Lingual braces are a discreet and effective way to straighten your teeth without the visible appearance of traditional braces. As they are placed on the back of your teeth, lingual braces are virtually invisible, making them an excellent choice for adults and teens who want a more aesthetic orthodontic treatment.
However, just like any other orthodontic appliance, lingual braces require proper care and maintenance to ensure they continue working effectively and remain in good condition.
At The London Smile Clinic, we understand the importance of maintaining your lingual braces throughout your treatment, whether you are a new wearer or have been wearing lingual braces for a while.
In this guide, we’ll provide helpful tips and tricks on taking care of your braces and keeping your mouth healthy while you enjoy a smooth teeth-straightening experience.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of caring for lingual braces. Regardless of the type, braces can trap food particles and plaque, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
With lingual braces, the risk can be higher as they are located inside your teeth, which can be more difficult to clean thoroughly. Here are some tips for effective oral hygiene with lingual braces:
Brush After Every Meal
Brushing your teeth after every meal is essential for keeping your teeth and braces clean. This prevents food particles from getting stuck between the braces and your teeth, which can lead to plaque buildup.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to avoid damaging the brackets or wires. Try using an electric toothbrush with a small head to reach all areas around the braces.
Use an Interdental Brush
Interdental brushes are small, specially designed brushes to clean the areas between your braces and teeth. They are especially useful for cleaning the difficult-to-reach spaces behind the brackets. Make sure to use these brushes gently to avoid damaging the wires.
Floss Regularly
Flossing with lingual braces can be tricky, but it is still important to clean between your teeth and around the brackets. Alternatively, you can also use a water flosser to make flossing easier and more effective.
Rinse with Mouthwash
Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help keep your mouth fresh and reduce the risk of gum disease. It also helps to remove any leftover food particles and plaque that brushing might have missed.
Make sure to use a mouthwash that is alcohol-free, as alcohol can dry out your mouth and irritate your gums.
Brush Your Tongue
Lingual braces are attached to the inside of your teeth, meaning your tongue will come into contact with them more frequently. It is important to brush your tongue regularly with a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to avoid plaque buildup and keep your breath fresh.
Think About What You Eat
While lingual braces are designed to be durable, eating the wrong foods can cause damage to your braces or hinder your treatment progress. Certain foods can get stuck in your braces, while others can bend or break the wires and brackets.
Here are some eating tips to help you protect your braces:
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and ice can put pressure on your brackets and wires, potentially causing damage. Sticky foods such as chewing gum, caramel, or toffee can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to clean.
It is best to avoid these foods altogether during your treatment.
Cut Food into Smaller Pieces
When eating foods like apples, carrots, or other raw vegetables, consider cutting them into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to chew and reduce the pressure on your braces, reducing the risk of damage.
Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods
Sugary foods and acidic drinks, such as fizzy drinks, can contribute to tooth decay and gum problems, especially if food particles get trapped in your braces. Limit your consumption of sugary snacks, and if you do enjoy any, brush your teeth immediately afterwards.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water throughout the day is not only good for your overall health but also helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated. It’s especially important to drink water after meals to rinse out any lingering food or sugars that could damage your teeth.
Dealing with Discomfort and Irritation
While lingual braces are designed to fit comfortably, you may experience some discomfort or irritation, particularly during the first few days of wear or after adjustments.
The brackets and wires may irritate the soft tissue inside your mouth, leading to sores on your tongue or the roof of your mouth.
Here are some ways to manage discomfort:
Use Orthodontic Wax
If your brackets are causing irritation to the inside of your mouth, you can apply orthodontic wax to the brackets. Simply pinch off a small piece of wax and flatten it over any sharp or uncomfortable areas. This will create a smooth surface and reduce irritation until the sores heal.
Take Painkillers if Necessary
Over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help manage discomfort. Follow the recommended dosage on the packet.
Rinse with Salt Water
A saltwater rinse can help reduce inflammation and promote healing if you have developed sores. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth several times a day to soothe the discomfort.
Give Your Mouth Time to Adjust
It’s normal to feel some discomfort when you first get your lingual braces or after an adjustment. Be patient with your mouth as it adjusts to the new appliance. The discomfort will usually subside after a few days.
Visit Us for Regular Check-Ups and Adjustments
To ensure your treatment progresses smoothly, attending your scheduled appointments is essential. We’ll monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments to your braces, and address any issues you may be experiencing.
Keeping up with your appointments will help ensure that your lingual braces work efficiently and that your treatment stays on track.
Protect Your Lingual Braces from Accidental Damage
Lingual braces are durable, but they can still be damaged if they experience excessive force. To protect your braces from accidental damage, here are some tips:
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
If you play contact sports or do any activity where there is a risk of injury to the mouth, wear a protective mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard will help cushion the impact and protect your braces from damage.
Avoid Biting Your Nails or Chewing on Objects
Biting your nails or chewing on pens, pencils, or other non-food objects can put pressure on your braces and increase the risk of damage. Break the habit to avoid any issues with your treatment.
Incognito Lingual Braces in London
Lingual braces straighten your teeth discreetly, but they require careful attention and care to ensure they remain effective and your treatment goes smoothly. These tips on hygiene, diet, and comfort management can help maintain your lingual braces and ensure the best possible results.
Contact us today to schedule your lingual brace consultation.
