Why lingual braces are the best for recreational activities
Getting dental braces can result in some lifestyle changes. Certain foods can be harder to consume at first, and cleaning and maintaining your braces are part of the treatment process. After getting braces, you may wonder how they will affect your ability to take part in your favorite activities. Since the different types of braces look, feel, and work differently from each other, it is important to decide which type of braces will be most helpful for your recreational activities.
Traditional metal braces can be dangerous to use while playing contact sports. If you are hit in the mouth, the metal brackets and wires can become warped, causing oral injuries. Many would recommend Invisalign clear aligners for athletes because they can be conveniently removed whenever you are playing or practicing sports. However, Invisalign might not be the best option if you play matches or practice for several hours.
Invisalign clear aligners are only effective if you wear them for 22 hours a day. If you play contact sports for longer than that, you may need a better solution. This is where lingual braces come in. Unlike clear aligners, lingual braces are always fixed in your mouth, but unlike traditional braces, they are placed behind your teeth rather than in front of them. Not only will this prevent injuries, but it also looks more aesthetically pleasing since it is one of the “invisible” dental brace options.
Lingual braces are also ideal for musicians who play wind instruments. If you’ve ever played a wind instrument, you’ll know that they require controlling your mouth shape and air flow in very specific ways. Traditional braces can often interfere with wind instrument technique because of how their placement affects mouth shape. Lingual braces alleviate these concerns by keeping the front of your teeth free from any obstructions.
In general, lingual braces can be a welcome alternative to the shortcomings of Invisalign and traditional metal braces. They are not as high maintenance as Invisalign aligners, but they are also not as vexing as traditional braces. Talk to your dentist about getting lingual braces today.