Lingual Braces and Lumineers

Lumineers have been welcomed by cosmetic dentists for their non-invasive approach to beautifying a smile. Now, even dentists who appreciate the innovative approach behind these veneers caution their patients against seeking the easy way out. The preparation procedure that precedes the installation of conventional veneers (and in some instances Lumineers) permanently and significantly alters the tooth structure. This has some consequences, including a life-long sentence to dental restorations on the affected teeth. The less enamel a tooth has, the greater risk there is for decay. To abstain from needlessly damaging healthy tooth structure, some cosmetic dentists have managed to reach a compromise with patients – have some teeth corrected with Lumineers and others with orthodontia. A natural reaction to this proposal is “No Way!” After all, what’s the point in paying a premium for veneers when their beauty will be obfuscated by those dreaded brackets and wires? Well, orthodontia has gone through some changes in recent years. You no longer have to wear conventional braces to get the relief you desire. Invisible braces and the Invisalign product have allowed for more discreet treatment. However, most would agree that neither of these are as “invisible” as they claim to be. Well, there is one product that truly is – lingual braces.

Lingual braces are essentially conventional braces placed on the posterior area of your teeth. Now although the concept is similar, lingual braces are somewhat more complicated to fabricate and install. Your orthodontist will require some special training to properly outfit these on your teeth. These braces are more expensive because they require custom-fabricated parts. The tooth brackets and wire need to be designed in close accord to a mold taken of your teeth by the dentist. When the parts have arrived back from the lab, the brackets are cemented to the backs of your teeth and the archwire is installed. Adjustments will have to be performed on the apparatus every few weeks, as is common with normal braces.

The patient will probably experience some discomfort in getting adjusted to these braces, especially in navigating their tongue around and speaking. This will subside with time. Keeping your teeth clean inbetween meals is paramount in ensuring your teeth remain healthy during treatment. You can use a Waterpik system to help dislodge food that has become stuck in and around the lingual braces. Your orthodontist should provide you some helpful documentation to keep your teeth in tip-top shapes. Regular dental visits are also a must to prevent the accumulation of plaque.

The bottom line is that Lumineers and lingual braces can make for a great combination. You avoid any of the aesthetic issues commonly encountered with braces, spare healthy teeth needless grinding, and finally save yourself added expense. Lingual braces tend to cost a few thousand more than traditional braces., but should end up costing less than Lumineers. You will have to do some digging to find orthodontists offering this type of braces in your area, and the internet should prove indispensable in conducting your search. Remember to look beyond price and instead to pay particular attention to the doctor’s experience as indicated by his work in past cases.

Posted by admin | faq | Monday 10 November 2008 1:10 pm