Having your lingual braces fitted is an exciting milestone. If you’re not quite sure what to expect, you’re not alone. Here’s what happens at each stage of the process, from your records through to the bond-up itself – and what the first few days are really like, from someone who’s been through it recently.
Where It All Begins
At your initial consultation, Dr Chatoo will take full records – including comprehensive digital scans, photographs, and X-rays. These are carefully reviewed, and you’ll receive a detailed letter outlining his findings and the treatment options available to you. There’s always the opportunity to discuss these further, either by telephone or in person, before you make any decisions. The same records are used to make your custom lingual braces – so once you’ve decided to go ahead, we can start making them straight away.
The Bond-Up Appointment
Once your custom lingual braces are ready, you’ll come in to have them fitted – the bond-up appointment. At The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic, Dr Chatoo uses an indirect bonding technique, which means each bracket is precisely positioned on a digital model of your teeth in advance, then transferred to your mouth using custom-fit trays. This approach allows for a higher level of accuracy than placing each bracket individually, and it means the bond-up itself is quicker and more comfortable.
Afterwards, the team will show you how to look after your braces and keep your teeth clean and healthy during treatment. You’ll also leave with our orthodontic care kit – which includes protective wax, mouthwash, and small brushes designed for cleaning around the brackets and between your teeth.
The First Few Days
Most patients find there’s a short settling-in period after their bond-up. The tongue is sensitive and will notice the new brackets, and some tenderness is common in the first few days. Your speech may feel slightly different at first too, though most patients find this passes quickly.
The care kit is particularly helpful during this stage – and our team is always on hand if you have questions or concerns between appointments.
Your Check-Up Appointments
Once your braces are fitted, regular appointments are scheduled every four to six weeks. These visits give Dr Chatoo the opportunity to monitor your progress and make any adjustments along the way. You’re always welcome to get in touch or arrange an extra appointment if anything is on your mind.
We also recommend keeping up with your regular check-up and hygiene visits during treatment. Our hygienist Yana is available at the clinic for professional cleaning appointments – or you’re welcome to continue with your usual dental practice if you prefer.
Taz’s Experience
Taz is part of the team here at LLOC and has recently had her own lingual braces fitted. We asked her a few questions about what it’s really like.
What made you decide to have lingual braces?
I wanted to straighten my teeth but preferred something more discreet than traditional braces – particularly for work. Lingual braces felt like the obvious choice.
What was the bond-up appointment like?
I was a little nervous beforehand, but Dr Chatoo and Renata put me at ease straight away. They took the time to explain everything step by step and kept checking in to make sure I was comfortable throughout.
How did you find the first few days?
The first few days were the biggest adjustment – my teeth were a little tender and I had a slight lisp while I got used to the braces, but both improved quite quickly.
What would you say to anyone who’s feeling nervous about getting started?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but there’s really no need to worry. Any initial discomfort is temporary, and having a supportive team around you makes the whole experience much easier.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’d like to find out whether lingual braces are right for you, get in touch to arrange a consultation with Dr Asif Chatoo in Harley Street, London.
