Orthodontics 101: Clear Braces Vs. Lingual Braces
Posted on October 7, 2021
Braces aren’t just for kids. In fact, one in five patients is over the age of 18. Although straightening your teeth early in life can be easier, there is never a wrong time to start orthodontic treatment. When it comes to choosing the best method for teeth straightening, you have a few notable options to consider, including clear braces vs. lingual braces, especially if you want less noticeable treatment.
Clear Braces Vs. Lingual Braces
Clear braces, such as Invisalign, utilize clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. These are custom made to fit your teeth and gradually move them over time. Lingual braces, such as InBrace, are fixed behind a patient’s teeth, instead of the front, making them less noticeable when you smile. Each treatment has its benefits. Here is what you need to know about how they compare.
Visibility
Lingual braces are the hardest to spot, and they give patients the ability to smile and eat without needing to be removed or made visible. Invisalign, on the other hand, is hard to see, although up close it can be more visible as it covers both the front and back of your teeth. That said, more often than not, in daily interactions, they can be just as hard to see as lingual braces.
Permanence
Invisalign can be removed at any time – although, according to Dr. Jacquie Smiles, you should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours every day — and they should be removed while eating and drinking anything that isn’t water. Lingual braces are more permanent and cannot be removed without an orthodontist. While this does mean you don’t have to take them out for daily tasks, it can make keeping them clean more challenging.
Convenience
Invisalign is often considered to be the most convenient option, as it doesn’t require brackets or wires and can be easily managed at home with minimal check-ups. While there may be some initial soreness when switching aligners, this usually goes away within a few days. Lingual braces can also cause soreness from your tongue rubbing against the wire, and you must avoid sticky or hard foods while wearing them. This may seem like a major lifestyle change, but it’s worth keeping in mind that you will have to remove aligners while eating and drinking, which, can also change how you normally do things.
Which Is Best For You?
Both clear options, like Invisalign, and lingual options, like InBrace, have their benefits. Your decision will depend on which you feel most comfortable with and what your orthodontist recommends. When it comes to orthodontics, lingual braces can often be better at correcting more significant issues than aligners and should be seriously considered if your orthodontist recommends them. However, if your problems are minimal or average, you may feel more comfortable with a less permanent option like Invisalign.
Speak to your dentist to learn more and to schedule a meeting with the friendly team at Today’s Orthodontics so that you can start getting the treatment your teeth deserve.