Orthodontic in Kingston Upon Thames answers the frequently asked question about Lingual braces?

What is the age limit to have lingual braces?

Adults can have lingual braces

at any age. The beauty of lingual braces is that you can carry on with social and professional life without conscious worry if braces are an issue for you.Lingual braces are extremely effective in providing the cosmetic look want. They address the orthodontic problem of poor bite or teeth crowding.

Can children have lingual braces?

There is no age limit for lingual braces. However we recommend that children reach adolescence before considering these braces. There is a minimum length of tooth required (to qualify for lingual braces, as it’s a matter of tooth length rather than age) for attaching the brackets at the back of the teeth. The minimum length is not present in children, teeth start to fit the minimum length at adolescence, this is of no concern once they are adults.

How long does it take?

The length of the treatment with lingual braces varies among patients based on a personalised treatment plan. The length of the treatment can be between 9-24 months. This is as much time as conventional braces would require.

Will I have difficulty eating and speaking?

There are certain foods you need to avoid. For instance: toffee, chewing gum, popcorn, nuts, crusty bread, boiled sweets, anything you need to bite hard on. You might experience a slight change in your speech for a short while. As soon as you have adapted to your braces, the change will disappear. The new brackets in WIN LINGUAL are much smaller and greatly reduce the problem of change in speech.

Is 6 Month Smile an alternative to lingual braces?

The 6 month smile is designed for patients who have mild misalignment in their front teeth. To achieve long term results, we recommend patients choose an orthodontic option that corrects and aligns all the teeth simultaneously. This, as opposed to focusing on a few teeth, can prevent other problems later on. The consultations are free for orthodontic treatment, come and discuss your options with us.

Is Inman aligner an alternative to lingual braces?

Inman aligner is a fast treatment for minor misalignment. If you are experiencing a major misalignment and need to correct poor bites, Inman aligner is not an option. The consultations are free for orthodontic treatment, come and discuss your options with us.

What is the procedure of the treatment with lingual braces?

Once you decide to have >lingual braces we will arrange an appointment for record keeping which involves taking an impression of your teeth, pictures and x-rays.

The impression will be sent to Germany where customised brackets are made for you. In the following appointment, the brackets are glued to the back of the teeth. The arch wires, which provide the tension, will be fixed to the brackets.

What happened once the braces are fitted?

You would need to have appointments every 6-8 weeks to adjust the wires for effective results.

How do I take care of my teeth and braces?

It is important that you spend more time than normal to do through clearing. We highly recommend seeing a hygienist regularly during the treatment, as you will find it difficult to reach all of the area.

If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact us and book yourself a FREE consultation with Dr Swanepoel.