Lingual braces: braces on the inside of the teeth
Discreet teeth straightening is in high demand among adults who want an aesthetic option that does not interfere with their working and social life. Lingual braces make this possible: the brackets sit behind the teeth, so the front of your smile looks unchanged for the whole treatment.
Every orthodontic plan starts with a thorough examination and a digital scan of the mouth, which is used to plan the movement of each tooth before treatment begins. If you are an English speaker living in Jerusalem, the consultation, the explanations and the written treatment plan are all given in English.
What are lingual braces? A short history of lingual orthodontics
Lingual orthodontics is a teeth-straightening technique in which the brackets and wires are bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth, the side that faces the tongue.
01
The 1970s
Lingual braces were first developed in the 1970s by the American orthodontist Dr Craven Kurz, who was looking for a more aesthetic alternative to conventional brackets. The technique has been refined considerably since then, making treatment more accessible and more comfortable.
02
3D digital planning
The major change came with computer-aided 3D planning and precise manufacturing, which allow lingual brackets to be fitted to the individual shape of each tooth. Together with better materials, this has made lingual braces a comfortable alternative to clear aligners for many patients.
03
Thinner, lower-profile brackets
Today's lingual brackets are thinner and lower in profile, which reduces tongue discomfort and shortens the adjustment period. Newer archwires also give finer control over tooth movement.
Modern lingual systems can treat a wide range of alignment problems, from mild crowding to cases that need more extensive tooth movement.
Who are lingual braces suitable for?
Lingual braces are especially well suited to adults and teenagers who want treatment that cannot be seen.
Teachers, lawyers, performers, executives and anyone who speaks in public often choose them because their appearance does not change during treatment.
Lingual braces are not right for everyone. Very severe crowding, some complex bite problems or certain oral conditions can make the technique difficult. After an examination, the dentist can tell you whether lingual braces fit your case or whether Invisalign or another method would serve you better.
How do lingual braces work?
Treatment starts with a full consultation and precise digital scans of the mouth. Lingual braces work on the same biomechanical principles as conventional braces; the difference is that the brackets are placed on the inner side of the teeth. Treatment is carried out by an orthodontist who treats patients at the clinic. The scans are used to plan, by computer, the path of each tooth through every stage of treatment.
Custom lingual brackets
The brackets are usually custom-made to the shape of the patient's teeth and bonded with precision. The archwire that links them applies gentle, controlled pressure that moves the teeth gradually into position.
Adjustment period
Most patients adapt fairly quickly: within a few weeks the tongue gets used to the brackets and speech returns almost completely to normal.
Regular check-ups
During treatment you come in every few weeks so the wires can be adjusted and progress checked. When the braces come off, as with any method, a retainer is needed to keep the result.
Advantages of lingual braces
Lingual braces offer an aesthetic option for patients who want maximum discretion: because the brackets are behind the teeth, they cannot be seen when you smile or talk.
Hidden from view
The main advantage of lingual braces is aesthetic: they are not visible from the outside, so there is no need to hide your smile during treatment. Some people who had never considered orthodontics because of how braces look decide to go ahead once they learn about the lingual option.
Other clinical points
Some patients report less rubbing on the lips and cheeks than with front braces. For patients with protruding teeth, lingual mechanics allow the front teeth to be moved back in a controlled way. In a study of lingual appliances published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the incidence of white spot lesions (enamel decalcification) was lower than the rates reported with conventional labial braces (Wiechmann D et al., 2015).
Lingual braces, front braces or clear aligners?
| Criterion | Lingual braces | Front braces | Clear aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Not visible from the front | Visible; metal brackets, or ceramic ones with clear braces | Barely visible; small tooth-colored attachments may show slightly |
| Speech | Sounds such as "s", "sh" and "z" affected in the first weeks | Little effect on speech; possible rubbing on lips and cheeks | Removable; adjustment is usually short |
| Hygiene | Cleaning on the inner side, with a small brush, interdental brushes and a floss threader | Cleaning around the brackets on the front of the teeth | Aligners come out for brushing and flossing |
| Check-ups | Every few weeks, to adjust the wires | Every few weeks, to adjust the wires | Regular follow-up; worn at least 22 hours a day |
| Indications | Mild to complex cases, but not every situation (very severe crowding, very complex bites) | A wide range of cases, including complex ones | Mainly mild to moderate crowding or gaps (Invisalign) |
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
Why are lingual braces less common?
Despite their advantages, lingual braces are offered less often than other methods, for three main reasons.
Placing and adjusting brackets on the inner side of the teeth requires specific training and a high level of precision. Fewer clinicians are trained in lingual orthodontics than in conventional braces, so experienced providers can be harder to find. Each visit also takes longer, and the custom-made appliances require dedicated technology.
In the first few weeks the tongue is in direct contact with the brackets, and the prospect of temporary speech changes and discomfort puts some people off.
Lingual treatment generally costs more than conventional braces or a removable plate or aligners: the appliances are custom-made in specialized laboratories, placement is more complex, visits are longer and dedicated equipment is needed.
How long until you see results with lingual braces?
First changes are often visible within the first few months, especially when correcting mild crowding or closing small gaps between the front teeth.
12–24
months for most braces (AAO)
Progress depends on several personal factors: how severe the problem is, the patient's age, the jaw structure and individual biology, which affects how fast teeth move.
In more complex cases, such as large tooth movements or significant bite problems, visible results take longer, and lingual treatment can take slightly longer than front braces. Overall, the length of treatment depends on the complexity of the case. For comparison, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Your estimated duration is set out in your individual treatment plan.
Do lingual braces affect speech and eating?
At the start of treatment, lingual brackets affect speech to some extent, but most patients adapt within a few weeks and speak normally again. During this period, sounds such as "s", "sh" and "z" may be affected, and fast speech can feel harder. Simple speech exercises help the tongue adapt.
Eating is possible and relatively comfortable, because lingual brackets do not come into direct contact with food in the same way front brackets do. The foods to avoid are listed below, under caring for lingual braces.
Lingual braces cost: what affects the price?
The cost of lingual braces is set by several factors that affect the complexity and length of treatment. Lingual braces usually cost more than other straightening methods because of the technology and expertise needed to place and adjust them. The appliances are custom-made for each patient from a digital scan, with computer-aided manufacture of the brackets and wires.
The complexity of the case also matters: closing large spaces, correcting major rotations or treating bite problems takes more work and may lengthen treatment. The clinic does not publish a fixed price list; after the examination you receive a written treatment plan with an itemized quote, and itemized receipts that you can submit to your insurer if your policy covers orthodontic treatment abroad (check with your insurer before starting). See also teeth straightening options.
How to care for lingual braces
Careful oral hygiene is the key to successful lingual treatment and to avoiding complications along the way.
Because the brackets are on the inner side of the teeth, thorough cleaning needs the right tools: a small-headed toothbrush (an electric toothbrush can help), thin interdental brushes to clean between the brackets and wires, and a floss threader to pass floss under the archwire. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste; with lingual braces, pay extra attention to the area around the brackets. A water flosser can help remove food and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
Avoid sticky, hard or very crunchy foods (such as hard nuts) that can damage the braces or bend the wires, and sugary foods that raise the risk of tooth decay; toffee, chewing gum, popcorn and seeds tend to get stuck. Cut hard fruit and vegetables into small pieces rather than biting into them. If you have crooked teeth and choose lingual braces, keep your regular follow-up appointments so the braces and your progress can be checked.
What to expect after lingual braces come off
The period after debonding is critical for long-term stability, so following the retention instructions is essential.
Right after removal, the teeth are professionally cleaned to remove plaque and tartar that built up in areas that were hard to clean. Some patients then choose light teeth whitening to even out the shade. Retention is then fitted: usually a combination of a fixed retainer (a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth) and a removable clear retainer worn at night.
Teeth keep moving throughout life, and without a retainer they can drift back toward their original position (relapse). How often you wear the removable retainer decreases over time as instructed, but according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), a retainer is typically needed for life. Good oral hygiene remains essential, especially around a fixed retainer, and follow-up visits in the months after removal make sure the result is holding.
To book a consultation about lingual braces, contact the clinic.
The consultation with Dr Haim Aseriel includes a clinical examination, a 3D digital scan, an analysis of how the jaws relate to each other and, only when the information is likely to change the treatment, a panoramic or lateral X-ray. You then receive a clear explanation of the expected course of treatment, the estimated duration, the visit schedule and a written quote. Please bring any previous X-rays and records of past dental treatment. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem; hours: Sun 8:00–19:00 · Mon 9:00–19:00 · Tue–Wed 9:00–21:00 · Thu 8:30–21:00 · Fri 8:00–14:00.
Lingual braces: frequently asked questions
Lingual braces are fixed orthodontic braces whose brackets are bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth, the side facing the tongue, so they are not visible from the front. They move teeth on the same biomechanical principles as conventional braces bonded to the front of the teeth.
Lingual braces mainly suit adults and teenagers who want orthodontic treatment that cannot be seen when they smile or speak. They are not right for everyone: very severe crowding, some complex bite problems or certain oral conditions can make the technique difficult, so suitability is decided after an orthodontic examination.
Lingual braces usually affect speech a little at first, because the tongue touches the brackets, especially on sounds such as "s", "sh" and "z". Most patients adapt within a few weeks. Orthodontic wax can be placed on prominent parts of the braces to ease tongue irritation during this period.
The length of lingual braces treatment depends on how complex the case is. For comparison, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states that most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months. The estimated duration is set out in the individual treatment plan after the examination.
Lingual braces generally cost more than conventional braces because the brackets and wires are usually custom-made from a digital scan, placement requires specific training, and each adjustment visit takes longer. The complexity and length of treatment also affect the final cost, which is given in a written quote after the examination.
Sources
- Wiechmann D et al., American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2015 – View source
- American Association of Orthodontists, Braces – View source
- American Association of Orthodontists, Retainers – View source
- American Dental Association, Home Oral Care, 2024 – View source
- ADA / U.S. Food and Drug Administration, The Selection of Patients for Dental Radiographic Examinations, 2012 – View source
