Do you like the idea of getting lingual braces? Not only is this treatment precise and effective, but it is also the most discreet way to straighten teeth! However, there is a caveat to keep in mind: Not all orthodontists offer lingual braces, and among those that do, not all of them are equally qualified. How can you find the right care provider for you? In this blog post, you will discover some tips on what to ask — and what you should not hear — when you call an orthodontist’s office to talk about lingual braces.
Do You Regularly Treat Patients with Lingual Braces?
To provide lingual braces, an orthodontist needs a certain level of skill, experience, and extensive training. If an orthodontist only uses lingual braces occasionally, they may not have the level of expertise that is required for complex or even simple cases. You are likely to enjoy the best outcome when you choose a provider that has chosen to make lingual braces a focal point of their practice.
Ask the orthodontist how many lingual orthodontic cases he has treated? And which lingual braces do they use? How much experience do they have with lingual braces is another good question.
What Types of Cases Do You Recommend Lingual Braces For?
Some types of orthodontics like Invisalign are designed only for “mild to moderate” cases of misalignment. They will tell you that you must qualify for Invisalign.
That is not true of lingual braces. A skilled provider can use this method to treat almost all cases, even those that are relatively complex and severe. If an orthodontist tells you otherwise, they may not yet have a high level of skill and experience with lingual braces
Why Should I Choose You as My Lingual Braces Provider?
This is an open-ended question with a lot of possible answers. It gives your potential care provider an opportunity to share what makes them shine. Perhaps they use a specific type of lingual braces that have a good reputation, or maybe they have extensive training in this treatment method. Asking this question can help you evaluate both the strong points and potential weaknesses of any orthodontic practice.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
In any conversation about lingual braces, you want to be wary of any practice that is trying to push Invisalign as a preferable alternative. For example, if they say, “We usually recommend Invisalign instead,” that might indicate they lack training or confidence in the use of lingual braces.
You should also watch out for claims along the lines of, “Lingual braces are uncomfortable, so most patients switch to Invisalign.” Like any treatment, lingual braces take a bit of getting used to, but overall, they are surprisingly comfortable! In fact, advanced lingual systems like WIN offer flat brackets that cause minimal irritation. Patients that have worn traditional braces before say that lingual braces are more comfortable and easier to get used to.
Are you ready to start a conversation about lingual braces? Make notes about what you want to ask so you can fairly evaluate any potential care provider.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is a highly accomplished orthodontist with extensive experience in offering lingual braces for all types of cases including surgical cases. He has treated hundreds of cases over the years, and he is one of the most skilled orthodontists in the United States when it comes to this type of treatment. If you are interested in lingual braces, he and our team would be happy to speak with you. Contact our Houston office at 713-589-7996.
