Do you have lingual braces? This type of mouth brace is designed to straighten your teeth in a less noticeable fashion than traditional braces, often allowing the wearer to feel as if they are not wearing braces at all. Just like traditional braces, lingual braces are put on the teeth by using metal brackets to customize the fit on the mouth, only with one small change: the braces are put on the backs of the teeth instead of on the front.

With lingual braces, you don't have the irritation on the inner cheeks of your mouth that you can sometimes get with traditional braces, nor do you have some of the other common complications. However, you may have other issues with lingual braces, and when they bother you, you should talk to your orthodontist. Here are times you should call your orthodontist when your braces are giving you trouble.

Your braces are cutting your tongue

Since lingual braces are put on the back of your teeth instead of the front, they may cut into your tongue if a bracket is loose or if metal is sticking out. Your orthodontist can give you a special gel to comfort the pain you feel in your tongue from the injury and can also provide a wax to put on your braces to make them more smooth to the touch.

If your tongue is cut and bleeding, call for emergency care right away. Don't wait to see the dentist; get in for an emergency appointment or go to your nearest clinic if you fear you have cut into your tongue deeply.

Your braces are causing severe headaches

Any type of braces, especially when they are first tightened, can take some getting used to. During this process, you may feel tightness or pressure in and around your mouth, but outright pain shouldn't be one of your symptoms. If you feel severe headaches that worsen with time after getting your lingual braces on, talk to your dentist to see what solutions need to be done to help you feel better. In some cases, the only thing you have to do is have your lingual braces readjusted.

You can visit your orthodontist at any time if you feel like you have a problem with your teeth or lingual braces. You can make an emergency appointment or wait until the most convenient time to visit the dentist so you can get relief from your braces discomfort.