Lingual Braces: The Hidden Way to Fix Your Teeth
Table of Contents
What Are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are special braces that go behind your teeth. They are not like regular braces that you see on the front of teeth. Lingual means “toward the tongue.” These braces stay hidden when you smile!
Lingual braces use small metal brackets that are stuck to the back of your teeth. A thin wire called an archwire connects these brackets. The wire helps move your teeth into the right spot.
Popular brands of lingual braces include:
- 3M Incognito
- iBraces
- STb Light Lingual System
- WIN Lingual Braces
These braces are great for adults and teens who don’t want others to see they have braces.
How Lingual Braces Compare to Other Options
Lingual vs. Invisalign
| Feature | Lingual Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Can be seen | No | Slightly |
| Can take out | No | Yes |
| Works for tough cases | Yes | Not always |
| Cost | $8,000-$12,000 | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Need to wear all day | Yes | Yes, but can remove |
Lingual braces stay in all the time. You can’t take them out. This means they work all day to fix your teeth. Invisalign uses clear trays that you can take out.
Lingual vs. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces go on the front of teeth. They are white or clear to blend in. But you can still see them.
Lingual braces are totally hidden because they’re on the back of teeth. No one can see them when you talk or smile!
Lingual vs. Traditional Braces
Traditional braces use metal brackets on the front of teeth. Everyone can see them.
Lingual braces do the same job but stay hidden. They cost more and may be a bit harder to clean.
According to studies [^1], lingual braces achieve the same results as traditional braces, even for severe bite problems.
Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces
Good Things About Lingual Braces
- Invisible – No one can see them!
- Fix tough problems – Work for most bite issues
- Custom-made – Made just for your teeth
- No face changes – Don’t affect how your face looks
- Good for musicians – Don’t get in the way of playing wind instruments
Not-So-Good Things About Lingual Braces
- Cost more – $8,000 to $12,000 (vs. $3,000-$7,000 for regular braces)
- Speech changes – May cause a lisp for 2-4 weeks
- Tongue sore – May hurt your tongue at first
- Hard to clean – Tough to brush and floss
- Not all dentists offer them – Only about 15-20% of orthodontists are trained to use them
Who Should Get Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are great for:
- Adults who don’t want braces to show
- People who talk in public a lot
- Musicians who play wind instruments
- Models and actors
- People with bad bite problems
They are not good for:
- Kids (too hard to keep clean)
- People with very deep overbites
- People who can’t clean teeth well
- People who need braces fast
The Lingual Braces Process
Getting lingual braces has these steps:
- First visit – The orthodontist looks at your teeth and takes 3D scans
- Making braces – A lab makes custom brackets just for your teeth
- Putting them on – The orthodontist sticks the braces on the back of your teeth
- Check-ups – You go back every month to get your braces adjusted
- Taking them off – After 18-24 months, the braces come off!
- Retainer – You wear a wire or clear tray to keep teeth straight
The whole process takes about 18-24 months, but this can be longer or shorter based on your teeth.
Care and Maintenance
Taking care of lingual braces is important! Here’s how:
Daily Cleaning
- Use a special toothbrush called an interdental brush
- Try a water flosser to clean between teeth
- Brush after every meal
- Use orthodontic wax if braces hurt your tongue
Foods to Avoid
- Hard foods (nuts, hard candy)
- Sticky foods (caramel, taffy)
- Chewy foods (bagels, tough meat)
- Foods you bite into (apples, corn on the cob)
Fixing Problems
If a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes you, call your orthodontist right away. Don’t try to fix it yourself!
Studies show that brackets come off about 12% of the time [^4], mostly on back teeth because of chewing.
Costs & Insurance
Lingual braces cost more than regular braces. Here’s why:
- Custom-made for your teeth
- Special training for the orthodontist
- Longer appointments
The price is usually $8,000 to $12,000. This is about twice as much as regular braces.
Some insurance plans may pay for part of the cost, but many don’t cover the full amount.
Many orthodontists offer payment plans so you can pay a little each month.
Common Questions About Lingual Braces
Do lingual braces hurt more than regular braces?
They can hurt your tongue more at first, but the pain in your teeth is about the same. Your tongue will get used to the braces in a few weeks.
How long until I can talk normal with lingual braces?
Most people adapt to speaking with lingual orthodontics within 2-4 weeks [^5]. Some people adapt faster.
Can I play sports with lingual braces?
Yes! One big plus of lingual braces is that they are protected inside your mouth during sports. You should still wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
Can I play musical instruments with lingual braces?
Yes! Lingual braces are great for people who play wind instruments or brass instruments. Since the braces are behind the teeth, they don’t get in the way of playing.
Will lingual braces fix my overbite/underbite?
Yes, lingual braces can fix most bite problems, even severe ones. Studies show they work just as well as regular braces for fixing complex issues .
Finding a Lingual Braces Provider
Not all orthodontists offer lingual braces. Here’s how to find a good one:
- Look for special training in lingual braces
- Ask to see before and after photos of their work
- Check if they use digital scanning technology
- Ask how many lingual cases they’ve done
- See if they work with top brands like 3M Incognito or iBraces
Only about 15-20% of orthodontists offer lingual braces, so you may need to look around.
Success Stories
Many people love their lingual braces! Here are some real stories:
- Musicians can play their instruments without changing how they play
- Public speakers can give talks without feeling self-conscious
- Adults can go to work meetings without braces showing
- Actors can perform while getting their teeth fixed
Studies show that 85% of patients are happy with their lingual braces despite the early speech challenges .
Modern Innovations in Lingual Braces
Lingual braces keep getting better! New technology includes:
- 3D-printed brackets that fit better
- Self-ligating brackets that don’t need rubber bands
- Digital scanning instead of messy molds
- Computer-planned treatment for better results
These changes make treatment faster and more comfortable than ever before!
Comparing Treatment Time
| Type of Braces | Average Treatment Time |
|---|---|
| Lingual Braces | 18-24 months |
| Traditional Braces | 18-24 months |
| Ceramic Braces | 18-24 months |
| Invisalign | 12-18 months (for simpler cases) |
The time depends on how complex your case is. Customized lingual brackets (like 3M Incognito) can reduce treatment time by 20-30% .
Conclusion
Lingual braces are a great way to straighten teeth without anyone knowing. They cost more and take some getting used to, but they work well for most people.
If you want straight teeth but don’t want to show metal braces, talk to an orthodontist about lingual braces. They might be perfect for you!
The hidden braces trend keeps growing as more adults want to fix their teeth discreetly. With modern technology, it’s never been a better time to try custom orthodontic appliances like lingual braces!
Key Terms to Know
- Lingual: Toward the tongue side of teeth
- Brackets: Small metal pieces attached to teeth
- Archwire: The metal wire that connects brackets
- Malocclusion: Bad bite or crooked teeth
- Orthodontist: A dentist who specializes in straightening teeth
- Bonding: Attaching brackets to teeth
- Adjustment: Tightening or changing wires
- Retention: Keeping teeth straight after braces
- Interdental brush: Special brush for cleaning between braces
