The lingual arch space maintainer is an alternative to the traditional braces or aligners that you may have heard of. These types of braces are becoming increasingly popular as they are not only effective but also more comfortable than other options for certain types of orthodontic issues. If you’re interested in learning more about lingual space maintainers and what they can do for you, keep reading!
How it works
Lingual braces are designed to improve your smile, not hold it together. In other words, these braces only treat teeth that stick out or overlap. If you have healthy teeth, but just want them to look straighter and more organized, lingual arch space maintainers are an option for you
What can go wrong
Before getting braces, ask your orthodontist about lingual arch space maintainers. Also known as lingual brackets, lingual retainers or bands, these devices are sometimes used to stabilize upper or lower teeth in situations where there’s no room for traditional brackets and wires to do their job. The problem is that they don’t always work as well as traditional dental work, nor do they last nearly as long—meaning you could be left paying several thousand dollars on something that only lasts a few years. So before you commit to any kind of orthodontic treatment, make sure it comes with your dentist's reassurance that other alternatives have been carefully considered and ruled out.
Benefits vs. Drawbacks
With a lingual arch space maintainer there are two main benefits. The first benefit is that it can be used to treat Class in early childhood. The second benefit is that it can prevent jaw growth during puberty if your child has a Class III malocclusion. One drawback of using a lingual arch space maintainer to treat an early childhood bite issue is that your child might have some speech issues while he or she gets used to wearing braces, especially since most lingual arch space maintainers affect tongue movement. A lingual arch space maintainer also isn’t right for every young patient because it requires a great deal of commitment on their part—for example, they will have to visit their orthodontist regularly and wear an appliance for years.
Where are they used
The lingual arch space maintainer is used for adults and adolescents in need of permanent orthodontic treatment. The device works by anchoring a tooth’s root to an adjacent tooth. Additionally, it may work to improve overall jaw alignment or bite problems. It may also be used to help grow a patient’s lower teeth back into place in order to prepare them for braces down the road. For adults and teenagers who were not treated with an LASM as children, they may benefit from these devices if they need support while waiting for their adult teeth to return or are dealing with misaligned adult teeth that do not respond well to other types of orthodontic appliances, such as traditional metal braces or clear aligners. If you think you might benefit from an LASM, contact us today! We can tell you more about whether or not one would be right for your unique situation.
How to find them near me
Just because your child has had their braces removed doesn’t mean they should stop going to the orthodontist. Your doctor can help determine whether or not you need a lingual arch space maintainer, and if so, will be able to provide you with information about nearby facilities that offer lingual retainers as well as treatment planning for next steps. Many doctors also use 3D scanning technology, which enables patients to try out various types of retainers prior to making a decision about what is best for them. Contact an orthodontist near you who uses 3D scanning technology today!
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