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Learn more about the option of “behind the teeth braces”
Lingual braces work similarly to other types of braces. The main difference is that the brackets are glued onto the back of the teeth, on the tongue side (known as the ‘lingual side’ in dental terminology).
You can learn more about how braces work here:
Requests for “inside-out braces” are common. The main advantage is aesthetic—as the brackets and wires are on the back of your teeth, most casual observers won’t even notice you’re having orthodontic treatment!
In most situations, a skilled, knowledgeable orthodontist can use lingual braces to get a great result for your smile.
There are some exceptions, however. As ample space is required on the back of your teeth, some patients will not be good candidates for lingual braces.
This will depend on your particular anatomy, especially your current bite. An orthodontic consultation is the best way to find out if lingual braces are possible in your case.
For technical reasons, lingual braces are not as efficient as normal braces. The reason for this is because the braces and wires have less room and wire ‘span’ when they run on the inside, rather than the outside of your teeth. This means that treatment tends to take longer with lingual braces.
In addition, adjustment appointments tend to take longer, as access is more difficult for your orthodontist working on the back, rather than the front side of your teeth.
In the past, lingual braces were the number #1 request of those who were keen to have invisible orthodontic treatment.
Technology has now advanced to the point that we have plenty of other great options you can consider:
Contact us for a free assessment and discussion to find out how we can best meet your needs:
Getting used to lingual braces can be a challenge, because you tend to feel them with your tongue, especially when you speak. Some people may also find speech is affected, and a lisp could be a side-effect of treatment with lingual braces.
As lingual braces are less efficient and more difficult for your orthodontist to adjust, they tend to be noticeably more expensive than other types of braces.
Lingual braces do tend to act as food traps. The spacing between each brace is smaller, making it much easier for food to get stuck underneath the wires. Rinsing after each meal can help, but you’ll likely need to use special small brushes from your orthodontist to remove all food remnants.
The process of cleaning lingual braces is a little trickier compared to traditional braces, you’ll have to work a little harder and for a little longer. In some areas you’ll need to be guided by feeling, rather than sight. Some concentration will be required to ensure that no areas are missed!
If you’ve been researching this treatment type, you’ll have noticed some significant downsides and inconveniences to lingual braces. In our opinion, lingual braces stood out as an attractive option only before other solutions, such as clear aligner technology became available.
The great news is that these days, you can have barely noticeable treatment without the added expense and discomfort that tend to be associated with lingual braces.
We’re always open to discussion if you are particularly interested in lingual braces; however, once we’ve weighed up all the pros and cons, we generally find that patients settle on either clear braces or clear aligner treatment instead.
We’re here to address any questions you may have about lingual braces, or any other type of orthodontic treatment.
We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your needs and wishes for your smile!
Take the first step towards a lifetime of beautiful smiles!
® The products on this website are not available for purchase by the general public. They are however available to Fine Orthodontist Sydney patients. Always follow the directions for use.
* If orthodontic X-rays are required, a fee of $180 applies. See Terms and Conditions.
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