Lingual Braces in London
Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic braces that are attached to the back of the teeth, facing the tongue, instead of being placed on the front surface of the teeth like traditional braces. They are custom-made to fit each individual’s teeth and are typically crafted from gold or stainless steel alloy. Since the brackets and wires are situated behind the teeth, lingual braces are a discreet option for people who want to straighten their teeth without visible braces.
These braces are highly preferred by both adults and teenagers who desire the utmost discreetness during their treatment.
Another key benefit of Lingual braces is their efficacy in balancing teeth, making them more effective than clear aligners in such cases. Additionally, if the correction required is limited to the front teeth or previous orthodontic work, Incognito Lite’s lingual brackets may be installed behind the front teeth only, resulting in even quicker and more cost-effective outcomes.
Treatment Duration
1 – 2 years
Price
From £7,495
Combined Team Experience
15+ years
Recovery Time
1 day
Our Google Rating
★★★★★ (4.9)
Who is suitable for lingual braces?
Lingual braces are particularly suitable for individuals who are conscious about their appearance, as these braces are virtually invisible when smiling or talking. This makes them a popular choice among adults and teenagers who might feel self-conscious about wearing more visible braces.
These braces can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, from minor misalignments to more severe conditions such as overcrowding, underbite, overbite, or gaps between the teeth. This means that individuals with various dental alignment needs can benefit from lingual braces. However, due to their placement, lingual braces may require more careful oral hygiene. They can be a bit more challenging to clean than traditional braces, so they’re typically best for individuals who are committed to maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine.
Additionally, lingual braces might not be the best choice for individuals with particularly small teeth or those who have a deep vertical overbite, as the braces could be uncomfortable or cause damage to the gums in these cases. They also may not be recommended for people who play wind instruments or sports that could cause damage to the braces.
Lingual braces are effective in treating a range of orthodontic problems, including crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, and overcrowding. However, they may not be recommended for severe cases or individuals with complex orthodontic issues. It is advisable to consult our experienced orthodontist, Dr Sudarshan, to determine if lingual braces are the right option for your specific orthodontic needs and goals.
| Prices of FIXED LINGUAL BRACES in London | |
| SINGLE ARCH (UPPER OR LOWER) | FROM £7,495 |
| BOTH ARCHES (UPPER OR LOWER) | FROM £9,995 |
Wimpole Street Dental Clinic are specialists in Orthodontics
We have decades of combined experience in orthodontics as well as all the latest and most innovative technology and techniques to help deliver the best results.
Book an appointment with us today to find out more about lingual braces and if you’re suitable for treatment.
Lingual braces are often the first choice for adults & teenagers who want or need the most discreet treatment possible.
Why is Wimpole Street Dental Clinic best for lingual braces in London?
- Our Orthodontic Specialist, Dr Sanjana Sudarshan, is an expert in the art of perfecting teeth alignment. At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, she provides tailored orthodontic treatments with a gentle and precise approach. With a focus on creating barely noticeable orthodontic solutions, Dr Sudarshan is committed to ensuring that her patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their treatment.
- Dr Sudarshan uses only the latest technology and premium brands in orthodontics to ensure the best possible results for her patients.
- Our London dental clinic is fully equipped with the latest innovative orthodontics technology and techniques that allows us to deliver effective, reliable and swift results.
Meet our dentists who are experts in Lingual Braces…
- We have over 75+ years of combined dentistry experience across our specialist team.
- 10,000+ treatments performed and counting.
- We are leaders in the dental industry – we regularly teach, lecture and publish our research work internationally.
What should I know about lingual braces
Gum Health
After treatment, the risk of caries lesions or marks due to poor oral hygiene or pre-existing white spot caries lesions is significantly reduced by ten times when compared to traditional buccal braces. However, maintaining good gum health and a precise oral hygiene routine is crucial to ensure optimal results.
Custom Made
We use digital 3D CAD-CAM technology to manufacture custom-made brackets tailored to your specific requirements. These small brackets are designed to fit your individual needs precisely.
Clarity of Speech
During the adaptation phase after the fitting, there may be a temporary reduction in speech clarity, but this is usually rare and short-lived. Eventually, the lingual appliance becomes integrated with your body and is no longer a hindrance to speech.
Frequently asked questions
Are lingual braces more expensive than traditional braces?
Lingual braces are often more expensive than traditional braces due to the intricate nature of their design and application process. Unlike conventional braces, each bracket in lingual braces is custom-made to fit the unique contours of each tooth. This high degree of customization, which is designed to ensure the best fit and effectiveness, requires additional time and resources, and this naturally increases the overall cost.
Moreover, the process of fitting lingual braces, as well as making adjustments to them, demands a higher level of skill and precision. Orthodontists must undergo specialized training to be able to offer this treatment, and the increased costs associated with this expertise can contribute to a higher price for the procedure.
Furthermore, the appointments for lingual braces can be more time-consuming. The placement on the back of the teeth makes them more difficult to access and adjust, and these longer appointment times can also contribute to higher costs.
Lastly, the materials used in lingual braces are typically more expensive due to their specific composition designed to be strong enough to withstand the chewing forces while being small and flat enough to fit comfortably on the backside of the teeth.
How long does it take to get used to lingual braces?
Getting used to lingual braces is a different experience for everyone and largely depends on individual adaptability. However, on average, it may take a few weeks to a month to become completely comfortable with them.
During the first week or two, it’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort or irritation as your mouth adjusts to the presence of the braces. The tongue may feel sore or sensitive because it comes into contact with the braces on the inner surfaces of your teeth, which is not the case with traditional braces.
You may also notice changes in your speech initially, especially with “s” and “t” sounds, as the braces interfere with the placement of your tongue. But don’t worry – this is temporary. With practice and as your mouth gets used to the braces, your speech will return to normal.
Eating may feel a little awkward at first, too. Starting with soft foods and gradually introducing more varied textures can help make this transition smoother.
Practicing good oral hygiene may also take a little more effort and time until you get used to cleaning around your lingual braces. Special orthodontic cleaning tools like interdental brushes or water flossers can make this task easier.
Can lingual braces fix the same orthodontic issues as traditional braces?
Yes, lingual braces can effectively address the same range of orthodontic issues as traditional braces. They work on the same principle of applying consistent pressure to gradually move teeth into their desired positions.
This means lingual braces can correct various types of malocclusion (such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite), as well as issues like crooked teeth, gaps, and overcrowding. They can be used to treat both simple and complex orthodontic cases.
However, because lingual braces are positioned on the back of the teeth and are harder to access, the treatment process might require more skill and precision from the orthodontist. Also, they might not be suitable for all cases, such as those with extremely narrow or small teeth.
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Are lingual braces suitable for all ages?
Lingual braces can be suitable for individuals of various ages, including teenagers and adults, as long as their permanent teeth have fully erupted and they have good overall oral health. However, they may not be recommended for younger children whose teeth are still developing and changing.
Like any orthodontic treatment, the suitability of lingual braces greatly depends on the specific orthodontic needs and oral health of the individual. While they are an effective and aesthetic choice for many people, lingual braces may not be suitable for everyone. For example, they might not be the best option for individuals with particularly small teeth or a deep vertical overbite, as the braces could be uncomfortable or potentially cause damage to the gums in these cases.
Additionally, because lingual braces require a high level of oral hygiene and care, they may be better suited for those who are committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene and who are willing to make frequent visits to the orthodontist for adjustments.
It’s always best to consult with an orthodontist to determine the most appropriate orthodontic treatment based on a person’s age, oral health condition, lifestyle, and specific orthodontic needs.
How often do I need to visit my orthodontist for adjustments with lingual braces?
You will need to visit your orthodontist for regular adjustments with lingual braces, just like you would with traditional braces. The frequency of these appointments will depend on your individual treatment plan and progress, but they are typically scheduled every 4-8 weeks.
Do lingual braces affect speech?
Lingual braces can initially affect speech, especially for sounds that require tongue contact with the upper teeth, such as “s” and “t” sounds. This is because the braces are placed on the backside of the teeth where the tongue typically rests.
During the first few weeks of wearing lingual braces, you might experience a slight lisp or distortion in your speech. This is usually temporary, and as your tongue gets used to the braces, your speech will gradually return to normal. Speech exercises and practice can also help expedite this adjustment process.
Remember, everyone is different and the extent to which lingual braces may affect speech can vary from person to person. For some, the adjustment period is relatively brief, while for others it may take a bit longer.
If speech concerns persist beyond the initial adjustment period, it’s advisable to speak to your orthodontist, who can provide further advice or possible solutions.
How do I clean my teeth with lingual braces?
Cleaning your teeth with lingual braces requires a little extra care and attention due to their placement on the backside of your teeth. To maintain good oral hygiene, it’s crucial to brush your teeth after every meal. This helps to remove any food particles and plaque that may have become trapped in the braces and around your teeth. An electric toothbrush can often be more effective at cleaning around braces. Ensure you angle the toothbrush towards the gum line and braces, brushing both above and below the brackets to clean all areas thoroughly.
Flossing remains an essential part of good oral hygiene even when wearing braces, despite it being somewhat more challenging. To navigate around the braces, consider using a floss threader or special orthodontic floss. With the aid of these tools, gently floss up and down each side of each tooth.
Another useful tool for maintaining cleanliness around your lingual braces is an interdental brush. These small brushes are adept at cleaning the hard-to-reach spots between your brackets and under the wires of your braces.
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, using a fluoride mouth rinse can provide added protection. These rinses help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Always use mouth rinse as directed by your orthodontist or dentist.
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Related Treatments
Corrective Braces
Ceramic Braces
Low Friction Braces
Lingual Braces
When did we last update this page?
Our expert team continually update and research the latest news and techniques in dentistry, as such we regularly update our pages and have these clinically reviewed.
Current Version
July 21st 2023
- Added “when did we last update this page” and author biography to the page.
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
Previous Versions
October 2nd 2022
- Page redesigned and updated to reflect change in address.
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
30th August 2021
- Original content created.
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
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