A 48-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me are lingual (invisible) braces better than metal braces?
4 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arnold Malermananswered
Orthodontics 55 years experience
They are metal: Lingual braces are made out of metal, usually stainless steel. They ar invisible because that are on the insides of the teeth. That's the upside. Downside is that treatment takes longer, there may be some tongue irritation and/or function problems, and sometimes final detailing requires outside braces. For all these reasons inside braces are usually more costly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Hilary Baskinanswered
Orthodontics 30 years experience
No: first, they are metal, second, most people have terrible experiences with them as the brackets, placed lingually, can cause significant irritation to your tongue, 3rd they are typically less effective. Those are all reasons why we won't even provide them. I would look into clear brackets or invisalign to obtain the invisible results you want far more effectively and less painfully.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Arnold Malermananswered
Orthodontics 55 years experience
Not usually: Lingual braces are also metal. Because the orthodontist has to work on a smaller arc, the lever arm of wire length between teeth is shorter, and therefore less efficient. Lingual braces can take 25-40% longer than traditional braces (which are also available clear), and often some outside treatment is necessary for finishing. The most efficient orthodontic appliance is traditional braces.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Dr. Hilary Baskinanswered
Orthodontics 30 years experience
No: first, they are metal, second, most people have terrible experiences with them as the brackets, placed lingually, can cause significant irritation to your tongue, 3rd they are typically less effective. Those are all reasons why we won't even provide them. I would look into clear brackets or invisalign to obtain the invisible results you want far more effectively and less painfully.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Last updated Sep 29, 2016
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