Achieving a perfect smile is a desire shared by many, but traditional braces can sometimes be unsightly and uncomfortable. Fortunately, advancements in orthodontics have given rise to a range of discrete and effective solutions for teeth straightening. One such innovation is the social 6 lingual braces. In this blog, we’ll explore what social 6 lingual braces are, how they work, and why they are gaining immense popularity among our Solihull and Bromsgrove dental patients.
Understanding Lingual Braces
Lingual braces, also known as “hidden braces,” are a type of orthodontic treatment that offers the benefits of a traditional brace without the visible appearance of brackets and wires in the front of the teeth. Instead, lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, on the tongue side of the mouth (known as the lingual side), making them virtually invisible when you smile.
The concept of lingual braces has been around for several decades now, but recent advancements in technology and materials have made them more accessible and effective. Among the various types of lingual braces, the social 6 lingual braces stand out for their specific focus on addressing cosmetic concerns related to the front six teeth.
What Are Social 6 Lingual Braces?
Social 6 lingual braces, often simply to as “social 6 braces,” are a specialised form of lingual braces designed to correct the alignment of the front six teeth in the upper and/or lower dental arches. These front six teeth are the ones most visible when you smile and speak, hence the name “Social 6.”
Social 6 lingual braces are a discreet and efficient solution for individuals who have minor misalignments or cosmetic concerns with their front teeth, but do not require comprehensive orthodontic treatment for their entire mouth. These braces can correct issues like crowding, spacing, rotated teeth and other minor misalignments that affect the appearance of the smile.
How Do Social 6 Lingual Braces Work?
Now that we have a basic understanding of what social 6 lingual braces are, let’s explore how they work to straighten the front six teeth effectively and discreetly:
- Customisation: The treatment process begins with a complimentary consultation with Orthodontics For You. At these appointments, we’ll assess the alignment of your teeth, structure of your jaw and overall dental hygiene. We will take digital and 3D impressions of your teeth which are used to create customised brackets and wires specifically tailored to the dimensions of your teeth; Each patient’s smile is as individual as they are. So, when you become an Orthodontics For You patient, you can be sure your unique journey will be carefully planned to your specific needs.
- Bracket Placement: The customised brackets are attached to the lingual side of your front six teeth – and only these teeth. The precision of the dental bracket placement is crucial to ensure optimal results and comfort throughout your orthodontic treatment.
- Wire Adjustment: Like traditional braces, social 6 lingual braces use wires to guide the movement of the teeth. Orthodontists will periodically adjust the wires (typically every 6 – 8 weeks) to ensure a consistent, gradual pressure is applied to the teeth, encouraging them to move into their desired positions.
- Discreetness: Since social 6 lingual braces are placed on the lingual side of the teeth, they remain hidden from the view of everyone else, making them an ideal choice for those who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.
Benefits of Social 6 Lingual Braces
Social 6 lingual braces offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for patients of all ages seeking orthodontic treatment including:
- Discreet Appearance: We’ve touched on this already, but the primary advantage of social 6 lingual braces is their virtually invisible nature. They allow patients to straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious about the appearance of their smile.
- Improved Confidence: Achieving a straight and beautiful smile can significantly boost self-confidence. With social 6 lingual braces, patients report feeling more confident during treatment, before it’s complete and their brace is removed, as they have the knowledge that their most visible teeth are undergoing correction.
- Efficiency: These braces are specifically tailored for the correction of minor misalignments in the front teeth, ensuring that treatment is targeted and subsequently efficient.
- Comfort: Many patients report how lingual braces are comfortable to wear; It’s not surprising as the brackets and wires are custom-made for each individual patient, making them less likely to irritate their gums, cheeks and lips.
- Versatility: Social 6 lingual braces can address various cosmetic concerns including crowding, spacing, rotations and minor bite issues, ensuring a versatile solution for a wide range of patients.
Considerations for Social 6 Lingual Braces
While social 6 lingual braces offer many advantages, it’s essential to consider some factors before choosing this orthodontic treatment to straighten your smile.
For starters, lingual braces (including social 6 lingual braces), tend to be more expensive than traditional braces due to their customisation and specialised design. You can find our price list here, but our team of dental experts will discuss the cost of your orthodontic options at your free consultation appointment. It’s worth noting that patients of Orthodontics For You have the option to spread the cost of treatment with our monthly direct debit options instead of paying for everything upfront and in one go.
Whilst patients report how lingual braces are comfortable to wear, there is an adjustment period where patients may experience some discomfort or speech changes. This typically subsides within a few days as patients become accustomed to their new brace.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial with lingual braces as they can be more challenging to clean compared to traditional braces due to their position. Patients must commit to diligent brushing and flossing to prevent issues such as a build-up of plaque.
The duration of treatment with social 6 lingual braces varies from one patient to the next as no two smiles are the same. The good news is once our Orthodontists have assessed your teeth at your complimentary, no obligation consultation, they will confirm if social 6 lingual braces will be a good match for your teeth and how long your treatment is expected to take.
Social 6 lingual braces offer an excellent solution for prospective patients looking for a straighter smile with minimal visibility of treatment. By focusing on the front six teeth, these braces combine efficiency and aesthetics, helping patients achieve their desired results discreetly and confidently.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of your front teeth, social 6 lingual braces with Orthodontics For You may be the ideal choice. So what are you waiting for?