Curious to know if you can realign your teeth as an adult without the visual distraction of fitted metal braces?

Well, the good news is that even if you have a more complex case of dental misalignment, you can now realign your teeth with a fitted brace that is practically invisible!

At Ashlow Orthodontics, we are proud to be able to offer our patients one of the most varied ranges of orthodontics in Stoke, to help you get the smile you want without hassle that was once linked to this process.

Here, we answer queries about orthodontics in Stoke, particularly a very sophisticated one that we can offer, the lingual brace. So read on and enjoy!

What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are also known as hidden or concealed braces and are to date the only form of fixed braces or orthodontics in Stoke that cannot be seen when you smile.

They are placed on the back of the teeth, so they will be on the tongue side rather than on the smile side. They work by using a similar system to traditional metal braces; they require tightening and adjusting to moving your teeth, but they use a sliding bracket to alleviate the pressure you may feel from this process.

Can anyone wear lingual braces?

There are no age restrictions on lingual braces and so, teenagers, adults and children can wear them.

However, as is the way before wearing any kind of orthodontic tool, you will need to undertake an assessment so we can determine if you have any untreated tooth decay or gum disease. If we find any, these will need to be treated before we proceed with the treatment.

What disorders can they treat?

Lingual braces are designed to treat a myriad of issues, and can even work with more complex cases which may require tooth rotation or molar movement.

When you come in for a check-up, we will be able to determine if your issues can be resolved with them.

Can any orthodontist use lingual braces?

No, they can’t.

While they may seem to be just a metal brace that is affixed to the inside of the teeth, they are actually a bit more complex than that.

They operate using sliding brackets, and the fitting of them itself can be a bit tricky to manage, so any orthodontist you see to have these braces attached should be trained in using them. Luckily, when you come to see our team in Stoke, we have many orthodontists who can work with lingual braces, so we are well equipped to help you using this brace.

How long will I need to wear them?

This will depend entirely on the disorder being treated and the severity of it.

On average, an adult patient may need to wear lingual braces for between 18-36 months. Remember, these braces are designed to be discrete but can also treat a wider range of issues than invisible or clear braces, so they are well worth the wait!

If you would like to learn more about lingual braces or want to know if they are suitable for you, please contact our team today!