I am planning to have some orthodontic treatment, which in my case is quite minor (the jaw is fine, and no extractions are needed). I am currently researching the different types, but it is quite difficult to trust information found online, as most seems to be from clinics marketing the various treatments.
I was considering an “invisible” lingual brace for my top teeth - this is the one that goes inside the teeth.
Speaking as medically/factually as possible - is this brace sensible in terms of effectiveness and future dental health, or is it predominantly a “vanity” option? I have been advised that it takes a few months longer - but there are also sites that say it can be quicker!
Also, what are the major complications that can arise from orthodontics, assuming I follow all advice given and clean as thoroughly as possible, and how prevalent are they for adult patients?
If any one has relevant (factual) experience or information please do post.
I got braces last Spring (I’m 40), so my experience is purely anecdotal.
My insurance covered a portion of regular braces, but wouldn’t cover anything for the Invis-align brand. In fact, my orthodontist didn’t recommend them for what I needed done. My teeth have shifted some from when I was a kid (I had them for four years then - massive overbite), and I just need them for about 18 months to correct that shifting. Then I’ll need a retainer at night for a few years.
I opted for ceramics for the front. The bracket that is cemented to the tooth is white, or tooth-colored, so they show less. The wire I had at first was clear, but now I have a silver one and it shows a bit more, but not nearly as much as regular metal brackets.
It’s not too bad as far as keeping them clean. I have a little bag that I keep with me for when I’m out that has a travel toothbrush, one of those little mini pokey brushes for getting inside the brackets and wires, toothpaste, a Ziploc baggie with paper cups, and mouthwash. Actually, I have two - one in my car and one in my work bag.
The initial pain wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. There was some soreness and rubbing. I had orthodontic wax for where they rubbed, and Advil took care of the soreness.
I don’t know anything about braces that go inside the teeth as you mentioned. Is that something that is behind the teeth, or did you mean the Invis-align? The Invis-align are clear plastic pieces that fit tightly to your teeth by suction and move them bit by bit. You get a new piece every two weeks. You have to take it out to eat and drink.
What’s interesting is that I asked about ceramic braces, but the dentist didn’t seem to do them or know what I meant. They do do “invisible” track braces, however these are the staining type (one curry and it’s yellow-time!)
What they do have available are coloured braces - where the brackets are multi-coloured - you can pick which colours you want - and I noticed that one of the colours was white. On the demo model, the white one was hardly noticeable compared to the others - pink, purple, etc. So I can’t help wondering if I chose white brackets, whether that would be nearly as inobtrusive as ceramic ones? (And way, way more cheaper). The orthodontist said that the most subtle look (other than the “invisible”/staining ones) is plain silver brackets, but to my mind the white “coloured” bracket was way more subtle against the demo model teeth.
Behind-the-teeth braces are "lingual" braces - they are 100% unnoticeable from the front, but apparently can be much less comfortable to get used to, and are much more likely to affect speech. I was thinking of these, but an associate warned me that they’re rather outdated, and the disadvantages outweight the advantages. Which is why I am really keen to get some SDMB dental insider info on them!
I did see the Invisalign ones online, though this particular clinic doesn’t do them, AFAIK. Also I am not sure I would like them, because I had trays for dental bleaching, and absolutely loathed the feeling of them in my mouth, especially at night. I found it almost unbearable to have this thing covering my teeth on both sides.
I’ve consulted with a few orthidontists about my teeth as well - however, none are willing to do what I want (ie braces of some sort) without $5,000 of other stuff (ie. break my jaw, reset, etc - no thankyou).
As such, I have a bit of info - my understanding with lingual braces is that they only work on a super small percentage of tooth problems, however, the problems they do work on, they’re quite effective.
So, I suppose the answer is it depends on what your tooth issue is - linguals wouldn’t work for me, but perhaps you have a problem they would be suitable for.
I am fortunate in that my teeth aren’t that bad - but apart from vanity, it would be more healthy for my lower teeth to be treated as they are currently “tight” (according to the hygienist) making them much harder to clean between. I don’t need any jaw work or extractions, on top or bottom, so according to the orthodonist, lingual braces would work for me.