Girl wear a clear aligner for straitning a teeth after Niaara falls clinic

Are Lingual Braces More Comfortable Than Other Braces?

Aug 01, 2023

What Are Lingual Braces?

They are orthodontic devices for moving teeth for straightening and realignment purposes. Usually, our orthodontic team at Monarch Dentistry – Niagara Falls recommends lingual braces as an alternative to traditional braces for patients interested in an inconspicuous treatment option.

When a dentist in Niagara Falls, ON, recommends lingual braces, it usually provides an alternative for patients, especially adults who may want to hold back from treatment because of the poor aesthetics associated with traditional metal braces.

Do Lingual Braces Work the Same as Traditional Braces?

Lingual braces and traditional braces aim to correct dental misalignments and improve the function and appearance of teeth. However, there are some differences in how they work:

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces regarding their components and functionality. However, their placement is different. Lingual braces attach to the back surfaces of the teeth, facing the tongue, making them completely invisible from the front when you smile. As a result, lingual braces are more aesthetically appealing for patients who prefer a discreet treatment.

The treatment process with lingual braces is similar to traditional braces, involving adjustments over time to align the teeth gradually. It would help if you visited your orthodontists every couple of weeks for tightening and direction of teeth movement.

Is it True That Lingual Braces Hurt Less?

Lingual braces are believed to cause less pain and discomfort to patients due to their positioning on the inside of the teeth. Ideally, you may experience less discomfort to the lips and cheeks than traditional braces, which rub against your cheeks on the front surface of the teeth. Therefore, the absence of brackets and wires on the outer surfaces may minimize irritation and rubbing against the mouth’s soft tissues.

However, all types of orthodontic braces in Family orthodontics, including clear aligners and traditional and lingual braces, can initially cause discomfort and soreness as the teeth shift. The discomfort stems from applying pressure on teeth so that they can begin to move. Ideally, this soreness, tenderness, and discomfort are expected during every adjustment period. Still, note that the degree of discomfort can vary from person to person, where some individuals experience more discomfort than others. The good news is that the soreness or tenderness lasts only a few days after each adjustment.

Besides that, lingual braces may still need some time for the tongue to adjust to its presence. Meanwhile, you may encounter some temporary speech difficulties. This can also contribute to discomfort or inconvenience during the initial stages of treatment.

​Can I Eat Hard Food with Lingual Braces?

While wearing lingual braces, Dentist Niagara Falls, ON, generally advise that patients avoid consuming hard and sticky foods to prevent damaging the dental braces and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. The reason is that hard foods can dislodge or damage the brackets and wires of the lingual braces, leading to discomfort, prolonging the treatment time, or necessitating repairs.

Therefore, some categories of foods to avoid are:

  • Hard candies – can break the brackets or bend the wires.
  • Chewy or sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum – can adhere to the braces and make cleaning difficult.
  • Nuts and hard fruits or vegetables like apples, carrots, and almonds – can put excessive pressure on the braces, potentially breaking the brackets.
  • Hard bread or crusty food like hard rolls or bagels – may require excessive force to bite into, potentially damaging the braces.

Instead, opt for softer foods during your orthodontic treatment, including cooked vegetables, soft fruits, pasta, rice, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and other foods that are easy to chew and won’t put excessive strain on the braces.

Which Is the Best Between Lingual and Traditional Braces?

Both lingual braces and traditional braces effectively straighten teeth and correct orthodontic issues. The primary difference lies in their placement on either the front or back surfaces of the teeth. Patients looking for discreet treatment options often opt for lingual braces, which are entirely invisible.

Generally, the choice between the two depends on personal preferences, your specific needs, and the recommendation of an orthodontist.

Call Now Book Appointment
Font Resize
Contrast
Click to listen highlighted text!