For many seeking teeth correction, traditional braces can be a confidence-challenging hurdle. Lingual braces, a discreet alternative in Singapore, offer a solution. Unlike regular metal or even visible ceramic braces, lingual braces remain hidden from view. Discover how these innovative braces not only enhance your smile but also provide cost-effective options for your orthodontic journey. Say goodbye to self-consciousness and hello to a confident, radiant smile with lingual braces.
What are lingual braces?
Unlike traditional braces that are fixed at the front of the teeth, lingual braces are set on the back of your teeth; hence, the reason why they are also known as invisible braces. Similar to other forms of orthodontic treatment, they are used to treat crowded or misaligned teeth, or gaps between teeth.
Lingual braces are considered to be one of the most revolutionary forms of conventional orthodontic treatment. Because they are fixed on the inward-facing surfaces of your teeth, they are ideal for those who wish to correct their teeth arrangement but do not want to let it affect their physical appearance. Although this sounds amazing, it is crucial to note that this treatment procedure is not for everyone.
What dental conditions work best with lingual braces?
The fundamental purpose of lingual braces is to enable you to have better jaw and teeth alignment. The lingual braces work best with the following dental conditions:
Crowded or crooked teeth
One of the most common reasons why many people wear braces is to treat misaligned teeth. The misalignment of teeth results in not only a less-attractive smile but also compromises dental health. With crooked and crowded teeth, it is harder to brush certain spots, resulting in an increased risk of getting dental diseases.
Spaces between the teeth
Gaps between teeth can be closed with lingual braces.
Underbite
This happens when the lower jaw protrudes further than the upper jaw.
Crossbite
This happens when the lower teeth cover a particular section of the upper teeth or vice versa when chewing.
How are lingual braces fixed?
Much like most conventional braces in Singapore, lingual braces also utilise a system of archwires and brackets to adjust your teeth to the correct position. Getting lingual braces involves various steps, such as an examination, mouth and teeth preparation, installation of the braces, and oral hygiene instructions. After that, there is monitoring, and periodic adjustments over the following months.
During the initial visit, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and mouth using either a digital 3D scan or a rubber impression. With a clear understanding of how severe your dental issue is, the orthodontist can assess the necessary treatment plan for your specific needs better. Your lingual braces are all custom-made.
The next step usually happens on a different visit or once your custom-made lingual braces have been prepared at the dental clinic. This step also involves the fixing of the lingual braces on the back of your teeth. The process involves:
- Scaling and polishing of the teeth to remove any unwanted dirt, food particles, or layer of plaque.
- Painting a layer of primer to the teeth and braces
- Applying glue to the braces
- Putting the brackets onto the teeth
- Using ultra-violet light to cure the glue
- Removing any excess glue
- Attaching the wires to the braces
The orthodontist will generally schedule a follow-up visit once every four to six weeks, during which they will monitor your realignment process. Once they have determined that your teeth are straight, they will then remove the lingual braces.
Advantages of lingual braces
- They are more aesthetic
- They deliver excellent results in some cases
- They are great for complicated cases requiring highly aesthetic solutions
- They are smaller than conventional braces
Disadvantages of lingual braces
- It might be more uncomfortable to wear as it touches your tongue quite often
- You may experience slurring of speech
- It might be more challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene for you as well as for your orthodontist to reach and adjust if necessary
- It is expensive
Lingual braces cost in Singapore
They are generally quite expensive. A set of lingual braces cost anywhere between S$8,000 to S$11,000. The price varies depending on the severity of your dental problems and the length of time needed to correct them. The reason why it is expensive is that, firstly, adjusting lingual braces takes more time and skills. Not every orthodontist can offer lingual braces services; they need special training to do so. Additionally, the lingual braces are made with higher cost materials than your typical braces.
Interested in getting lingual braces fixed? You may contact us at 6734 0007 to arrange an appointment with us today! Our team of dental professionals will examine your condition and discuss with you the total cost as well as the available payment plans.
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FAQ
How painful are lingual braces?
Like any other braces in Singapore, lingual braces may cause some slight discomfort. However, most of it should be temporary and should not be any more painful than if you chose another type of braces.
If the initial discomfort or pain goes beyond the first week, it’s advisable to contact us. This is so we can review the possible causes in your case and make sure the braces will not cause any problems.
How long do lingual braces take to straighten teeth?
The length of the treatment depends on your individual needs and/or the initial condition of your teeth. In most cases, the treatment takes around 12 to 18 months to complete, but it can take as short as six months if all you need is to straighten the mild crowding of your front teeth.
If you want an accurate estimate of the cost and length of your treatment, feel free to consult us.
What are the advantages of lingual braces?
Lingual braces are a great option because they are usually customised to fit your teeth perfectly. Moreover, since it is made of metal, it can help with correcting dental issues just as well as its traditional counterpart. Because they are usually installed at the back of your teeth, you do not need to feel self-conscious wearing them.
Hence, if you are looking for a hybrid between the invisibility of Invisalign and the sturdiness of traditional metal braces, then lingual braces are the best option.
What is the difference between lingual braces and other types of braces?
Although both lingual braces and Invisalign are the less visible types of orthodontic treatment, that’s where the similarities end. One of the differences is that lingual braces are attached behind your teeth for the duration of treatment; they are not removable, unlike Invisalign.
Another difference is that Invisalign aligners are more comfortable because, unlike lingual braces, there are no metal brackets or wires to irritate the interior of your mouth. However, Invisalign generally takes longer to straighten more complicated teeth problems than lingual braces.
Who is not suitable for lingual braces?
Unfortunately, these types of braces are not suitable for everyone. For example, they are not compatible with children because their small teeth cannot accommodate the larger brackets.
Also, people with severe teeth problems such as an overbite may have some problems such as brackets may be popping off more often. Moreover, lingual braces are not as durable as metal braces and cost more than conventional braces.
If you wish to find out whether you are suited for lingual braces, please consult our orthodontist at BigSmile Dental Clinic in Singapore.
Why are lingual braces expensive?
Lingual braces cost over S$10,000, which is a considerable increment in price from ceramic and traditional metal braces. So, why are these braces so expensive? Firstly, they are difficult to adjust and also difficult to remove. Not all dentists or orthodontists offer lingual braces services as managing them requires special training and skills, as well as special tools. Secondly, they are highly customised to the individual and are made using more expensive material than typical braces. Lastly, the treatment period is longer too.
Do lingual braces cause a lisp?
A lisp is a speech condition where there is difficulty in pronouncing the sibilants \z\ and \s\. The initial stages of lingual braces treatment can cause the individual to develop a slight lisp. This is due to the location of the installed braces, which requires some getting used to. However, the lisp usually disappears once the individual has gotten used to having the braces, with the tongue quickly adapting after a couple of weeks.
How to maintain oral hygiene during lingual braces treatment?
Because of their location, lingual braces make it harder to maintain proper dental hygiene. Hence, to minimise the risk of developing other dental conditions, proper dental hygiene should include practising a good daily dental routine, such as flossing and brushing teeth at least twice a day and using mouthwash to flush out food particles. It is a good habit to remove food debris immediately after meals, avoiding sticky and hard foods, and going for regular professional cleaning.
