Lingual Braces (Invisible Braces)

Lingual braces are a method applied for those who want an aesthetic appearance during orthodontic treatment. It is also referred to as the inside braces application. This method is performed to change the alignment and appearance of the teeth, just like other orthodontic treatments.

Irregularities in nutrition, insufficient care, and genetic predispositions can lead to crowding or alignment disorders, which can significantly affect daily life. If oral and dental health is not taken care of, larger problems can arise both mentally and physically. The solution to these problems lies in orthodontic treatments. Oral care is important in infants, and if a care habit is not formed from that period, issues will arise in childhood and adulthood. Similarly, oral care in teenagers holds similar importance.

Lingual orthodontics is a popular method among orthodontic treatments and offers many advantages as a treatment option. When applied by specialist dentists, lingual braces can yield successful results and allow you to regain a healthy smile.

What Are Lingual Braces? (What Are Invisible Braces?)

While metal braces provide effective results, they may raise aesthetic concerns. Metal braces can easily be noticed from the outside and can be a source of discomfort, especially for child and teenage patients. However, developing orthodontic technologies have introduced lingual braces.

Lingual braces refer to the brackets and wires that are placed on the back surfaces of the teeth. The placement on the back surface of the teeth prevents them from being visible from the outside. Therefore, they are also commonly referred to as invisible braces. Like other orthodontic treatments, they can prevent structural dental disorders, crowding, or tilting problems, and alignment issues that develop due to improper positioning.

It allows individuals of all ages, especially children’s oral and dental health, to undergo treatment. The treatment is carried out by attaching brackets and wires to the back of the teeth. While it is also referred to as metal braces, the only difference is that it is not applied to the front surface of the teeth.

Lingual Treatment Processes

When the decision is made for lingual orthodontic treatment, the process begins with examinations. Problems in the teeth are identified through intraoral scans and assessed one by one. Teeth that require different methods are treated, and then it’s time for the lingual braces. Advancing technologies have significantly improved the scanning processes, making them successful and easy. Intraoral scans are performed, and a model is created. Subsequently, a method is applied where brackets are placed on each tooth and a wire is threaded through the brackets, just like with metal braces.

The treatment stages do not vary among patients. Only the approach to lingual braces treatment may change based on age. Here, especially in children, the approach will be more sincere and play-based. Dr. Yasin Akgül pays special attention to patients of all ages.

What Are the Advantages of Lingual Braces?

Compared to other orthodontic treatments, the application of lingual braces (invisible braces) has several advantages. These advantages can be summarized as follows:

• Treatment is achieved with an aesthetic appearance.
• It can be applied even to young children.
• It can correct tooth misalignment and crookedness.
• It prevents injuries from possible contact and impacts.
• Since it is a traditional method, it is widely accessible.

What Are the Disadvantages of Lingual Braces?

Although no problems may occur during treatment, it is possible to experience adaptation issues in the first few days of living with lingual braces. One issue that lingual braces bring about is an increase in saliva production, while the second and most significant problem is contact with the tongue. It is important to remind that both of these issues are temporary, but it is also worth noting that the brackets that contact the tongue can cause irritation or sores on the tongue. Lingual braces tend to be more costly compared to other orthodontic treatments.

Some recommendations can be made to minimize problems after the application of the braces.

First of all, you should avoid touching your brackets with your tongue after the treatment. Intense attention for the first few days is sufficient. After this period, it becomes easier to adapt to the situation. It is also recommended to avoid consuming hard foods, sticky candies, and foods that are difficult to chew during this time.

Lastly, after each appointment during the braces treatment, a certain procedure is performed. The thickness of the wires may change and can be tightened. Patients may experience sensitivity on the first day as a result. Pain can also occur, which is quite normal in lingual braces treatment.

When Is Lingual Braces Applied?

It is common to see teeth positioned either in the front or back. This situation can arise from many different reasons, particularly due to a lack of attention to oral and dental care. These problems can be resolved with lingual braces. The optical success also increases interest in lingual treatment.

• When issues such as jaw misalignment occur
• When one has to use braces and has aesthetic concerns
• When appearance is important and there is a desire to have a healthy dental structure
• When teeth grinding problems arise
• When one has teeth positioned in the front or back
• When structural solutions are desired to be supported by optical solutions

Lingual braces can be summarized as follows. Problems arising from the differences between the lower jaw and the upper jaw may require lingual orthodontics. Additionally, those who have to use braces may also have aesthetic concerns, leading them to choose this treatment method. Healthy teeth and successful results can be achieved with metal braces as well, but lingual braces stand out because they are virtually invisible.

The starting age for orthodontic treatments is generally set between 12 and 14 years. Every individual in this age group and older can have lingual braces fitted if deemed necessary. The procedures performed with this treatment method are determined at the discretion of the dentist. Since a special treatment process will be created for each patient, consulting specialized dentists is the most important detail that can be recommended.

What is the Difference Between Lingual Braces and Other Braces?

Lingual braces are orthodontic devices used to correct teeth, but they have an important difference: Lingual braces are placed on the inner surface of the teeth, the side facing the tongue. This feature makes them invisible from the outside. Here are the main differences between lingual braces and traditional braces:

1. Visibility: Lingual braces are mounted on the back of the teeth, making them almost invisible compared to traditional braces. This makes them an ideal option for adults and teenagers with aesthetic concerns.
2. Customization: Lingual braces are typically made specifically to fit the unique contours of the patient’s mouth, making them more comfortable and effective.
3. Comfort: Initially, lingual braces may cause some discomfort due to constant contact with the tongue. Users may experience tongue irritation and difficulty speaking, but these issues usually diminish over time.
4. Cost: Lingual braces are generally more expensive than traditional braces due to the customized manufacturing process.
5. Treatment Duration: In some cases, the treatment duration with lingual braces may be longer. This may be due to the difficulty of adjustments resulting from the position of the braces.

Lingual braces offer significant advantages in terms of invisibility and providing an aesthetic solution, but they also have disadvantages such as cost and initial discomfort. It is important to consult an orthodontist for more information on treatment options and personal needs.

What are the Prices of Lingual Braces?

As the technology used in orthodontic treatments increases, the cost will also rise accordingly. Considering the advantages of lingual braces mentioned above, it can be stated that they are relatively higher in price compared to metal braces. When calculating the prices of lingual braces, many variables can be mentioned. If deemed necessary, preliminary treatments can be applied before treatment. The costs of these preliminary treatments also affect the prices of lingual orthodontics.

When determining prices for orthodontic treatments, the patient’s mouth and dental structure are taken into account. The number of teeth to be treated, along with the quality of the materials used, is also an important factor. The price derived from all these considerations will be communicated to the patient after the first examination. These are the reasons why a definitive price cannot be provided. Patients who come with complaints will be clearly informed about every stage of the treatment after the first examination. Of course, the price will also be included in this information. For detailed information and to learn about every aspect of the treatment process, you can contact us and visit our clinic as our guest.

What Factors Determine the Prices of Lingual Braces?

Orthodontic fees are one of the primary concerns for patients. To find out the current prices of lingual braces, you should directly contact the clinic and make an appointment for a check-up. A special price offer will be provided based on the date you apply. Generally, the costs of invisible braces are determined according to the following factors:

Factors	Explanations
Expertise and Experience of the Dentist	The expertise and experience of the dentist will affect the pricing. The more expert the dentist is, the higher the patient satisfaction will be. Accordingly, pricing may be higher in private clinics.
Location and Reputation of the Clinic	There are dental clinics in every city. However, in some major cities, pricing will vary based on the number of clinics. The location and city of the clinic you will apply to for invisible braces will determine the fees.
Cost of Materials Used	The cost of the materials used during treatment will help determine the overall fee. Costs may vary constantly due to materials sourced from abroad.
Patient’s Mouth and Dental Structure	If the patient’s mouth and dental structure have serious problems, the treatment duration will be extended. Indirectly, this prolongation of treatment increases the costs and efforts spent, which can also lead to changes in prices.

What Should Users of Invisible Braces Pay Attention To?

As with any treatment, there are important factors that patients should be aware of during the application of invisible braces. The impact of these factors on the treatment process is significant. The more the patient adheres to these rules, the more effective the treatment will be. In short, those using lingual braces should pay attention to the following:

• Avoid consuming hard foods.
• Stop consuming acidic beverages.
• The braces should be cleaned properly after every meal and drink.
• In addition to regular tooth brushing, an interdental brush should be used.
• Avoid sticky candies like gum.

Frequently Asked Questions