If you’d like a straighter smile without any shiny brackets, lingual braces from Dr. Humphrey might be the right fit for you. They’re designed to work behind your teeth, so your new smile will be—wait for it—out of sight! Our Humphrey Orthodontics team uses InBrace lingual braces. They can help you feel more confident during treatment because you won’t have a metal grin whenever you smile. Below, you’ll learn more about how they work, who might be a good candidate, and what you can expect if you choose this treatment in St. Peters or Wentzville.
What Are Lingual Braces?
You already know that traditional braces use brackets and wires to move your teeth. Lingual braces, like InBrace, follow the same principle, but Dr. Humphrey places them on the back (tongue side) of your teeth. This setup keeps them mostly hidden from view. If your daily routine involves lots of face-to-face interaction—maybe you’re giving presentations at work or simply feel self-conscious about metal braces—lingual braces might appeal to you.
How Are They Different from Traditional Braces?
- Placement: Traditional braces attach to the front side of your teeth; lingual braces go on the back (the “lingual” side).
- Visibility: InBrace lingual braces are less noticeable when you talk or smile.
- Customization: Because the backs of your teeth have a different shape than the fronts, each bracket is often shaped to fit you.
How Do Lingual Braces Work?
Like any orthodontic appliance, lingual braces move teeth through gentle, steady force. Once bonded to your teeth, the brackets and wires will shift your teeth into better positions. Over time, our Humphrey Orthodontics team will adjust your wires to stay on track toward the straight, healthy smile you’re aiming for.
The Process
- Consultation: You’ll meet with the doctor, who will check your teeth, discuss your goals, and confirm if lingual braces suit your needs.
- Preparation: Dr. Humphrey will take a detailed scan or mold of your teeth to design brackets that fit behind each tooth.
- Bonding: Once your custom brackets are ready, they’ll be bonded to the backs of your teeth. Then, our team will thread a wire through them.
- Adjustments: You’ll return for regular checkups. Each adjustment helps your smile progress.
- Removal and Retainer: When treatment is complete, the brackets and wires come off, and you’ll wear a retainer to protect that new alignment.
Are Lingual Braces Right for You?
Your orthodontic goals, the shape of your teeth, and your lifestyle will all come into play when deciding on a treatment. Lingual braces can work well for many people in St. Peters and Wentzville, but they might not be ideal for every case. Here are a few things to consider:
- Crowded or Complex Cases: Lingual braces can handle many kinds of corrections, but extremely crowded or severe cases may benefit more from traditional braces or aligners.
- Tongue Comfort: Placing brackets behind your teeth means they’re near your tongue, which may feel odd at first. You could need some time to get used to it, especially with talking.
- Age: Teenagers and adults often pick InBrace lingual braces for aesthetic reasons. However, younger kids might find them harder to clean or manage.
- Lifestyle: If you play certain wind instruments or contact sports, you’ll want to discuss any extra precautions, such as wearing a mouthguard.
Living with Lingual Braces
Here are a few things to think about when you first get your InBrace treatment.
- Talking and Eating
Lingual braces affect your speech at first. You might notice a slight lisp or feel that your tongue bumps against the brackets. Practice speaking out loud or reading to yourself, and you’ll often adapt within a couple of weeks.
As for eating, you can mostly continue with regular meals. Still, it’s wise to steer clear of super-sticky or hard foods that could get stuck to or pull on your wires or brackets.
- Possible Soreness
You may feel tightness in your teeth after adjustments. This feeling is normal for many orthodontic treatments, but it should go away after a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication (as Dr. Humphrey recommends) can help if you feel tender spots.
- Oral Care
Cleaning lingual braces takes a little extra attention. Use these steps to keep them in top shape:
- Rinse Before Brushing: Swish water around your mouth to loosen any food.
- Angle Your Brush: Brush above and below each bracket.
- Floss Carefully: Thread floss under the wire and between your teeth to remove plaque.
- Fluoride Mouthwash: A daily rinse can help keep teeth strong.
Common Questions
Let’s look at some of the frequent questions we get about InBrace lingual braces in St. Peters and Wentzville.
Will I talk with a lisp forever?
Most people adapt to lingual braces after a few weeks. A slight lisp or change in speech usually goes away as your tongue learns to work around the brackets.
Are lingual braces painful?
They aren’t usually more painful than traditional braces. You may experience tightness or mild soreness after each appointment, but that’s temporary.
Do lingual braces cost more than regular braces?
We tailor the cost of your lingual braces based on treatment complexity, and in many cases, it’s similar to Invisalign or traditional braces. At Humphrey Orthodontics, you can discuss payment plans and insurance options to plan for the cost.
Can I play sports or instruments with lingual braces?
Yes, you can. With sports, wearing a mouthguard to shield your teeth from impact is smart. If you play a wind instrument, you might need a short adjustment period, but most people find they adapt quickly.
How well do lingual braces work compared to other methods?
Lingual braces like InBrace use the same principles as conventional braces. The brackets and wires apply gentle pressure to move your teeth into better alignment.
Care and Maintenance
Keeping your lingual braces clean helps you dodge plaque buildup and keep your gums happy. Here are a few reminders from Dr. Humphrey:
- Brush After Meals: If you can, keep a travel-sized toothbrush in your purse or car. That way, you can brush away food particles during the day.
- Rinse and Floss: A quick water rinse after a snack can stop food bits from sticking around. Floss once a day to keep your gums fresh.
- Check for Loose Brackets: If you feel a bracket shift or a wire pokes you, reach out to our Humphrey Orthodontics team so we can fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Lingual Braces in St. Peters and Wentzville
If you’re curious about lingual braces and live around St. Peters or Wentzville, visit Humphrey Orthodontics. At your consultation, Dr. Humphrey will give you a full exam and an honest take on which treatments can give you the results you want. To get started, schedule your free consultation here.