Written by Dr. Chaw Su Kyi on August 17, 2020
Your initial assessment with Dr Chaw-Su Kyi would be needed to say for sure whether you’re a suitable candidate for them, but the odds are you will be, as they can be used to treat nearly all the same cases as regular fixed braces that are attached to the front surfaces of the teeth.
No, lingual braces are the only truly invisible braces because they are fitted on the inner surfaces of the teeth, so are hidden from view when you talk, smile or eat. Unless you tell people you’re wearing a brace, they really wouldn’t know. Kate Middleton is believed to have had lingual braces leading up to her wedding.
As with all fitted braces, there are certain foods you should avoid throughout your treatment if you have lingual braces for fear that they might bend or break the metal unless cut into bitesize pieces (eg apples, pizza crusts, steak) or get stuck under or around the wires or brackets (popcorn, chewy sweets). Don’t worry, we’ll give you a list to help you once your braces are fitted, so you’ll be fine!
Yes, there’s nothing stopping you having your teeth cleaned at a hygiene appointment while having your teeth straightened using lingual braces. Indeed, we actively encourage all patients, but especially those with any type of fixed brace or retainer, to come and see the hygienist every 3 to 4 months during the course of their treatment, as cleaning your teeth at home is trickier with any type of fixed brace.
In common with all other types of fixed braces, if you play a lot of contact sports or a sport with a high risk of being hit in the mouth, Invisalign would be the preferred straightening option if suited to your particular case. Otherwise, we would certainly recommend having us fit a custom-made mouth guard to protect both your teeth and braces.
West London Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Serving patients in Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush, and Chiswick, Dr Kyi and her team specialise in various brace options, including Invisalign. Book a consultation today.
