Whether you get braces as a teenager or as an adult, there are more options available than ever to straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites.
Having properly aligned teeth doesn’t just improve your appearance, but also boosts your oral health, as it ensures that teeth are easier to clean and allows a functional and comfortable bite – reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth damage.
Braces are a tried-and-tested option that have evolved with modern orthodontic technology to offer a variety of solutions for straightening teeth.
While fixed metal braces are the traditional method, other techniques like lingual braces are becoming more popular – leading many orthodontic patients to consider which is the better choice out of lingual vs metal braces.
If you’re looking for the answer to this question, keep reading to compare the pros and cons of each type of braces, so you can make an informed decision about which treatment would be the best for your dental condition and preferences.
Appearance
Most orthodontic patients have appearance in mind when they seek out treatment to straighten their misaligned teeth, giving them the uniform and even smile they’ve always wished they had. It stands to reason, then, that aesthetics are also important during the course of the treatment itself.
Both traditional and lingual braces typically use a combination of metal brackets and archwires, but the difference lies in how they are attached to the teeth.
Traditional metal braces are bonded to the front of the teeth and completely visible. While the metal brackets aren’t as bulky as they used to be when braces earned their ‘train tracks’ reputation, they are still unmissable – especially if you wear coloured elastic bands.
‘Lingual’ references the tongue, so lingual braces are bonded to the back of the teeth – the side towards the tongue. They’re commonly referred to as ‘invisible’ braces, because they can’t be seen easily from the front, making them a more discreet choice.
Cost
As the go-to standard, front-fixed metal braces are the most affordable option, making them the more economical choice. They typically require less specialist treatment and use pre-made components that are easy to replace as needed.
Lingual braces cost more because there is a higher level of customisation involved, as the braces must be moulded to the contours behind the teeth and individually shaped for each tooth. An orthodontist must undergo further specialised training to be able to provide this type of braces.
In both cases, the cost of braces should include the required x-rays, appliances, fittings, repairs, and retainers throughout the course of treatment.
Here at Finsbury Dental Care, metal braces start from £4,500 for both upper and lower jaws of teeth, while lingual braces start from £7,000 for both upper and lower arches.
If you’re concerned about our fees, you can enquire about dental finance for braces, as we offer repayment plans via our credit partner Chrysalis Finance.
Effectiveness
The most crucial factor is how effective each method is at achieving the results you want. Both traditional metal and lingual braces use similar techniques of gradually moving teeth by applying gentle but consistent pressure through wire tension.
Fixed metal braces are seen as a failsafe because they can be used to treat almost all kinds of malocclusions, from crookedness and overcrowding to gaps between teeth. Traditional orthodontia can even treat more complex problems like overbites, underbites, or open bites where other treatments wouldn’t work.
Lingual braces, as a form of fixed braces, can also be more effective at straightening misalignments that are more complex than moderate aligners could address. The customisation means they are very precise in repositioning teeth exactly where they’re supposed be.
However, in cases that require greater pressure, such as deep overbites, lingual braces may not be as capable as traditional metal braces of correcting the bite efficiently.
Comfort
Unfortunately, any type of treatment involving braces is going to come with some initial discomfort. There will be a longer period of adjustment when the orthodontic system is first applied, and patients often experience a dull ache from the pressure on their teeth after they attend an appointment to have their braces readjusted.
If you have brackets and wires applied to the front of your teeth, your mouth is going to feel different as your lips and cheeks get used to the braces. This can cause some friction at first, but orthodontists can supply dental wax to cover any irritating edges, and over-the-counter painkillers should relieve the temporary ache after re-adjustment.
The same generally applies if you have the brackets and wires attached to the back of your teeth, but these are more likely to irritate the tongue. Speaking with lingual braces can take a little longer to get used to, which is why some patients experience a temporary lisp as they adapt their tongue movements around the braces.
Maintenance
Again, all types of fixed braces will require a higher level of maintenance than wearing removable aligners or no teeth-straightening appliances at all.
This is because food debris is more likely to get stuck in the brackets and wires, which is not only unsightly if they’re on the front of the teeth, but can also lead to a build-up of plaque. When a patient has braces, it’s vital to clean them after eating – brushing teeth at least twice a day and using floss or interdental brushes for thorough cleaning.
Lingual braces can be more difficult to keep clean than traditional braces simply because you can’t see them, but oral hygiene tools like water flossers can help to prevent unseen build-up in hard-to-reach areas – reducing the risk of gum inflammation and tooth decay.
Patients with either type of braces will need to follow their orthodontist’s instructions for oral hygiene and dietary restrictions – avoiding hard and sticky foods – in addition to attending regular appointments to monitor progress and adjust wires.
Time
With private orthodontic treatment being such a big financial commitment, patients often want to see results as fast as possible – but if you want the best possible results, you have to be willing to see the treatment through on schedule.
The average treatment time for braces is anywhere from 18 months to 24 months, though this can vary depending on the complexity of your malocclusion.
Traditional braces can take anywhere from 1 year to 3 years, in the most severe cases, while lingual braces can sometimes achieve visible results faster.
While they take longer to place, as they are more delicate and bespoke, this level of customisation and the self-litigating nature of lingual braces can help the teeth to move into position faster – though, again, this depends on the severity of the misalignment.
In both cases, patients will have to attend regular appointments with their orthodontist to check the braces and make necessary changes. This could be around every 4–6 weeks for traditional metal braces and 6–8 weeks for lingual braces.
Depending on your orthodontist’s advice, once the braces are taken off, it’s likely you’ll need to wear retainers at least temporarily to keep your teeth in their new position.
Are lingual braces or metal braces better?
The braces that are best for you will depend on the orthodontic issue you want to treat and its severity, as well as factors like your personal preferences for aesthetics, comfort, and budget. It’s best to speak to an orthodontist to learn more about the different options and receive expert advice on which treatment would be most effective.
For example, if lingual braces wouldn’t be suitable but you want front-fixed braces to be less visible, clear or ceramic braces could be an alternative solution.
To book a consultation and create a personalised treatment plan for orthodontics in London, get in touch with Finsbury Dental Care. Call us on 020 7638 6556 or email [email protected] and our team will be happy to help you.
Our friendly team of highly qualified dental professionals will be happy to advise you.
