lingual braces questions

[maybebraceface]

So, I have quite the history with braces. I had the regular old fashioned kinds at the age appropriate time. My teeth shifted mostly because I have too many for my small mouth and did not wear my retainer as much as I should have. So, later I decided to get Invisilign and thats when I turned into the quintessential money pit. I could not get myself to wear them. I know many people praise these things but because they were temporary I could not keep them in. It wasn't so much the pain as me feeling like a fool in them. I spoke differently, they reflected too much light, my saliva bubbled up inside of them, I couldn't snac, and yes my friends said they noticed them which made me even more self-conscious. So, I feel shame when I say I can't wear them because I wasted a lot of money and I am still unhappy with my teeth. So, the orthodontist suggests lingual braces (I think I am in need of the permanence) and I have questions because this time I really don't want to jump into things and waste more money. Do they hurt insane amounts? Does your tongue feel awful all the time? How much more painful are they then regular braces? Do you speak normally with them in or is there always at least a little lisp even after you get used to them? Are they really invisible, and I mean really? And my most inappropriate question: Are blowjobs completely out of the question? Hope someone can help!

[ctoler1920]

This maybe a stupid question on my part but what are lingual braces? How much different are they from the traditional braces?

[maybebraceface]

They are braces that go behind the teeth

[chupche]

Just wondering if you went with the ibraces and if you have the answers to your questions. I went for an invisalign consultation and I really don't think I will be able to wear them for over 20 hours a day. I would rather have something totally invisible, but wondering if and how much it affects speech...........[

[sonny53]

As far as I know, the lingual braces can cut up your tongue at first, but most people will get used to it. The lingual braces are usually made smaller than the traditional metal braces on the outer surface of teeth. The person you're talking to won't even know you have them on unless you tip your head back. The problem is that most orthos do not offer lingual braces.

[philbraces]

Alright, so I've been reading a ton about people having a lot of discomfort with their braces, and I just wanted to post some great news about iBraces.

I have a fabulous orthodontic team I've been working with in Wakefield, MA called Orthodontics by Design. Dr. Mary (Angel) Gangoy is an absolute ANGEL - so knowledgable, helpful, and soothing during the three-hour process. I was given a bag with some really technical looking wax, and a really fabulous informational pamphlet.

I am writing four hours after my procedure - without the cuts on the tongue so many have been talking about. So please don't be discouraged by other reviews! They really are not as uncomfortable as many are making them out to be.

Plus, I had regular braces previously, and the adjustment is ALREADY going more smoothly. The regular braces was a more painful procedure, and defffinitely a more painful aftermath. I really hated my mouth and my smile with my braces. Now I feel like I don't have much to hide. (I had to get braces again since I didn't wear my retainers, by the way... so take caution, current braces users! WEAR YOUR RETAINERS!)

I'm currently tackling with the speech issue. I find that speaking more loudly and happily helps - there is definitely something to the "a good attitude can fix anything" mantra. Dr. Gangoy informed me that the adjustment period would be three weeks. So far, no discomfort, and a lot of talking on the phone to adjust my speech. Most people say the difference is hardly noticeable... plus, I cannot wait to see my teeth after this.

iBraces are definitely worth their cost and any initial discomfort. What I think most people are coping with is an inexperienced professional. I feel like there shouldn't be so much pain! I definitely don't have much at all.

Best of luck to all who have them, and to all who are thinking of getting them!

[eva_j]

I've had my Ibraces for 1. 4 years, the first two month were the worst. Eating was hard (soft food only), talking sounded funny at times, painful after doctors adjustments. BUT IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!!! I've been smiling my way through this experience...well i started maybe 3 month into it... (something i was not able to do before!). It is amazing to watch my teeth transform right before my eyes, in 4 month i had major results! Right now it seems the progress has slowed down (my teeth lok completely straight) but i can still see my teeth move after every adjustment. I feel more confident and beautiful - i think if you can buy this feeling(through braces in this case) the price is so worth it!
All my close friends know that i have them, others can never tell. Unless I point out or smile so wide that my top far back teeth that have bands around them (instead of bracket baehind) would show.
No one asks about them, usually i am the one sharing this - just beacaue i am so excited about it!
I repeat, i only had trouble speaking in the first 3-4 weeks after getting them, and occasionally after some adjustment-thought this goes away pretty fast.
and your last question: blowjobs are fine!- i was scared at first, was super careful. I still have to be careful and use certain angles- but not a major discomfort. Dont do it if you have a broken off braket ot a flipping wire (happens sometimes- has to be fixed by the doctor), or use wax (dental) to cover the sharp angles in your month...it just takes a few times to get used to it.

i recommend ibraces to everyone, who is thinking abou it!!!

[danes]

Yes, I've laso had a good experience. Toungue gets sore on one side. I use wax there everyday. Food gets stuck too. But that's the great thing about linguals...no one can see the wax or food stuck in your braces! Blow jobs are fine, but be catious obviously. I'm 2 weeks into mine and can now eat almost anything i want and only my "s" sounds a little lispy. No regrets!

[maxhammer]

Yes, I've laso had a good experience. Toungue gets sore on one side. I use wax there everyday. Food gets stuck too. But that's the great thing about linguals...no one can see the wax or food stuck in your braces! Blow jobs are fine, but be catious obviously. I'm 2 weeks into mine and can now eat almost anything i want and only my "s" sounds a little lispy. No regrets!

Yeah, I agree with this. I was speaking perfectly until my ortho put in this device to pull my overbite back (power chain I guess?)...my tongue hits it, but after two weeks I'm even getting used to that. And I never use wax (makes me teeth feel dirty)...my tongue got cut up and agitated for a while, but I figured I'm a man an can take it. For some people the wax helps with speech, especially right behind the incisors where your tongue rolls on certain letters. I have no advice about blowjobs...

[danes]

better than wax:
I was recomended to use silicone instead of ortho wax and I love it. You by it in the ear section at a pharmacy. You can even rinse it off and re-use it. doesn't fall off. Smooth, not gritty. good stuff.

[Rynne]

My ortho gave me the silicone wax to use and it is a lot better. I am 7 months in and my tongue still has bad days but definitely not as frequent. They have this stuff called Zilactin that numbed it up when it got bad. Today I say they are pretty great and I love them. Many days I have not said that. I was debating on invisalign but i was the same way as the original poster I knew I'd take them out. I'd take these off if i could for a minute of relief (for my tongue. teeth werent' too bad except for one month)

[j100]

I guess it depends on which type as the more severe the crowding is the larger the brackets are. Mine are really tiny, about 4mm so I've found the lingual braces a dream. They hurt occassionally but I find it bearable and satisfying as you know they are working. I've had them on for 2 months and my teeth are tonnes better already. I was in a hurry to get them off before I had them on, but they are so low maintenance I would rather keep them on for a longer time than risk my teeth moving back because I removed them prematurely. Speech is a little slurred for the first week, mainly only 's' sounds, but soon returns to normal. I could never have handled the effort Invisalign takes, also my linguals (top only) were actually cheaper. Plus I had an orthodontist fit them, rather than a dentist who's only done a 2-day course on Invisalign and has never fitted a bracket to a tooth. I've heard that the brackets on the bottom are quite painful and more stressful on your tongue. My tongue catches occassionally, but its rare. I guess it's best not to rely on wax too much from the beginning, I tried to avoid using it as much as possible as it's far better to just get used to it unless you are in agony.
As for your final question- yes, I would avoid that!

[Sunny]

Brackets are the size that the designer makes them and are not related to the persons teeth, but it's the brand the ortho uses. It's great that you've found them easy, which is how most of our patients find them. Many of our patients who have both arches lingual have said that the uppers were easier to get used to, but with patients both arches are fine.

Wax makes it easier and it prevents the inside of the mouth forming hard lumps due to constant rubbing. Wax allows your mouth to toughen without sores or the skin thickening.

... as for the last question ... well since the post was written by a guest in 2006 ... I hope they've sorted that before now!