Concerned about the appearance of your smile? Do you have a lower lingual holding arch (LLHA) that makes your teeth appear crowded together? An LLHA may be present in your mouth if your lower teeth overlap and protrude more than your upper teeth, giving you an awkward smile. Luckily, there are many adult orthodontic treatments that can help you achieve the smile you want through braces or Invisalign® clear aligners, among other methods.
What Is a Lower Lingual Holding Arch (LLHA)?
A lower lingual holding arch (LLHA) is a misalignment in your teeth or mouth that can affect chewing and talking. Many patients who have LLHAs don’t even realize they have them, as they aren’t painful—but some people with LLHAs do experience discomfort. Getting an LLHA corrected may also help prevent more serious dental problems, so it’s important to identify and address these issues before they become bigger problems down the road. If you think you might be experiencing an LLHA, visit your general dentist or orthodontist. She’ll be able to determine if your teeth are malaligned, diagnose any pain associated with it and recommend next steps if needed.
Treatment Options
The treatment options for a lower lingual holding arch are varied, ranging from lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking) to professional treatment (such as braces or other orthodontic treatments). Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to help you determine which option is best for you. If your lower lingual holding arch isn’t causing any pain or discomfort, there’s no reason it needs immediate attention. But if you want straight teeth and a beautiful smile, contact us today! We have offices in Alpharetta, Cumming, Duluth, Johns Creek and Marietta.
Orthodontic Treatment Process
Once you have consulted with a dentist or orthodontist and decided on braces, there are a few things you should know. First, most adults begin their treatment by going through a preparation phase. In some cases, teeth are reshaped using orthodontic appliances before braces are applied; other times, oral surgery is required first. Ultimately, adult treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs but often starts off similarly. During an initial consultation, your orthodontist will assess your mouth and teeth with x-rays in order to create a personalized treatment plan for your needs (and budget). The whole process can take months or even years depending on severity of your case—sometimes even longer than it did when you were younger!
What Are My Chances For Success?
We can’t say for sure whether you’ll need orthodontic treatment for your lower lingual holding arch. Every patient is different and every mouth responds differently to stimuli, so there’s no guarantee a retainer will work. That said, many patients find that using a retainer at night really helps them get rid of their lower lingual holding arch. Wearing it until you get tired is ideal—most people find they need to wear it only four or five hours at night (or less) before they start noticing results. Remember, though: If you don’t wear your retainer every night (as prescribed by your dentist), chances are good you won’t see as much improvement and may even notice symptoms getting worse.
Getting Rid Of The LLHA
Because LLHAs can require a significant investment, it is important that you discuss your options with an orthodontist in your area. Adult orthodontics near me can help you achieve a more appealing smile without breaking your bank account. Ask about Invisalign or lingual braces for a faster and cheaper alternative to traditional braces. Also ask about other alternatives such as clear aligners or other types of lower lingual holding arch correction if you are looking for something less permanent. Adult orthodontics near me offers patients all kinds of options so that they can choose what works best for them.
Where Can I Go If This Happens To Me?
Many adults don’t like seeing orthodontic stuff in their mouths, but if you have lower lingual holding arch (LLHA), an adult orthodontist is your best bet for treating it. An LLHA occurs when some of your lower teeth are pushed back and are exposed when you close your mouth. These exposed teeth can get caught on your tongue or lips, and also look unsightly. In order to fix a condition like an LLHA, it’s important that you start treatment as soon as possible – usually once all adult permanent teeth have erupted. Talk with an adult orthodontist who has experience treating adults near me so they can help you figure out what options will work best for you!
