What Are Lingual Braces?
March 31, 2025
If you’ve been searching for a way to straighten your teeth without visible brackets and wires, you’re not alone. Many adults and teens feel self-conscious about traditional braces, especially when working in professional environments or attending social events. Lingual braces offer a discreet alternative—positioned behind your teeth, they remain virtually invisible to others while delivering powerful orthodontic results. At Parsons Orthodontics, we understand that choosing the right treatment is about balancing aesthetics, comfort, and effectiveness. In the sections below, we’ll walk you through how lingual braces work, who they’re best suited for, and whether they’re the right solution for your smile goals.
How Do Lingual Braces Work?
Lingual braces function similarly to traditional braces, but instead of being placed on the front of the teeth, they are attached to the back (the lingual side). This positioning allows them to remain hidden from view while still applying the necessary pressure to guide teeth into proper alignment. Each bracket is custom-made to fit the unique contours of the patient’s teeth, which ensures both comfort and precision.
The process begins with digital scans or impressions of your mouth, which are used to design and fabricate the lingual braces. Once they are ready, our team at Parsons Orthodontics carefully bonds the brackets to the backs of your teeth and threads them with wires that exert gentle, continuous pressure. Over time, this pressure encourages the teeth to shift into the desired positions.
Because lingual braces are custom-designed, they require precise placement and adjustments during follow-up appointments. These regular visits are critical for tracking progress and making any necessary modifications. While the mechanism is similar to traditional braces, the behind-the-teeth positioning often requires more detailed planning and specialized expertise—which our orthodontists are fully trained in.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces can be an excellent option for both teens and adults who want to correct misalignment without visible appliances. They are especially appealing to professionals, performers, and anyone who feels uncomfortable with the aesthetic impact of conventional braces. If you’re someone who values discretion and has moderate to complex orthodontic needs, lingual braces could be an ideal choice.
However, not every patient is a suitable candidate. Severe bite issues, such as a deep overbite, can sometimes interfere with the brackets placed on the back of the teeth. During your consultation at Parsons Orthodontics, we will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if lingual braces are a viable and effective solution for your specific case.
Additionally, patients considering lingual braces should be committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Because the brackets are harder to see and reach, brushing and flossing require a bit more time and attention. We will provide detailed guidance and tools to help you keep your teeth and braces clean throughout treatment.
Lingual Braces vs. Traditional Braces
Both lingual and traditional braces rely on brackets and wires to move teeth into alignment, but their placement leads to significant differences in experience and visibility. Traditional braces are affixed to the front of the teeth and are visible when you speak or smile. Lingual braces, on the other hand, are hidden from view, which makes them ideal for patients who prefer a more discreet treatment.
In terms of effectiveness, both options can address a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, and bite correction. However, the complexity of the case and the desired aesthetic outcome often influence which type is more suitable. At Parsons Orthodontics, we assess your goals, lifestyle, and clinical needs before recommending the best solution.
It’s also worth noting that traditional braces may offer slightly faster treatment times for some cases, primarily due to easier access for adjustments. Lingual braces can take a bit longer to fine-tune, but the trade-off is often worth it for patients who prioritize invisibility and customization.
Benefits of Choosing Lingual Braces
The most obvious benefit of lingual braces is their invisibility. Because they are mounted behind the teeth, they’re an excellent choice for adults in professional settings, teens who are self-conscious, and performers who can’t have visible braces on stage or on camera. This cosmetic advantage allows you to undergo orthodontic treatment without drawing unwanted attention.
Lingual braces are also completely customized for each patient. At Parsons Orthodontics, we use precise digital scanning to ensure that each bracket conforms perfectly to the back of each tooth. This high level of customization leads to more efficient tooth movement and enhanced comfort during treatment.
Another benefit is that lingual braces don’t interfere with the outer surface of your teeth, reducing the risk of visible white spots or discoloration that sometimes occur with front-facing brackets. While oral hygiene still requires careful attention, the aesthetic payoff during and after treatment is a significant advantage.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
Like any orthodontic treatment, lingual braces come with potential challenges. One common concern is initial tongue discomfort. Because the brackets are placed on the inside of the teeth, some patients experience irritation or speech changes in the early stages. This usually improves as the tongue adapts, and our team can offer tips and wax to ease the transition.
Another consideration is that lingual braces often require a longer adjustment period during appointments. Because access to the back of the teeth is more limited, it can take slightly more time to make changes or repairs. At Parsons Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing comfortable and efficient visits while respecting your schedule.
Cost is also a factor. Due to their customization and specialized placement, lingual braces tend to be more expensive than traditional options. However, many patients find the added discretion and personal confidence well worth the investment.
How Much Do Lingual Braces Cost?
The cost of lingual braces varies based on the complexity of the case, the length of treatment, and whether both upper and lower arches require correction. On average, they are more expensive than traditional metal braces due to the custom-made components and the specialized expertise required for their application.
At Parsons Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, discreet orthodontic care. That’s why we offer flexible financing options and work with a wide range of insurance providers. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized estimate and discuss all available payment plans to help make treatment more affordable.
It’s also important to consider the long-term value. Lingual braces allow you to maintain your confidence and professional appearance throughout treatment, which can be especially valuable for adults in the workforce or teens during critical social years. Investing in your smile today can pay dividends in self-esteem and oral health for years to come.
Lingual Braces at Parsons Orthodontics
At Parsons Orthodontics, we specialize in personalized orthodontic care with a strong focus on comfort, aesthetics, and results. Our team has extensive experience with lingual braces, and we use advanced technology to ensure a smooth and effective treatment process from start to finish.
We begin with a comprehensive consultation to understand your goals and evaluate your smile. If lingual braces are right for you, we’ll take detailed digital scans and work with a specialized lab to create your custom appliance. Throughout your treatment, you’ll receive dedicated care from our orthodontic team, with regular check-ins to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Whether you’re a working professional, a student, or someone who simply wants a more discreet way to achieve a beautiful smile, Parsons Orthodontics is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out if lingual braces are the right solution for you.
