How Will Your Tongue Cope With Lingual Braces?
by Lillian Dixon
If you've been desperate to have your teeth straightened for a while but have been too embarrassed to wear braces, then your orthodontist may have told you to look into lingual bracing. This solution puts braces on the back of the teeth and is popular with adults who don't want to make it obvious that they're having their teeth fixed.
While the concept of hidden braces is attractive, you may have heard that lingual braces can give you problems with your tongue. How much of an issue is this likely to be?
How Lingual Braces Affect the Tongue
The fact that you have lingual braces put on the back of your teeth puts the braces in close contact with your tongue. Your tongue may not be able to sit in its normal position comfortably. It may also bang against your braces when you use it.
To start with, this feels weird, uncomfortable and possibly even a little painful. Your tongue isn't used to having braces there; it will take a little time for things to settle down. Generally, however, you'll find that your tongue adapts relatively quickly. It'll also get tougher so that the braces don't hurt it.
How to Minimise Problems With Lingual Braces
If you have concerns about the effects of lingual braces on your tongue, talk to your orthodontist before your adult braces go on. They can give you advice on how to make your tongue adapt more quickly and how to handle any initial problems you may have. For example, the following tips may help:
- Pay attention to how you use your tongue. This isn't something you generally think about, but using your tongue carefully can minimise discomfort and prevent it from bashing against your braces too much.
- Make sure you get some orthodontic wax from your orthodontist. If a certain part of your braces rubs against a particular part of your tongue, you can put wax over the brace to stop it rubbing.
- Use a saltwater solution to rinse around your tongue if it gets sore. This will help it heal and toughen up. A numbing gel, like a baby teething gel, may also be handy to have around in case parts of your tongue get sore.
Remember that any braces will make parts of your mouth uncomfortable, but they are worth it in the end. You and your tongue will soon get used to having lingual braces in your mouth.
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About Me
As a mum, I know how essential sport can be to children's development. Through team sports like soccer, kids learn persistence, sportsmanship and the value of supporting their team members. However, all that learning carries some risk as well, and a stray elbow or a ball to the face can result in oral injuries. I have been the mum rushing to the emergency room with a precious permanent tooth sitting in a cup of milk. Admittedly, at the time, I wasn't even sure if the cup of milk was the right solution. As a parent, you will face those situations, and I'm here to make sure you know what to do when they pop up. With this blog, let's explore children's dentistry and sports injuries together... I want you to have the info you need to stay cool, calm and collected, regardless of how many teeth are on the pitch.