Lingual braces adults specialist orthodontist Kensington London

Lingual braces

You need orthodontic treatment but cannot bear or are unwilling to compromise your appearance? Lingual braces might be the way for you to go. Unlike conventional braces, lingual braces are fitted to the rear of your teeth, making them nearly invisible to others. Lingual braces still provide the level of control over tooth movement needed to correct the alignment of your teeth and adjust your bite but in a way more discreet manner.

The treatment

Identically to traditional, lingual braces use metal attachments connected via archwire and held by elastic bands to apply tension on your teeth to make them move and align correctly. Apart from being attached to the backside rather than the front of your teeth, the brackets are also custom made based precisely on the shape of your teeth. This customisation helps your orthodontist offer you treatment as comfortable as possible.

If you are self-conscious about your smile but the idea of having a treatment puts you off because you don’t want your braces to show – then lingual braces might be the answer you are looking for. This is a treatment that will provide you with visible results without showing you are undergoing treatment.

The Process

Consultation

Consultation

We will first schedule an initial consultation for you. At this appointment, your specialist orthodontist will examine your smile thoroughly. The comprehensive assessment will include taking photos and X-rays. This will allow your orthodontist to determine if lingual braces are a suitable option for your treatment.

Treatment Plan

Treatment plan

Based on the full assessment and the specifics of your case, we will prepare a treatment plan during your initial consultation. The plan will indicate how much the treatment with lingual braces could cost, how long approximately it will take, and what benefits you can expect.

First Appointment

First appointment

Once you decide to go ahead with lingual brace treatment, we will first take impressions of your teeth. Based on the impressions and the X-rays, we will create a mould of your teeth. We’ll use the mould to manufacture the brackets for your specific treatment and determine where precisely they will be placed so we can offer as much comfort as possible. Finally, we will schedule your second appointment in approximately six weeks. Of course, in the meantime, if you need any general dentistry work and dental hygiene, we are happy to book this for you prior to your next appointment, or if the schedule allows it on the same day.


Second Appointment

Second Appointment

On your second appointment, your orthodontist will place the customised brackets by bonding them to each tooth at the rear towards the tongue side of your teeth. Using elastic bands, we will engage the archwires to the attachments and connect them. The connection will create gentle, persistent pressure and will begin to move your teeth, helping them align correctly.

Regular Adjustments

Regular adjustments

Once your braces are fitted, we will continue seeing you for regular appointments approximately every 5 to 8 weeks, depending on your specific treatment needs. During these regular appointments, your orthodontic therapist will be adjusting the braces and wires. We will also monitor the overall health of your teeth and gums, making sure you will complete your treatment by having a healthy, beautiful smile.

Retention Period

Retention period

At the end of your treatment, when your teeth and your bite have been appropriately adjusted, we will remove your braces. To ensure the retention of the achieved results and avoid relapse, we will place a fixed retainer. The fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of the upper and lower front teeth. It keeps them together and prevents them from moving, and you’ll never know it’s there!

We will also provide you with a set of removable retainers for you to wear overnight. The removable retainers are clear thin aligners that go over your teeth. They will help ensure your teeth are protected from moving and prevent you from grinding and applying forces that might affect the achieved results. Finally, we will see you for regular appointments approximately every three months during the first year post your orthodontic treatment. These appointments aim to closely monitor how your teeth behave post-treatment and react promptly if there are any changes.

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    Book an Appointment

    You can book an appointment online, or by giving us a call on 020 7368 6611.