“I want straight teeth and a beautiful smile, but I don’t want anyone to know I’m wearing braces!” Or, “Lingual braces seem like a great option because nobody can see them. Are they more uncomfortable than traditional braces?”
If you need braces and are asking these questions, you are at the right place. Lingual braces vs traditional braces – it’s a common question for many patients considering orthodontics. Lingual and traditional braces will both give you a beautiful, healthy smile in the same treatment time. The main difference between the two are cost and visibility.
In this blog, you will delve deeper into the nuances of traditional braces vs lingual, how each of them works, what to choose, and more. Let’s dive in.
Contents
What Are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces, also sometimes called metal braces, consist of metal brackets and wires. These wires help your teeth to move in the required directions. They are connected to brackets bonded to the teeth’s front surface. These braces are beneficial for younger patients and/or anyone who won’t mind their visibility.
How Do Traditional Braces Work
Traditional braces put continuous force on your teeth which gradually moves them to give you the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve. Here are some common issues they are used to solve:
- Crowding
- Misaligned Bites And Jaws
- Unwanted Gaps
- Crookedness
Pros
- Less expensive than other alternatives
- Plenty of color options
- More durable
Cons
- Not aesthetically pleasing
- Initial discomfort
Cost Of Traditional Braces
Traditional braces usually cost anywhere between $3000 to $7000. Your orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan to fit your needs. It relies on the treatment type and duration you would need. Interestingly, traditional braces are the cheapest when compared to other alternatives.
What Are Lingual Braces
The word lingual means on the side toward the tongue. So lingual braces are the ones that are placed on your teeth’s surface near your tongue. People also call them invisible or incognito braces since others cannot see them when you talk or smile. Interesting, isn’t it?
How Do Lingual Braces Work?
Lingual braces work similarly to traditional braces. Your orthodontist will take an impression of your teeth. The impression is then used to create a transfer tray that contains brackets so they can easily be placed on your teeth. These brackets along with your custom wires will gradually push the teeth toward the required position and ensure alignment for a beautiful, healthy smile.
Pros
- Less visible than conventional braces
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- Temporary speech adjustment
- Initial discomfort
- Initial irritation for the tongue
Cost Of Lingual Braces
Lingual braces generally cost about 40% more than traditional braces. Your investment could be anywhere between $8000 to $13000. Just like traditional braces your orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan to fit your needs. It relies on the treatment type and duration you would need.
Lingual Braces Vs Traditional Braces: What’s The Difference
1. Lingual Braces vs Traditional Based On Visibility
You will find metal brackets glued to the front teeth in traditional or metal braces. They are connected by wires and are highly visible. Unfortunately, it is often why people wearing braces are self-conscious about their appearances.
Whereas lingual braces are attached to your teeth’s back surface, making it invisible for the naked eye. They use the same elements as conventional braces except for the brackets. Brackets for lingual braces are often customized to fit each tooth’s back seamlessly.
2. Lingual Braces Vs Traditional Based On Cost
Lingual braces are more expensive than traditional braces. This is due to various factors like:
- Lingual braces require advanced customization
- They have added complexities when applying
- Only highly experienced and proficient orthodontists can use them successfully.
3. Traditional Braces vs Lingual Based On Treatment Time
Generally, traditional braces and lingual braces will be the same treatment time. Treatment time ranges from 18 months to 3 years.
The great thing about, lingual braces is you can enjoy a nicer smile during the process since you don’t have traditional brackets on your teeth!
4. Traditional Braces Vs Lingual Based On Comfort
Both traditional and lingual braces have a period of adjustment and certain levels of discomfort.
You may feel initial discomfort and irritation due to traditional braces. The wires and brackets may irritate your cheeks and lips.
Lingual braces have a comparative adjustment period. The wires and brackets may irritate your tongue and you could have a short period of a speech adjustment. Your Orthodontist will give you all the tips, tricks and tools needed during this adjustment.
5. Traditional Braces Vs Lingual Based On Results
As mentioned earlier, at our office traditional and lingual braces will give you the same beautiful, healthy smile.
Lingual Braces Vs Traditional Braces: How To Choose The Right Option
You would need to take into account many parameters before you choose what kind of braces are the right fit for you. The type of braces you pick will rely on the dental issue, what type of aesthetics you want and budget. Keep these factors in mind when making a selection.
Visibility
Lingual braces are the best choice if you are uncomfortable with wires and brackets visible on your teeth. They hide on the teeth’s back and are not visible.
Traditional braces work best if you don’t care that people can see your braces. It can be fun to pick different colored ties each appointment.
Comfort
While both braces cause discomfort at the initial stages, traditional braces sometimes have a faster adjustment. Some patients with lingual braces have a temporary speech adjustment.
Treatment and cost
Traditional braces are the most economical choice. Lingual braces are more expensive as they are custom made.
Conclusion
Hope this blog has given you a clear picture of lingual braces vs traditional braces. We have covered the ins and outs of traditional braces vs lingual, how they differ, what parameters they differ, what you should consider when choosing one, etc.
Remember that the key to successful orthodontic treatment is that your braces align with your orthodontic needs. If you think you have concerns that are a bit more complex than moderate spacing issues, you can contact Dr. Tisseront, founder of the Elite Lingual Orthodontics Study Club.
I feel very fortunate to have found a profession as rewarding as the field of Orthodontics! For over 20 years, I have enjoyed creating custom, beautiful smiles for our family of patients all over the Northern Virginia area. You can even find some of our loyal patients across the country and abroad!
