Lingual Braces in Salida, CO

Unlike traditional braces that are placed on the front of your teeth, lingual braces are attached to the back (lingual) side, making them virtually invisible when you smile.

At Relaxation Dental, we offer custom lingual braces for patients who want the effectiveness of traditional braces but with a more aesthetic, hidden treatment option.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces work like traditional metal braces, but instead of being placed on the front of your teeth, they are bonded to the back. This makes them completely invisible from the outside, offering a discreet way to straighten teeth while maintaining a professional or aesthetic appearance.

These braces are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly and provide precise tooth movement for an effective treatment process.

Benefits of Lingual Braces

• Completely Hidden – No visible brackets or wires when you smile.
• Effective for Complex Cases – Works for crowding, misalignment, and bite issues.
• Customized for Comfort – Designed to fit your teeth precisely.
• No Staining on Front Teeth – Less risk of discoloration during treatment.
• Great for Professionals & Adults – Ideal for those wanting a subtle orthodontic solution.

If you want the effectiveness of traditional braces but don’t want them to show, lingual braces are an excellent choice.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces work well for:

• Adults & teens looking for a discreet orthodontic treatment.
• Patients with mild to severe misalignment.
• Those needing correction for crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
• Professionals, performers, or anyone who wants to maintain a natural appearance during treatment.

However, lingual braces may not be ideal for patients with severe bite issues or very small teeth. We’ll determine if you’re a candidate during your orthodontic exam.

The Lingual Braces Process

Getting lingual braces at Relaxation Dental involves a step-by-step process to ensure the best results.

Step 1: Consultation & Customization

• We take digital scans and impressions of your teeth.
• The braces are custom-made to fit your unique dental structure.

Step 2: Bonding the Braces

• The brackets are carefully attached to the back of your teeth.
• A thin archwire is threaded through the brackets to start the alignment process.

Step 3: Regular Adjustments

• Every 6-8 weeks, we adjust the braces to keep your treatment progressing.
• We monitor bite alignment, tooth movement, and comfort throughout treatment.

Step 4: Completion & Retention

• Once your teeth are properly aligned, we remove the braces.
• A custom retainer helps maintain your results long-term.

Treatment time varies but typically lasts 12-24 months, depending on the complexity of your case.

Lingual Braces vs. Other Orthodontic Options

If you're deciding between lingual braces, traditional braces, or Invisalign®, here’s how they compare:

Visibility

• Lingual Braces: Completely hidden behind the teeth, making them virtually invisible.
• Traditional Braces: Highly visible on the front of the teeth.
• Invisalign®: Clear and discreet, but still slightly noticeable up close.

Effectiveness

• Lingual Braces: Works for mild to severe misalignment, including bite corrections.
• Traditional Braces: Effective for all orthodontic cases, including complex bite issues.
• Invisalign®: Best for mild to moderate alignment problems but may not be ideal for severe cases.

Comfort & Adjustment Period

• Lingual Braces: Takes some time to adjust to due to their placement behind the teeth. Speech may be slightly affected at first.
• Traditional Braces: May cause mild irritation on the lips and cheeks but are easier to adapt to.
• Invisalign®: Generally the most comfortable option, with smooth, removable aligners.

Treatment Time

• Lingual Braces: Typically lasts 12-24 months, depending on the severity of misalignment.
• Traditional Braces: Similar treatment time of 12-24 months.
• Invisalign®: Often faster, with results in as little as 6-18 months for mild to moderate cases.

Removability & Convenience

• Lingual Braces: Fixed to the back of the teeth and not removable during treatment.
• Traditional Braces: Also fixed, requiring regular in-office adjustments.
• Invisalign®: Removable for eating and cleaning, making oral hygiene easier.

If you’re looking for an invisible treatment option that is effective for complex cases, lingual braces are a great choice. If you prefer a removable and more comfortable solution, Invisalign® may be a better fit.

Caring for Your Lingual Braces

Since lingual braces are placed behind your teeth, oral hygiene is especially important to prevent plaque buildup and maintain gum health.

• Brush thoroughly after every meal using a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• Use a floss threader or water flosser to clean around brackets and wires.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your gums healthy.
• Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that could damage the braces.

Following these steps will help ensure a smooth treatment process with minimal complications.