Lingual braces vs. Clear aligners — which one to choose

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What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are made from the same material as traditional ones, but are customized to be placed on the back of the teeth, with a metal archwire that threads through them. Among the different types of braces, lingual braces stand out for being completely hidden behind the teeth. Here's what you need to know about them.

How they work

Unlike clear aligners, they're a fixed appliance designed to work continuously without patient effort, applying a gentle pressure with custom-made brackets and wires to guide teeth into their new positions.

Aesthetics

Lingual braces are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice amongst adults and image-conscious teens.

Oral hygiene

Their position requires regular cleaning with a special set of tools, including interdental brushes and floss threaders.

Effectiveness

Lingual braces are custom-made to address your unique tooth alignment and can effectively correct complex bite issues.

Patient compliance

You don't have to worry about removing lingual braces after certain hours; they're fixed in nature, which requires oral hygiene maintenance and dental visits.

While lingual braces offer aesthetics and durability, clear aligners have a different approach. Let's explore how clear aligners work and what they offer.

What are clear aligners?

"Clear Aligners are clear, removable, and more discreet than braces. They allow better oral hygiene and fewer in-person visits."

Dr. Ardra Kilaparti

Clear aligners come in a series of custom-made transparent trays designed for mild to moderate alignment issues, providing comfort and making oral hygiene and maintenance easy.

How they work

Clear aligners are created from a detailed digital scan of your teeth impressions. You switch to a new set every couple of weeks, and each aligner guides your teeth into their new position with constant, gentle pressure.

Aesthetics

They offer good aesthetics, blending perfectly with your teeth's color, making you socially confident and presentable for professional settings.

Oral hygiene

Because clear aligners are removable, it is easier to brush or floss, making good oral hygiene much easier to achieve.

Effectiveness

They have a high success rate for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. However, their effectiveness depends on patient compliance, the complexity of the case, and the dentist's recommendation.

Patient compliance

While maintaining good oral hygiene, patient compliance is essential for clear aligners; wearing them for 20-22 hours a day, removing them only while eating, drinking, and cleaning.

For mild to moderate cases, clear aligners can be a great alternative to traditional braces, but are they better than linguals? Let's find out.

Lingual braces vs Invisible aligners

Braces vs Aligners can be subjective in terms of the complexity of the case, lifestyle, preferences, and the dentist's recommendation. However, they differ in the attributes they offer.

Factors that include your dental preference and appliance features will help you decide what appliance suits you, but some other key considerations must not be ignored.

Key considerations when choosing

Your decision will mainly depend on a combination of factors, including the severity of the case, the budget, and your lifestyle.

Complexity of the case

The severity or the complexity of your case will decide the right appliance for you. Ideally, clear aligners are made to deal with mild or moderate malocclusions, while lingual braces are for complex cases.

Budget

Braces cost & price guide in the UK: Lingual braces start at £3,000, while clear aligners cost starts at £2,000. These prices go up depending on case complexity. In short, lingual braces cost more due to their customization and their discreet, invisible appearance.

Lifestyle & convenience

Lingual braces are fixed in place, whereas clear aligners can be easily removed for meals or special occasions, making them a great fit for an active lifestyle.

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Pros and cons summary

If you want to solve your complex orthodontic problem with minimal effort, while keeping things low-key, lingual braces are a better choice, but also an expensive one. You can experience some irritation, initial tongue discomfort, mumbled or garbled speech, and difficulty with cleaning.

Clear aligners are smooth and comfortable; they don't have any wires or brackets to irritate, and can be removed while eating, drinking, or cleaning. Good oral hygiene can be easily maintained while using them, with fewer dental visits. But they would require discipline and are only suitable for mild cases.

In short, both appliances will keep your aesthetics intact while offering effectiveness. For a mild case, you can have a comparatively easy life and routine with clear aligners. Let's cut to the chase and find the right appliance for you.

Which one should you choose?

The difference lies in lifestyle and treatment goals; lingual braces have the strength to correct complex corrections but are less convenient, clear aligners are light, offering more freedom. The final call may still not be yours; the information we have will always be less than what a professional knows. Listen to your dentist, because ultimately the best treatment is one that fits your smile and your life.

Frequently asked questions

What is better, lingual braces or clear aligners? +

Severe causes would require lingual braces, but for mild to moderate cases, clear aligners are a great option.

Which is more effective, braces or clear aligners? +

Braces are more effective since they deal with more complex bites.

What is the 30-minute rule for clear aligners? +

A guideline to wait until 30 minutes after eating or drinking before reinserting the aligner.

Why don't dentists recommend clear aligners? +

Dentists don't recommend clear aligners because they are not suitable for complex cases and require heavy patient compliance.

Why don't more people do lingual braces? +

They are virtually invisible and are good to deal with severe cases. However, placing and adjusting them, and cleaning them, is a hassle.

What are the cons of lingual braces? +

Lingual braces are difficult to clean because of their positioning.

What happens if I only wear clear aligners 20 hours a day? +

If you only wear clear aligners for 20 hours a day, you're hitting the minimum mark. Any lower than this and you risk slowing down your tooth movement, extending your treatment time, and potentially causing the aligners to fit poorly.

Do I have to brush my teeth every time I eat with clear aligners? +

Yes, you should brush your teeth every time you eat with clear aligners to prevent food particles, plaque, and bacteria from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which can cause cavities, bad breath, and staining.

Is 30 too late for clear aligners? +

No, 30 is not too late for clear aligners; there is no upper age limit, and many adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond successfully use them to straighten their teeth.

Are braces behind teeth safe? +

Yes, braces behind the teeth (lingual braces) are a safe and effective way to straighten teeth.

Can braces inside the mouth cause discomfort? +

Yes, braces inside the mouth can cause discomfort, including soreness, pressure, and irritation to the gums, cheeks, and tongue, especially when they are first applied or after adjustments.

Are behind-the-teeth braces comfortable? +

Behind-the-teeth braces (lingual braces) can be uncomfortable at first, as the tongue adjusts to the new appliance, but they are often more comfortable in the long run since they're custom-made.