5 Benefits of Lingual Braces

Many advances have been made in the field of orthodontics. One of the most exciting is lingual braces, which are braces that attach to the teeth from the inside instead of front-facing. Many patients opt for lingual braces for the reasons cited below.

1. Appearance

For anyone concerned with appearance, lingual braces in Franklin, TN, can’t be beaten. In fact, aesthetics is one of the most common reasons that people choose lingual braces over alternatives. While lingual braces aren’t completely invisible, they are nearly undetectable, even close-up. They present a great option for both adults and teenagers, allowing wearers to smile confidently throughout the orthodontic journey.

2. Customizable

The latest versions of lingual braces are very customizable. They feature very well-fit brackets to match the teeth’ contours. This helps to ensure a high level of comfort and adds control and precision to the dentist’s treatment plan.

3. Minimal Irritation

One of the biggest challenges that wearers of traditional braces have is the irritation to the insides of the lips. The harsh metal rubbing up against soft tissue isn’t just irritating; it can cause microabrasions that have the potential to become infected. Rising with antibacterial mouthwash helps, but the experience causes an unpleasant burning sensation. With lingual braces, all that irritation is non-existent. This makes the adjustment period much easier for the patient.

4. Fewer Needed Adjustments

Patients with lingual braces often require fewer adjustments than those with traditional braces. This can mean shorter and less frequent appointments, saving time for busy professional adults and time-strapped, school-aged teenagers.

5. Easier Oral Hygiene

Another common challenge that traditional braces wearers face is oral hygiene. However, the enhanced design and positioning of lingual braces make it much easier to practice oral hygiene and ensure that food debris isn’t caught in the braces. Since the fronts of the teeth are not covered by brackets, it’s easier to spot plaque build-up and maintain crucial oral hygiene. This visibility also encourages better brushing and flossing habits.

If you need to get braces, it’s worth considering lingual braces. Talk to your orthodontist in Franklin, TN, for more information about this advanced orthodontic treatment and to find out if it’s right for you. Contact us today to book your appointment!

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What Do Digital X-Rays Mean for Your Dental Diagnosis?   

X-rays are one of the best ways for your dentist to understand what’s really happening within your mouth. While a dentist can certainly determine plenty from a standard oral exam, it’s the X-rays that peel back the layers, so they can make better diagnoses. As technology improves, it opens more avenues for dentists to approach the problem from multiple angles. We’ll look at how digital X-rays compare to traditional X-rays.

Digital Vs. Traditional X-Rays

If you’re considering the benefits of digital X-rays in Franklin, TN, you should know the main benefit is that they result in up to 70% less radiation (when compared to traditional x-rays). First introduced to dentists in the late 1980s, they were highly popular for both health benefits and immediacy. Images came out nearly as quickly as the sensor could be placed in the mouth.

Not only that, but digital x-rays produce better images than traditional x-rays. Resolution can mean a great deal for your diagnosis, particularly when it comes to understanding matters like decay. For instance, if a dentist sees a shadow in the image, does that mean that one of your teeth is starting to decay? Or is it a trick of the light? More reliable imaging means that the doctor won’t have to guess one way or the other (or worse, open the tooth when it’s entirely healthy).

Find a Dentist in Franklin, TN

Traditional x-rays can show 25 different shades. A digital image can pick up more than ten times that. If you want to visit a dentist who can be confident in your diagnosis, then digital x-rays can reveal the real trouble that lies beneath.

At Cool Water Orthodontics, our team is here to help you get the most from every visit. We do everything in our power to ensure that we get it right the first time, rather than having you come back multiple times to try to understand what’s really wrong. Even the most experienced dentist in Franklin, TN may come across challenging cases, and they need the right tools at their side to investigate. Contact us today to learn more about how we use technology to help our patients get the right diagnosis.