Can I Get Braces Behind My Teeth?

One of the biggest things that deters people from starting treatment with braces is the high visibility of the brackets and wires. Despite seeming old-school, traditional silver braces are still an excellent way to straighten teeth, which makes some patients wonder if the braces need to be on the front of their teeth, or if they can get braces behind the teeth where they’re less noticeable.

Can I Get Braces Behind My Teeth?

In fact, you can. There is a specific type of braces called lingual braces, which get their name from being applied to the lingual side of the teeth. These braces feature the same components you would expect from conventional braces to straighten your teeth, including brackets and wires. What they don’t have is the typical visibility that comes with traditional braces.

While there are reasons to consider lingual braces, there are other options you should consider first. Despite functioning similarly to conventional braces, the process to install and adjust lingual braces is more delicate and difficult than with normal braces. As a result, the treatment is more expensive than traditional braces. Patients also often have trouble with the braces irritating their tongues since they are on the same side of the teeth.

So, how else can you reduce the visibility of your orthodontic treatment?

Invisalign vs. Lingual Braces

The best way to keep your treatment discreet while you straighten your teeth is to choose the Invisalign Clear Aligner System. While lingual braces still are a little bit visible when you laugh or smile widely, Invisalign is always invisible. The clear plastic aligners are only detectable upon very close inspection, leaving you with a totally uncluttered smile for the full duration of your orthodontic treatment.

Perhaps even better is the fact that you can remove your aligners during meals or activities where your aligners could get damaged. This removes all food restrictions while you are in orthodontic treatment, allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love without worry. Brushing and flossing are much easier too compared to trying to clean your teeth around braces behind your teeth.

Thanks to Invisalign attachments, more patients than ever can qualify for Invisalign, so your chances of having this treatment option available to you are better than ever.

Ceramic Braces vs. Braces Behind the Teeth

If you don’t qualify for Invisalign because your orthodontic issues are too severe, there is another less noticeable option. Ceramic braces can provide the orthodontic adjustments and function the same way as traditional braces. However, the brackets are made out of a clear material instead of metal, making them far less visible than silver braces.

Some patients prefer having a fixed set of braces instead of Invisalign because they can’t lose their aligners and don’t have to worry about remembering to wear them for the required 22 hours per day.

To figure out which low-visibility orthodontic treatment is right for you, schedule your free consultation at Milnor Orthodontics. We’ll take a look at your teeth, recommend treatment options, and answer any questions you have. Contact us today!