Lingual braces are orthodontic brackets and wires bonded to the back, or tongue side, of your teeth, making them fully hidden from view. Unlike traditional front-facing braces, they work out of sight, using the same brackets-and-wires mechanics to straighten your smile. Each bracket is custom-made to fit the inner surface of your teeth. You can see them among our full range of options on our lingual braces page.
Also known as hidden or invisible braces, they give you the strength of fixed appliances with none of the visibility. They’re a favorite among adults, professionals, and teens who want straighter teeth without changing how their smile looks during treatment. The result is a quiet way to correct alignment while you go about your daily routine.
At Lakewood Orthodontics, Dr. Ravi Rajanna, DDS, offers lingual braces as one of our discreet treatment options. With digital scans and custom appliances, your brackets are designed to match the exact contour of each tooth for a better fit and more comfort.
Because they’re bonded behind your teeth, lingual braces are essentially invisible to anyone you talk to, smile at, or take photos with. You get real orthodontic results that last, without the world knowing you’re in treatment.
How Do Lingual Braces Work?
Hidden braces work by applying steady, gentle pressure to gradually shift your teeth into alignment, just like traditional braces. The key difference is placement. Every bracket is custom-designed and bonded to the back of each tooth, where it’s hidden from view but still doing the heavy lifting.
Here’s how the process usually goes at our office:
- Digital scans. Dr. Ravi captures a 3D map of your teeth using digital scans, no goopy, gaggy impressions required.
- Custom bracket design. Your brackets are made to match the unique shape of each tooth’s inner surface.
- Bonding visit. The brackets are carefully bonded to the back of your teeth and connected with a thin archwire.
- Regular adjustments. You’ll visit us every 4 to 8 weeks so Dr. Ravi can tighten or change wires and check your progress.
- Retention. Once your teeth reach their final positions, a retainer keeps your new smile in place.
Most treatment lasts 18 to 36 months, depending on how much movement your bite needs. Mild cases finish faster, while complex cases take longer. Because everything is custom-built and works around the clock, you don’t have to remember to wear anything, take anything out, or stay on a strict schedule. The braces do the work for you, day and night, which makes the whole process easier to stick with.
What Are the Benefits of Lingual Braces?
You’ll find lingual braces popular for one big reason: they’re invisible. But discretion is just the start. Here’s what makes them a strong choice for the right candidate.
Why Do People Choose Hidden Braces?
- Completely hidden from the front. No one sees brackets or wires when you smile, laugh, or speak.
- Effective for many cases. Hidden braces can handle everything from mild crowding to more involved bite corrections.
- No visible staining on your front teeth. Because brackets sit behind your teeth, there’s no risk of decalcification spots showing on your most visible surfaces.
- Great for adults and professionals. If you’re in a job, social setting, or season of life where appearance matters, lingual braces let you straighten your smile quietly.
What Makes Them Different From Removable Options?
- No compliance required. Unlike clear aligners, you don’t have to remember to wear them. They’re working every minute of every day.
- Custom-made for your smile. Brackets are tailored to your tooth shape, which can improve fit and comfort compared to one-size-fits-all options.
- Always in place. Since the braces stay bonded behind your teeth, there’s nothing to lose, misplace, or forget at home before a meal or meeting.
For families who want results that last without the look of traditional brackets, hidden braces offer a quiet, confident way to get there.
Lingual Braces vs. Other Options
Choosing the right treatment comes down to your lifestyle, your goals, and the kind of correction your bite needs. Here’s how lingual braces stack up against the most common alternatives we offer at Lakewood Orthodontics. For a closer look at two of them, see our guide on Invisalign vs. braces.
| Feature | Lingual Braces | Modern Metal Braces | Clear Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Invisible from the front | Most visible | Blends with teeth | Nearly invisible |
| Comfort | Tongue adjustment period | Comfortable, familiar | Comfortable | Smooth, removable |
| Cost | Highest | Most affordable | Mid-range | Mid to higher range |
| Treatment Time | 18 to 36 months | 12 to 24 months | 12 to 24 months | 6 to 24 months |
| Cleaning Ease | Requires extra care | Standard brushing/flossing | Standard brushing/flossing | Easiest (remove to clean) |
| Speech Adjustment | Brief lisp possible | None | None | Slight, brief |
| Compliance Needed | No | No | No | Yes (22 hours/day) |
Lingual braces win on discretion, since they’re the only option truly hidden from view. Modern metal braces are the most budget-friendly and dependable choice. Clear braces offer a tooth-colored look from the front. Clear aligners give you removability and flexibility for meals and special events.
One thing unique to hidden braces: because the brackets sit near your tongue, most people notice a brief speech adjustment in the first week or two. This usually fades quickly as your tongue gets used to the new feel, and reading aloud at home can help speed things along.
Dr. Ravi and the team can walk you through every option so you can pick what fits your smile and your lifestyle. We’ll lay out the trade-offs of each treatment in plain language, with no rush to decide.
How Much Do Lingual Braces Cost?
Among orthodontic options, lingual braces are typically the priciest, often costing more than modern metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners. The exact cost depends on your case, but the higher price reflects the custom work behind each bracket.
A few factors influence what you’ll pay:
- Case complexity. More involved bite corrections take more time and planning.
- Treatment length. Longer cases mean more visits and adjustments.
- Custom fabrication. Every bracket is designed for your unique tooth anatomy.
- Lab and chair time. Lingual braces require more specialized work behind the scenes and during each visit.
The good news: cost shouldn’t be the only thing standing between you and a smile that lasts. We offer flexible financing and insurance support to help make treatment fit your budget. Many families are surprised at how manageable monthly payments can be once they sit down with our team and look at the options together.
For an accurate, personalized quote, the best step is to meet with Dr. Ravi. We’ll review your smile, talk through your goals, and give you clear numbers, with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Are You a Good Candidate for Lingual Braces?
Hidden braces work well for a wide range of adults and teens who want invisible treatment without giving up the strength of fixed braces. If you’re motivated by discretion and want something working on your smile around the clock, you may be a great fit. You can read more about the treatment on our lingual braces page.
You might be a good candidate if:
- You want orthodontic treatment that’s completely hidden from view.
- You have mild to complex alignment or bite issues to address.
- Your teeth have enough surface area on the back to support custom brackets.
- You’re committed to good oral hygiene during treatment.
- You prefer a fixed appliance over removable trays.
Hidden braces may not be the best fit for every smile. Very small teeth, severe deep bites, or certain bite patterns can make lingual placement less effective. In those cases, Dr. Ravi might recommend clear aligners, clear braces, or modern metal braces instead.
The only way to know for sure is an in-person exam. Dr. Ravi Rajanna, DDS, will look at your bite, talk through your goals, and let you know honestly whether lingual braces are the right call. If they are, great. If not, we’ll find the option that gets you to a smile that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lingual Braces
Will lingual braces give me a lisp?
A temporary lisp is common in the first one to two weeks as your tongue adjusts to the brackets. Most people find their speech returns to normal as their mouth gets used to the new feel. Reading aloud at home can speed up the adjustment.
Are lingual braces more uncomfortable than regular braces?
Expect some tongue irritation in the first few days, since the brackets sit where your tongue naturally rests. This usually subsides within a couple of weeks as your mouth adapts. Orthodontic wax can help during the initial adjustment period.
How long do lingual braces take?
Most lingual braces treatments last 18 to 36 months, depending on how much movement your bite needs. Simpler cases finish faster, while more complex alignment or bite corrections take longer. Dr. Ravi will give you a personalized timeline at your visit.
Are lingual braces hard to clean?
These braces do require extra care since the brackets are harder to see and reach. With the right tools, like interdental brushes, a water flosser, and good brushing habits, you can keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment. Our team will walk you through everything at your bonding visit.
Can I get lingual braces on just my bottom teeth?
Yes, partial lingual treatment is often possible if only your bottom teeth need correction or if you want to combine lingual braces on the bottom with another option on top. Dr. Ravi can review whether a partial approach makes sense based on your bite and goals.
Want to learn more about hidden braces? At Lakewood Orthodontics, Dr. Ravi Rajanna and the team back every smile with a commitment to ongoing education. We make smiling easy with honest care, real relationships, and results that last. Whenever you’re ready, you can book a free consult to see if lingual braces are right for you.