Years ago, if you wanted to straighten your teeth, you had to get traditional braces. For a better smile, there was simply no way around wearing all the wires and brackets; visible for everyone to see. Thanks to modern orthodontics, it’s never been easier to subtly straighten your teeth.

It can be a bit overwhelming to learn about other devices for your pearly whites. We’ve made it easier by comparing two popular options: lingual braces vs. Invisalign.  

Straightening Your Teeth with Invisalign

This method of invisible braces has really taken off in recent years due to its many perks. The most obvious benefit is the discretion that comes with its clear design. Along with having an inconspicuous appearance, Invisalign braces can be removed before eating and teeth brushing. This results in a fairly simple oral hygiene routine. 

With benefits like this, many parents consider Invisalign for kids. The system is great or kids who are worried about being bullied or teens who might be a little self-conscious about those yearbook pictures. But these invisible braces aren’t just for kids. Adults seeking to straighten their teeth without feeling awkward can benefit from this option, too.  

What is it like to Wear Invisalign Braces?

With an Invisalign treatment plan, your orthodontist will start by taking diagnostic photographs of your teeth and impressions of your mouth. This is all used to create the aligners that you’ll wear. Once you receive your sets of clear, plastic aligners, you’ll wear them in a special order to straighten your teeth. The average time required for patients to wear Invisalign is about two years, but this can fluctuate depending on the individual. 

Though these invisible braces can be removed, they should be worn between 20 to 22 hours per day. This often requires a special kind of discipline, especially for kids and teens. A small dot located on the side of the aligners will let parents know if they’re being worn or not. This way, parents can be instrumental in keeping their children on track with their treatment plan. 

The Lingual Braces Approach

These reverse braces have been around since the 1980s. Unlike traditional braces, their metal brackets and wires are placed on the back of the teeth where the tongue rests. Due to their location, lingual braces are only noticeable if the patients open their mouths very wide. 

What are the advantages of using Lingual Braces?

Besides being hidden from view, there are a lot of other benefits to wearing lingual braces. This method gives your orthodontist precise control over the results of your teeth. Similar to Invisalign, lingual braces are a suitable way to straighten teeth for both kids and adults. However, lingual braces can also be worn by patients with all types of malocclusion (teeth misalignment). This sets them apart from Invisalign, which only works with some types of malocclusion.

While Invisalign is removable and makes for a simple oral hygiene routine, lingual braces offer a slightly different advantage. Anyone who’s had traditional braces will know the challenges that occur with oral hygiene upkeep. Perhaps you’ve heard horror stories of people getting their braces removed and finding discolored stains on their teeth. These marks are the result of poor oral hygiene, and they can leave a lasting impact on the look of your smile. If this were to happen to a patient wearing lingual braces, the marks would be hidden on the backs of the teeth. We always recommend practicing proper oral hygiene on your teeth. However, if you do have marks left after your brackets are removed, they won’t be visible if you wore lingual braces. 

What else should I know about Lingual Braces?

When you undergo this treatment, you have the option to choose standard brackets or a custom-made set. Your brackets will be glued to the inner sides of your teeth. As time passes and you have routine checkups, your orthodontist will adjust the wires as necessary. With Invisalign, on the other hand, adjustments are made by switching from one set of aligners to the next appropriate pair. 

Straightening your teeth with lingual braces tends to take longer than Invisalign braces because your teeth shift a little more gradually. If you opt to get a custom-made set, however, it may speed up the process. Patients with lingual braces also need more time to clean their teeth than they would with Invisalign. For example, flossing will require more patience as they navigate between brackets and wires to get rid of food particles. Keep in mind, all of this attention to detail is temporary and pays off when you see the final results.

Get Healthier, Straighter Teeth With Beth’s Braces

Considering all the advantages of having invisible braces, it might be tough to decide which solution is right for you. In the end, the best option ultimately depends on your individual needs. 

We can help make the decision-making process much easier by guiding you through every step.Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation at our office in Las Vegas. We’ll assess your orthodontic goals and help you determine which route is right for you. We look forward to giving you plenty of reasons to smile!