Many people avoid getting braces because they are conscious about how the silver, metal brackets will look on them in school or in a professional setting. However, braces are an important tool if you are looking to correct any misalignment of your teeth, issues with the bite and many other such problems. So what is the best way to deal with orthodontic issues without having to sport metal braces for the next few years?
The answer to this question is lingual braces. These are just like regular braces, but with one major difference – the brackets are placed on the inside of your teeth so that they aren’t visible under regular circumstances. While these braces can be great for people who want a more discreet orthodontic treatment, the associated costs are much higher than regular braces. To get a better understanding of lingual braces, how much they cost and if they will be worth the money you spend, keep reading!
What Are Lingual Braces?
If you get the traditional metal or ceramic braces, your dentist or orthodontist will place the brackets and wires on the front side of your teeth in order to fix the misalignment or whatever other problem you are facing. With lingual braces, the brackets and wires remain the same but the part of the teeth where they will be placed is going to be different. Instead of being placed on the front, the brackets will be placed at the back, where your teeth face your tongue. This makes lingual braces very popular amongst people who want their braces to be less noticeable as they will only show if you open your mouth wide.
These braces are designed in a way that each bracket is custom made for the individual who is receiving the treatment. Doctors take an impression of the patient’s teeth beforehand so that the sizes and positioning can be decided upon before they start placing the brackets and the wire – which is also customized for the patient. While the process is relatively easier in the case of traditional braces, more expertise and precision is required when the braces are being fitted at the back of a person’s teeth. This can make the treatment more expensive.
How Much Do Lingual Braces Cost?
In short, lingual braces cost between $8,000 to $13,000, although the price depends on a number of factors.
If you compare lingual braces with any of the other popular types – metal, ceramic, self-ligating as well as Invisalign – the cost of getting these braces is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum. The procedure can cost anywhere between $8,000 and $11,000, even going up to $13,000 in some cases, depending on the severity of the problem that has to be fixed.
There are some major reasons why lingual braces cost more than traditional braces. Firstly, these have to be customized for every patient. There is no set pattern that works for everyone, so your orthodontist will have to use the latest technology to develop the brackets and the wire. However, this also means that – in all likelihood – the treatment will also be more effective in dealing with the problem.
Other than the cost of the actual braces, the labor cost of your dentist or orthodontist also makes a big difference to the price you will be paying. Not every dentist offers lingual braces because they require a higher level of expertise and skill than traditional metal or ceramic braces. This means that if your orthodontist is providing this service, he or she has invested in a higher level of training to make this possible, adding to the cost of lingual braces.
If the price seems too high, you can try different methods of financing to get the treatment. Some dental insurance plans cover at least a part of this expenditure, so you may want to check with your health service provider.
Benefits Associated with Lingual Braces
Lingual braces aren’t cheap but why do people – both adults and children – still invest in them? There are many reasons for this, some of which will be discussed below in brief.
- Virtually Unnoticeable – The main reason why lingual braces are so popular is that they cannot be seen by anyone else. Once you have your dentist fit the brackets and the wires on the inside of your teeth, people will not be able to guess that you have braces – even if they are standing right in front of your face.
- Good for People Who Play Sports or Instruments – Traditional braces can lead to cuts and discomfort if you are an active person involved in sports or are a musician who needs to play using his or her mouth. With lingual braces, all such worries can be eliminated.
- Better Results over Time – As the braces are custom made and developed keeping your teeth in mind, there is a better chance that you will see results quicker than you would if you had opted for traditional metal or ceramic braces.
Limitations of Lingual Braces
While there are many advantages of lingual braces, there are also some disadvantages associated with these incognito braces. First, if you are a person which small teeth, it may be tough to put these braces on. These aren’t ideal for people with big problems related to their bite. Second, it is an expensive treatment so you will need to gauge your financial situation before taking the decision. Finally, it can take some time for people to get used to having these braces on. Talking can be difficult as the tongue takes time to get used to these. Brushing and maintaining oral hygiene can also get a little complicated.
Final Word on Lingual Braces
While lingual braces can be quite expensive, if the treatment isn’t covered by your health insurance, it can be worth it for people who are in professions that lay emphasis on physical appearance or where how you look has an effect on your work. Many people consider it a huge expense, but if you are looking for an orthodontic treatment to fix crooked teeth or a badly aligned bite without making you look like a teenager with metal braces, lingual braces are your best option. You can visit an orthodontist who specializes in this field and work out a payment plan that suits your resources and requirements in the best possible way.