FAQs about lingual braces
Lingual braces are an exciting and inconspicuous way to straighten crooked teeth. Instead of fitting brackets and wires to the front of your teeth – we hide them behind!
They’re extremely discreet and great at straightening teeth, but because many patients keep shtum about their treatment, they’re the orthodontic world’s best kept secret. Until today, that is! To help demystify these amazing braces – we’re going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about lingual braces.
Why are they called lingual braces?
Simple! Lingual means tongue side.
Are lingual braces good at straightening teeth?
Early lingual braces were perhaps more style over substance, and they weren’t as good as their traditional counterparts at straightening teeth. The latest lingual braces, however, are very efficient and can straighten most orthodontic problems, including crowding, spacing and bite problems.
How discreet are lingual braces?
They’re extremely discreet! You won’t find a brace that’s less noticeable. You could easily have a conversation with someone and not know that they’re wearing a lingual brace.
Are there different types of lingual braces?
There are several different types of lingual braces available, including customised appliances such as Incognito (below), which feature custom-made brackets and wires for improved comfort and efficiency. You can even choose a lingual brace that’s designed to straighten just your front six or eight teeth, for example Incognito Lite.
What are the alternatives to lingual braces?
Discreet alternatives to lingual braces include Invisalign clear aligners and clear fixed braces. During your free consultation*, we’ll go through all your options and show you examples of each brace to help you make your decision.
Are lingual braces available on the NHS?
Unfortunately, NHS funding doesn’t cover treatment with lingual braces or other types of ‘invisible’ appliances. This is because NHS funding is limited and the focus is on getting the best result in the most cost efficient way.
How much do lingual braces cost?
Because treatment is bespoke to every patient, we offer patients a free consultation* so we can examine your smile and provide you with a personalised estimate. To give you a rough idea of the cost of lingual braces, treatment of the front teeth starts from £1,795, while treatment of the whole bite with a customised lingual brace starts from £5,995. The cost of your treatment includes all your appointments and removable retainers.
Do lingual braces affect your speech?
It may take you a few days to adjust to your brace and during this time you might develop a slight lisp. The more you practice talking, the quicker this should resolve itself.
Are lingual braces uncomfortable?
Any type of brace can feel a little uncomfortable at first – your mouth is a sensitive place! Lingual braces can rub against your tongue creating some initial discomfort, but you’ll quickly adapt – we can also give you some wax to pop over any areas that are particularly irksome. Some patients also find that their teeth ache a little each time their brace is adjusted – again this isn’t specific to lingual braces and doesn’t usually persist for longer than a day.
How can I find out more about lingual braces?
To find out more about lingual braces, and to see what they look like in the flesh – book your free no-obligation consultation* today. Or, if you’re not quite ready to come in and see us, browse our website for more information on lingual braces, including before and after photos of patients treated by our team.