Lingual Braces Vs. Self-Ligating Braces

lingual bracesWhich is better? Invisible self-ligating braces compared to fast self-ligating braces.

Are you considering lingual braces or self-ligating braces from ARCH Orthodontics? Are you unsure what they are and what they do? Don’t worry, let us explain. Lingual braces are one of the more discreet ways to straighten your smile. Self-ligating braces will help you get straight teeth fast and with less hardware. Keep reading to find out what solution could be right for you!

Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces

Lingual braces from ARCH Orthodontics are attached to the back of your teeth. They’re called lingual because of their relationship to your tongue and the area surrounding and because they take up some of the space where you tongue sits behind your top and bottom teeth.

These state-of-the-art metal braces are:

  • Customized to fit your mouth
  • Use extremely comfortable brackets and wiring
  • Require adjustment visits to your ARCH orthodontists ever 6 to 8 weeks
  • Don’t use rubber bands or bulky wiring

They gently move teeth without anyone ever knowing you’re wearing braces!

Depending on your individual needs, lingual braces can be a little bit more costly compared to traditional metal braces or invisible aligners like Invisalign. Unlike these clear trays, lingual braces are permanent and have to stay in your mouth while your eating and brushing your teeth. They do require some food restrictions to avoid damage and expense repairs. It’s important to talk to your ARCH orthodontist about any questions or concerns you might have. Together we can determine if lingual braces are the right fit to get your smile straight and healthy.

Pros and Cons of Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces from ARCH Orthodontics might sound complicated, but they’re a simple smile straightening solution that has grown in popularity over the years. They’re very similar to the traditional metal options that usually come to mind when you hear the word braces. The difference between the two comes down to something called ligature. Self-ligating braces don’t require additional ligature such as elastics, rubber bands, or metal ties. They use highly effective clips and brackets that move teeth gently into the desired positioning.

Self-ligating braces:

  • Are easier to clean because they don’t use rubber bands and brackets
  • Require less frequent visits/adjustments with your ARCH orthodontist
  • Move teeth easily with less friction and discomfort

While these braces are effective and customized to fit your teeth comfortably, they adhere to the front of your teeth as a more noticeable smile straightening solution. People will know you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment as compared to lingual braces or Invisalign. You will have to follow certain food restrictions to avoid damaging your self-ligating braces. They also require precise cleaning and care each day to ensure your teeth are healthy and free of decay-causing debris.

Conclusion

Overall, there’s not one orthodontic solution that’s better or worse than another. They’re all different, but that’s because no two smiles are alike either. Thanks to so many advancements in orthodontic care over the years, your ARCH Orthodontist is pleased to offer a wide variety of treatments at our nine offices in Bridgewater, Canton, Hyannis, Orleans, Stoughton, Hyde Park, Randolph, Westwood, and Brockton.

Which treatment are you interested in trying? Let us know! ARCH is happy to schedule a no-obligation consultation to assess your orthodontic needs, understand your concerns, and figure out the best way to help you pay for your new smile. It’s a conversation you can’t afford to pass up.