Having crooked and misaligned teeth are a real struggle, especially when you are an adult. Infact, the fastest growing area of the orthodontist's practice is in the adult market. Lingual braces or Invisalign orthodontic therapy is certainly appealing to some adults who are self-conscious about braces.
Which Is Right for You - Lingual Braces or Invisalign?
Lingual braces and Invisalign treatment have many advantages. Lingual braces are on the back of the teeth, and Invisalign is clear and just as hard to notice. You can't usually see either set of braces. Without the front-facing metal brackets and wires the teeth are moved into correct position. Which one is right for you depends more on the personal choice of the patient.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are services that have been around since the 1980s. Because special training is required, a lot of dentists have yet to offer this technique. This …show more content…
First, the patient is asked to get a diagnostic photographs of the teeth. Next, preliminary radiographs (X-rays) are taken. Lastly, the impressions (moulds) of the mouth are made. Crowded teeth and/or wisdom teeth may then needed to be removed if necessary before orthodontic treatment can begin.
The general dentist or orthodontist makes a set of clear plastic aligners using the mould of the patient’s mouth. The patient is required to wear the aligner one after the other in a special order over a period (usually one to two years) to straighten your teeth over time. The cost of the Invisalign treatment is the same or less than traditional orthodontics. Most patients require wearing retainers that are also clear after their treatment is finished.
Aligner trays can be easily removed when brushing and flossing teeth so you can brush your teeth normally as opposed to the more elaborate methods associated with metal and lingual braces.