If you need to get braces, but don't want to have braces that can be easily seen by the naked eye, then lingual braces are a wise choice for you. Like traditional metal-bracket braces, lingual braces go over the teeth to gently pull teeth into a more attractive and healthy position, but unlike traditional metal braces, lingual braces are far more discreet since they are placed on the backs of the teeth instead of on the front.

You should get lingual braces if you want to get your teeth straightened but getting invisible aligners won't work well for you, and you don't want traditional braces. Learn the benefits of lingual braces you can discuss with your orthodontist and what to expect while getting used to your new braces.

Benefits of lingual braces

Lingual braces are highly effective in straightening teeth that are very crooked or need severe straightening. Perhaps the biggest benefit of these types of braces is how discreet they can be. Depending on the shape of your teeth and the styles of lingual braces you get, you may not even be able to notice you are wearing them unless someone were to look deep inside your mouth on the backs of your teeth.

Lingual braces should be hard to see, if not impossible, when you are smiling, talking, and eating. This makes these braces ideal for adults especially who need traditional braces but don't want hardware visible on their teeth.

How to get used to lingual braces

Lingual braces can be hard to get used to because of their placement. Often, the largest complaint about lingual braces is this: speaking properly. When you get your braces, try talking slowly and clearly until you get used to them. Your tongue will get used to its new placement behind your upper and lower teeth when you talk.

Eating and drinking is usually less of a concern because of where your braces are placed. However, until your mouth heals from having lingual braces put on, you should try to eat softer foods and stick to more liquids in your diet, such as soups, soft hot cereals, yogurts, and other foods.

Your orthodontist will show you how to brush and floss your teeth so you can take care of your new lingual braces and keep your oral health in its best condition. Always go to your regular dental appointments after getting lingual braces so your teeth can be straightened more successfully. For more information, contact a company like Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP today.