Braces Behind Teeth: The Complete Guide to Hidden Orthodontic Treatment

Wondering if you can get braces that no one can see? Yes, you absolutely can get braces behind your teeth. These “lingual braces” offer effective orthodontic treatment while remaining completely hidden from view. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this discreet treatment option that’s growing in popularity among image-conscious adults and teens.

What Are Braces Behind Teeth?

Braces behind teeth, officially called lingual braces, are orthodontic appliances that work just like traditional braces but with one major difference: they’re attached to the back (lingual) side of your teeth facing your tongue instead of the front surface. This strategic positioning means they’re completely hidden from view when you smile or speak.

Lingual braces use the same fundamental mechanics as traditional braces—brackets and wires that apply gentle, consistent pressure to move teeth into proper alignment. The primary difference lies in their placement, which makes them invisible to others.

People typically choose lingual braces for several compelling reasons:

• Professional appearance: Many adults in client-facing jobs prefer to maintain a professional image without visible orthodontic appliances
• Aesthetic concerns: Performers, public speakers, and those frequently photographed appreciate the invisible treatment
• Self-confidence: Those who feel self-conscious about wearing visible braces can undergo treatment without added social anxiety
• Special occasions: People with upcoming important events like weddings prefer invisible treatment

Lingual braces have been available for several decades, with significant technological advances in recent years making them more comfortable and effective than early versions.

How Do Braces Behind Teeth Work?

Lingual braces work using the same orthodontic principles as traditional braces: they apply consistent pressure to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. However, the technology behind modern lingual braces is considerably more advanced.

The process begins with digital technology. Your orthodontist takes detailed 3D scans or impressions of your teeth, which are then used to create a precise digital model. This allows for the custom design of brackets that perfectly fit the unique contours of the back surfaces of your teeth.

The mechanics include:

• Custom-made brackets: Unlike traditional braces, which often use standard bracket sizes, lingual brackets must be custom-manufactured for each tooth, as the inner surfaces vary greatly in shape
• Specialized archwires: These wires connect the brackets and deliver the necessary force to move teeth
• Computer-aided design: CAD/CAM technology ensures precise bracket positioning

One of the most innovative advancements in lingual orthodontics is the development of systems like InBrace, which uses “SmartWire” technology. This memory wire is programmed to move teeth along a predetermined path with fewer adjustments needed compared to traditional systems.

The Lingual Braces Fitting Process

The fitting process for braces behind teeth is more technically complex than with traditional braces, requiring specialized training for orthodontists. Here’s what happens during the fitting process:

1. Initial consultation: Your orthodontist evaluates your teeth and determines if you’re a good candidate for lingual braces
2. Digital scanning: Precise 3D scans or impressions are taken of your teeth
3. Custom fabrication: Your unique brackets are designed and manufactured in a specialized laboratory
4. Indirect bonding: Custom trays help position multiple brackets simultaneously for precise placement
5. Final adjustments: The archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured

The entire bonding procedure typically takes 1-2 hours and requires exceptional precision. Orthodontists who offer lingual braces receive additional training beyond standard orthodontic education to master this specialized technique.

Unlike traditional braces, where brackets might be placed in a single appointment, lingual braces involve a more methodical process to ensure each custom-made bracket is positioned perfectly for optimal treatment results.

What Conditions Can Braces Behind Teeth Treat?

Lingual braces can effectively treat most of the same orthodontic conditions as traditional braces. They’re particularly versatile for handling a wide range of alignment issues, including:

• Overcrowding: When teeth overlap due to insufficient space
• Spacing issues: Gaps between teeth that need closing
• Bite problems: Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites
• Severe rotations: Even teeth rotated more than 20° for molars or 45° for canines/premolars
• Complex cases: Situations requiring precise control of tooth movements
• Large gaps: Spaces exceeding 6mm can be effectively closed
• Cases requiring extractions: When teeth must be removed to achieve proper alignment

Treatment timeframes vary depending on case complexity, but typically range from 18-24 months—similar to traditional braces for most conditions. Some complex cases may require additional time due to the mechanics of working from behind the teeth.

While lingual braces can treat most orthodontic issues, they may not be ideal for patients with extremely severe deep overbites, as the brackets might be prone to damage from biting forces.

Benefits of Choosing Braces Behind Teeth

The advantages of lingual braces extend well beyond their invisible nature. Here are the key benefits that make them worth considering:

• Complete invisibility: The most obvious benefit is that they’re 100% hidden from view
• Effective for complex cases: They provide precise control for orthodontists to address challenging alignment issues
• Reduced risk of decalcification: Unlike traditional braces, they eliminate the risk of white spots developing on the visible front surfaces of teeth
• Consistent treatment: As fixed appliances, they work 24/7 without relying on patient compliance
• Highly customized: Each bracket is custom-designed for your specific tooth anatomy
• Predictable results: The fixed nature of treatment allows for reliable outcomes
• Suitable for all ages: Both teenagers and adults can benefit from this discreet option

Aesthetic Advantages of Hidden Braces

The aesthetic benefits of lingual braces cannot be overstated, particularly for certain groups:

Adults in professional settings often choose lingual braces to maintain their professional image while undergoing orthodontic treatment. This is especially valuable for those in client-facing roles such as sales, law, or entertainment.

Public figures, including actors, politicians, and models, can continue their careers without visible braces affecting their appearance. Many celebrities have chosen lingual braces for this very reason.

Beyond the practical benefits, there are significant psychological advantages. Many adults who postponed orthodontic treatment due to concerns about wearing visible braces find that lingual braces finally make treatment accessible without social anxiety. This invisible approach allows patients to improve their smile without the self-consciousness that sometimes accompanies traditional orthodontics.

Potential Challenges with Lingual Braces

While lingual braces offer significant advantages, they also come with some challenges that patients should understand before making their decision:

• Speech adaptation: Initially, lingual braces may affect your speech, particularly sounds like “s,” “z,” “r,” and “l”
• Tongue irritation: The tongue naturally contacts the back of your teeth, which can cause some discomfort as it adapts to the presence of brackets
• Cleaning challenges: Maintaining proper oral hygiene requires more diligence since the brackets are in an area that’s harder to see and reach
• Adjustment period: Most patients require 2-3 weeks to become fully comfortable with lingual braces
• Treatment duration: Some cases may take slightly longer to treat compared to traditional braces
• Dietary considerations: Similar to conventional braces, you’ll need to avoid certain foods that could damage the brackets

Managing Speech Changes and Tongue Comfort

Speech adaptation is perhaps the most commonly reported challenge with lingual braces, but research shows most patients adapt within 2-3 months. Here’s what you should know:

When brackets are first placed on the back of teeth, the tongue’s normal resting position and movement patterns are disrupted. This temporarily affects pronunciation, particularly for sounds that require tongue-to-teeth contact. Approximately 17% of patients may need more than three months to fully adjust.

To speed adaptation:
– Practice reading aloud daily
– Use tongue exercises recommended by your orthodontist
– Speak at a slightly slower pace initially until you adapt
– Consider speech therapy if adaptation is particularly challenging

For tongue comfort:
– Your orthodontist can apply orthodontic wax to brackets
– Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritation
– Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with initial discomfort
– Low-profile bracket systems like InBrace may reduce irritation

Most patients find that discomfort diminishes significantly after the first two weeks as the tongue adapts to the new sensations.

Braces Behind Teeth vs. Alternative Treatments

When considering orthodontic options, it’s helpful to understand how lingual braces compare to other common treatments:

Lingual braces offer a middle ground that combines the effectiveness of traditional braces with aesthetics similar to clear aligners, though with different tradeoffs regarding comfort and maintenance.

Lingual Braces vs. Invisalign: Which to Choose?

This comparison deserves special attention as these are the two most popular “invisible” orthodontic options:

Treatment capability:
Lingual braces can handle more complex cases than Invisalign, including severe rotations exceeding 45 degrees, significant bite corrections, and large gaps exceeding 6mm. Invisalign has limitations with certain vertical movements and extreme rotations.

Lifestyle considerations:
Invisalign offers easier cleaning (simply remove and brush) and fewer dietary restrictions. However, it requires strict compliance—wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily. Lingual braces work continuously without compliance concerns but require more diligent cleaning.

Comfort comparison:
Invisalign typically causes less tongue irritation and speech disruption than lingual braces. However, some patients report more overall discomfort with each new set of aligners compared to lingual adjustments.

Predictability:
For complex cases, lingual braces often provide more predictable outcomes since orthodontists maintain complete control throughout treatment. Invisalign results depend partly on patient compliance with wearing the aligners as prescribed.

Your decision should be guided by your specific orthodontic needs, lifestyle preferences, and the recommendation of your orthodontist after a thorough examination.

How Much Do Braces Behind Teeth Cost?

The cost of lingual braces typically ranges from $5,000 to $13,000 in the United States, making them generally more expensive than both traditional braces ($3,000-$8,500) and Invisalign ($3,250-$9,000). This higher price point reflects several factors:

• Custom manufacturing: Each bracket is individually designed and created for your specific teeth
• Advanced technology: Digital scanning and CAD/CAM design add to costs
• Specialized training: Orthodontists require additional training to place lingual braces
• Longer appointment times: Adjustments take more time than with traditional braces
• Geographic location: Prices vary significantly by region; major metropolitan areas tend to have higher fees
• Orthodontist experience: More experienced specialists may charge premium rates

Several factors affect your individual cost:
– Case complexity: More complex cases require longer treatment times
– Specific system used: Premium systems like Incognito or InBrace may cost more
– Treatment length: Longer treatments generally cost more

Insurance and financing options:

Many dental insurance plans that cover orthodontics will provide partial coverage for lingual braces, typically paying the same amount they would for traditional braces (often $1,500-$3,000 lifetime benefit for orthodontic treatment).

Most orthodontic practices offer financing options to make treatment more affordable:
– Monthly payment plans (typically $250-$500 per month)
– Third-party financing options like CareCredit
– Flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA)
– Discount plans for payment in full
– Some practices offer interest-free payment plans

While the initial investment is higher, many patients find the aesthetic advantages worth the additional cost, especially when spread over a financing period.

Are Braces Behind Teeth Right For You?

Determining whether lingual braces are the right choice depends on several factors specific to your situation.

Ideal candidates for lingual braces typically include:
– People concerned about the visibility of traditional braces
– Professionals who want to maintain their appearance during treatment
– Individuals with good oral hygiene habits
– Patients without extremely severe deep overbites
– Those willing to adapt to the initial speech and comfort challenges
– People who can commit to more complex cleaning routines

Considerations that might indicate a different treatment option:
– Severe budget constraints (traditional braces might be more affordable)
– Extremely severe overbites where bracket positioning could be challenging
– Pre-existing speech difficulties that might be exacerbated
– Difficulties maintaining thorough oral hygiene

When consulting with your orthodontist, ask these important questions:
1. Am I a good candidate for lingual braces given my specific orthodontic needs?
2. What is your experience with lingual braces specifically?
3. What will my total treatment cost be, including all adjustments?
4. What financing options are available?
5. How might lingual braces affect my speech and for how long?
6. What specific cleaning tools and techniques will I need?

Next steps if you’re interested in pursuing lingual braces:
1. Schedule consultations with orthodontists who specialize in lingual braces (look for additional certifications specifically in lingual orthodontics)
2. Request before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours
3. Ask about trying speech simulators that mimic the feeling of lingual braces
4. Inquire about the specific lingual bracket system they recommend for your case
5. Verify insurance coverage details with both your provider and insurance company

Remember that while aesthetics are important, the primary goal of orthodontic treatment is achieving a healthy, functional bite and alignment. The best treatment option is one that effectively addresses your specific orthodontic needs while accommodating your lifestyle and preferences.

Braces behind your teeth offer a truly invisible way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. With advances in technology making them more comfortable and effective than ever, they represent an excellent option for many patients seeking discreet orthodontic treatment.