Looking for discreet, incognito braces, but clear aligners are not a good match? Lingual braces, or as they’re better known, hidden braces, are attached to the inside of your teeth instead of the outside, making them a discreet alternative to traditional orthodontics.
The purpose of lingual braces
Like traditional metal braces, lingual braces serve the same purpose. Still, they’re placed behind the teeth (by your tongue) rather than on the front, which means they offer much more cosmetic benefits to patients than traditional treatment. Effective across various misalignment cases and bite discrepancies, lingual braces can do exactly what regular braces do; they just do inside the mouth instead.
Guide to lingual “hidden” braces
Patients can choose between standard lingual braces, which can take up to a few years and are designed to straighten both upper and lower arches, and social, lingual braces, which are suitable only for mild overcrowding and small gaps and designed to take a few months rather than a few years.
What are social lingual braces?
Lingual braces can be used cosmetically to straighten the first six visible teeth, also known as social six. Social lingual braces, therefore, only involve orthodontic treatment that straightens the first front six teeth. These virtually invisible braces are recommended in cases where patients have minor to moderate crowding or spacing, with the treatment even being effective for rotated teeth and minor bite issues. Social lingual braces are faster than traditional braces because they only focus on a small section of the smile.
What can they treat? Who can wear them?
Lingual braces work best and fastest when treating minor orthodontic issues. However, they can also be used for a wide range of teeth problems, including:
- Bite discrepancies: Overbite and crossbite (bad bites)
- Misalignment: Crowded and rotated teeth
- Spacing: Gaps between teeth
How do they work?
Lingual braces use a ligation system that stops friction forces. They also use self-ligating technology that moves teeth gently but quickly, using smaller, discreet brackets for better comfort and aesthetics during treatment.
Do they take longer? How long do they take?
Don’t expect lingual braces to be as fast as clear aligners, but do expect them to be slightly faster than regular braces. How long the braces take will ultimately depend on your case. If you have minor and moderate crowding, spacing and bite problems, you can expect treatment to be faster than if you have more complex issues like overbites. On average, you can expect lingual braces to take anywhere from six months to two years.
How much are lingual braces in the UK?
Lingual braces are one of the pricier types of straightening systems. The cost can range from £2,000 to £5,000 for simple cases. Our practice charges from £5,000, which you can finance interest-free for up to 24 months. Please bear in mind that the more complex your case, the more expensive your orthodontic treatment will be; that’s why, in the more severe instances, lingual braces can cost up to £10,000 – and it might be preferable for patients to explore other invisible and cheaper solutions. Lingual braces are not available via the NHS.
What’s the benefit?
- Invisible from the front
- Tailored to the shape of your teeth
- Effective for complex cases
- No risk of visible staining
- Suitable for adults and professionals
- No impact on lip shape
Can you see lingual braces when you talk?
Lingual braces sit behind the teeth and are virtually invisible when you smile, talk, and eat. Compared to other orthodontic appliances, they are the most inconspicuous, totally invisible even to the wearer. However, some patients will develop a slight lisp as they get used to the braces, which impacts their ability to say the letter “s.” However, some patients adjust quickly, and speech is affected very little, if at all.
What are their disadvantages?
- Cost more than other braces
- Longer adjustment period
- Initial difficulties with speech
- Harder to keep clean
- More irritation of the tongue and inner mouth
- Not suitable for patients with small teeth or severe bite problems
Are lingual braces more painful?
While lingual braces have been designed with smaller brackets to be more comfortable, more adult patients have reported more pain compared to those using clear aligners. But it’s worth noting that any type of braces will cause some discomfort or pain in the mouth at first, while you get used to wearing them, often too, when moving onto your next set of aligners or having your braces tightened. Adult patients might feel more pain than teenagers, too, as the bones are not as flexible, which delays tooth movement and causes more discomfort.
Scheduling a consultation for lingual braces
You’ll need to meet with our dentists, who will take a digital scan and impressions of your teeth, formulating a 3D simulation of your bite and smile so we can custom-make the brackets and wires used for your lingual braces. If you’re happy to proceed with treatment, we’ll reinvite you back into the practice to glue the brackets to the back of your teeth and thread through a strong wire, which will apply gentle pressure throughout your treatment to gradually straighten your teeth. Patients must visit the practice every six to eight weeks to adjust the braces.
Before & After Gallery
See what our patients look like before and after braces so you can gain a better idea of how they’re going to look and work for you.