Mission Valley Lingual Braces

Hidden Orthodonture

If you need orthodontic treatment but want to avoid the unsightly appearance of traditional metal braces, lingual braces from Rio Vista Family Dentistry & Orthodontics may be right for you. This orthodontic option is discreet because the metal is placed on the back side of your teeth rather than the front surfaces. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an orthodontic consultation with our Mission Valley dentist!

Chew on This

Thanks to their hidden design, lingual braces are more popular than ever, particularly among adult patients.

Lingual braces can address a wide range of orthodontic issues including bite issues, overcrowding, and gaps.

25% of American adults are unhappy with their smile. Lingual braces can help you improve the appearance of your teeth.

Cleaning your lingual braces may require a bit more effort than traditional braces, but using tools like an electric toothbrush and a waterpik can help.

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, an estimated 4.5 million Americans have braces.

Thanks to their hidden design, lingual braces are more popular than ever, particularly among adult patients.

Lingual braces can address a wide range of orthodontic issues including bite issues, overcrowding, and gaps.

25% of American adults are unhappy with their smile. Lingual braces can help you improve the appearance of your teeth.

Cleaning your lingual braces may require a bit more effort than traditional braces, but using tools like an electric toothbrush and a waterpik can help.

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, an estimated 4.5 million Americans have braces.

How do They Work?

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are an alternative to traditional braces. They use the same basic principles including metal brackets that attach to your teeth, a wire that helps move your teeth, and rubber bands that hold the wire onto the brackets.

The main difference is that lingual braces are attached to the rear of your teeth. This is known as the “lingual” surface because it’s where your tongue usually touches your teeth during speech. Because the brackets are designed to be low-profile, lingual braces allow you to correct your smile with less visible treatment. This makes lingual braces popular among older patients who may want to avoid feeling self-conscious about having braces as an adult.

Understanding the Process

Placing Lingual Braces

To start your treatment, Dr. Peralta will take impressions of your teeth, x-rays, and other images, and begin developing your personalized treatment plan. Then, if she approves you for lingual braces, you’ll come in for another appointment to have them placed.

At your next appointment, she will clean your teeth and attach metal brackets to the rear of your upper and lower arches using dental cement. Next, a metal archwire will be run through these brackets. Dr. Peralta will secure the archwire in place by wrapping special rubber bands around each bracket. The entire placement process usually takes about 2 hours. After this appointment, you’ll come in every 4-6 weeks to have your braces adjusted. Your archwire will be moved and the rubber bands will be replaced. These follow-up appointments are quick and takes only 20-30 minutes.

Lingual Braces Treatment Time

How Long Will I Wear Lingual Braces?

This depends greatly on the number of orthodontic issues you have. Patients with simple problems like gaps in their smile or crowded/crooked teeth may finish treatment in 18 months or less, while those with major bite and jaw issues may need to wear braces for 2-3 years. If you want to know how long your treatment will take, schedule an appointment at Rio Vista Family Dentistry & Orthodontics.

Do Lingual Braces Hurt?

Minimizing Discomfort

Lingual braces may take some time to get used to. After they are adjusted, a bit of discomfort is natural as your teeth begin to shift. You can treat this by taking over-the-counter pain medication, drinking ice water, and eating soft foods. Your tongue may also need some time to get used to the presence of braces, and it may feel sore or irritated at first. It will also take some time to get used to speaking while wearing your lingual braces since they are placed where your tongue naturally rests during speech.

Lingual Braces in Mission Valley

Hidden Orthodonture