Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are an excellent cosmetic alternative for people who need to get braces in NY but do not want to have the “metal look” associated with conventional braces. Lingual orthodontics are invisible braces because they are attached to the back of the teeth. This is in contrast to traditional orthodontics that are attached to the front of teeth. The effect of this is that you can improve your smile without anyone else being privy to the fact that you are wearing braces. They are completely incognito. These are ideal braces for adults, teens and children as well. Anyone can get lingual braces irrespective of their age.

How Lingual Braces are Fitted

The process of fitting lingual braces is quite easy and hassle free. The following are the steps you can expect when getting your braces:

• Step one – during the initial appointment after we have determined the treatment needed, we make a plaster cast of your teeth which we send to the laboratory for preparation of brackets that have been custom molded to each tooth. At the laboratory, the brackets are prepared, set in a wax layer and placed within a plaster applier. Dental cement is then applied to each bracket. The brackets are then returned to us and we schedule a second appointment.
• Step two – Using an applicator, we press the lingual brackets against the inside of your teeth.
• Step three – We wait for the cement to dry and set and, remove the applicator easily. The lingual brackets are left on your teeth. The finally, process is installing the archwire and the procedure is complete.

Useful Tips after Getting Lingual Braces

As with all types of orthodontics, there are a few tips which if followed to the letter can make your experience much better. The following are few of these tips:

• Swallowing – when swallowing, avoid using the thrust of the tongue since this may result in a push on your teeth. Instead, put your back teeth together as if closing your mouth and with the upper teeth gently touching the lower, attempt swallowing. You should get the hang of it after a while.
• Wax - use the supplied wax sparingly only when needed to reduce irritation
• Speech – practice your speech as much as possible to get used to speaking with braces
• Diet – stick to soft non-sticky foods initially and try to limit eating out until you are completely accustomed to the braces.