight! They definitely got the job done. It is really nice that the lingual braces are not visible, but I think paying a lesser amount for the traditional is worth it especially if they work faster. This was very informative because I had no idea that there were options like this when it comes to braces. I wonder why my orthodontist never mentioned it.
ReplyDeleteRachel Kaiser
I have never heard of lingual braces until I read your article. First of all, I love how you sectioned off your article by privacy, price, and convenience of each type of braces. I thought it flowed very nicely. This article was extremely informative. I had braces for 5 years and I definitely did not have the option of lingual braces. I think that cost is definitely one of the most important things to consider when getting braces. I think that many people are not aware of the high cost or how long they last. Great post!
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeletePersonally, I've never had braces thankfully. Because most of my friends in high school had them and they honestly looked like they sucked! You had to go get them tightened and they had these little rubber bands that they had to wear, it just looked awful! Now they have the invisalign, which are the invisible braces that now adults have the option of getting. Because getting metal braces as a full on adult can be awkward, especially in certain workplaces. But I think that it's great that there are different options today for people who really need braces. Great tips for those who need help deciding what best suits them as an individual.
Great job Ashley. I was one of those very unfornate leople who had to wear braces for almost 3 and a half years. I didn't have the option of any other kind other than the big metal ones, my teeth were really bad. But that was when I was 12. I can only imagine what it must be like to be an adult with braces. I bet the experience is ten times worst. But I am glad you named a lot of options for them.
ReplyDelete