<\/p>\n

While lingual treatment offers an aesthetic advantage, it comes with potential challenges that accompany all fixed orthodontic devices as well as some that are unique to the \u201cbackward\u201d approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adaptation and Speech Issues<\/span><\/h3>\n

Adjusting to wearing lingual braces typically requires more time than adapting to conventional ones. Initially, lingual braces may cause interference with your normal speech, as your tongue comes into contact with the backside of your upper front teeth when forming certain sounds \u2013 the same location where lingual braces are situated. Consequently, you may notice a lisp or a whistling sound during speech. Nevertheless, most people adapt over time to the presence of lingual braces, and they generally experience a reduction in these speech difficulties.<\/p>\n

Tongue Irritation and Soothing Measures<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another potential problem, especially during the first few weeks of wearing new lingual braces, is tongue irritation from rubbing against the brackets and wires in the process of speaking and eating. Several options exist for soothing or countering this phenomenon. Frequent rinsing with warm saltwater can encourage healing. An over-the-counter product containing a mild anesthetic such as benzocaine can temporarily numb your tongue. <\/span>You can place orthodontic wax, available from your orthodontist, dentist, or in the dental section of many drug stores, over the sharp edges of brackets and wires as a protective measure. And your orthodontist may be able to provide protective silicone pads to wear over the braces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Challenges with Eating and Dental Care<\/span><\/h3>\n

Like other fixed orthodontic appliances, lingual braces can complicate eating. <\/span>They trap food more easily, and you should avoid sticky, chewy, crunchy, or hard foods because they can damage brackets and wires and loosen the cement bond affixing the brackets to your teeth. All types of fixed braces can also complicate brushing and flossing and make it harder to avoid common dental problems like gingivitis (inflamed gums), tartar buildup, erosion of protective tooth enamel, and cavities (tooth decay).<\/span><\/p>\n

Suitability for Patients<\/span><\/h3>\n

Lingual braces can work for adolescents\/teens and adults alike, but they may not be the best choice in every case. The only way to know whether they are a viable option is in consultation with your orthodontist.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you want to straighten your teeth without being conspicuous about it but you\u2019re not a good candidate for clear plastic aligners, lingual braces might be the answer. In this orthodontic treatment approach, orthodontists mount the apparatus used to realign teeth (brackets, wires, and elastics) on the back (the tongue side) of the teeth instead […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":14263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[121,59],"tags":[235,101,485,70],"class_list":["post-14262","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cosmetic-dentistry","category-oral-health","tag-braces","tag-dental-health","tag-lingual-braces","tag-oral-care"],"yoast_head":"\n