Lingual braces
Lingual braces, sometimes known as hidden braces or braces behind teeth, are a type of fixed metal brace that’s attached to the inside surface of your teeth.
This means they’re almost invisible and allow you to smile and talk with confidence during treatment. There are various brands available, including WIN and Incognito lingual braces.
Lingual braces can fix several orthodontic problems including crowded teeth, crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, an overbite or an underbite.
How do lingual braces work?
Lingual braces work in the same way that other fixed metal braces do, except the brackets are fixed to the inner surface of your teeth rather than the outer one, making them a more discreet option.
A strong wire is tied into the brackets, which gradually moves your teeth into the desired position. As with any braces, you’ll need to visit your orthodontist regularly so they can adjust or tighten the wires to ensure that your teeth are moving as planned.
How much do lingual braces cost?
A lot of skill and specialist equipment goes into creating lingual braces, which means they can be slightly more expensive than other teeth straightening treatments. The brackets on lingual braces are also made from a different, more expensive material than fixed metal braces, which can add to the cost.
Lingual braces at Total Orthodontics start from £8,000. Your orthodontist will be able to give you a detailed breakdown of the cost after you’ve had an initial consultation.
What are the pros and cons of lingual braces
Pros:
- Lingual braces are hidden behind your teeth. This makes them a popular option for adults and teens who might feel self-conscious about having metal braces
- Lingual braces can deliver the same accurate, predictable results you can expect to achieve with traditional fixed braces. So, they can be used to treat a range of orthodontic problems, including some complex ones
- It’s possible to have ‘social’ lingual braces which are purely for small cosmetic fixes. These are fixed to the inside of the front six to eight teeth to straighten your visible smile, also known as your social smile
Cons:
- Lingual braces can be more expensive than other types of braces, due to the specialist equipment used, the skill involved and the material used on the brackets
- Lingual braces are fixed - unlike removable aligners, such as Invisalign, you cannot remove them to eat, drink and brush your teeth
- Lingual braces are not suitable for all orthodontic issues. If you have a very deep overbite, for example, traditional fixed braces might be recommended for you instead
How long do lingual braces take to straighten your teeth?
In most cases, treatment takes between 12 months and two years. If you’re only looking to fix mild crowding, then treatment with lingual braces can take as little as six months. It depends entirely on your individual needs. Your orthodontist will give you a more detailed estimate of treatment length during your consultation.
Do lingual braces
hurt?
It may take some time to adjust to having lingual braces. This is normal and should ease within a couple of weeks. During this time, you can use over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help reduce any initial discomfort.
You can also use pain relief gel to help soothe irritated areas inside your mouth and attach orthodontic wax to any areas of your brace that start to rub (you can get this from your orthodontist). Rinsing your mouth with warm salty water may also help to ease any soreness around your tongue.
If you need any advice about managing discomfort, speak to your local practice who will be able to help you.
Looking after lingual braces
If you have lingual braces, you’ll need to take extra care to look after them.
- Avoid biting into anything hard or chewy which might break the brackets of your braces. Generally, this is hard foods like crusty rolls, crisps, pizza crusts and toffees. It’s a good idea to cut up hard food into small pieces before eating it
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily. We also recommend that you see a hygienist and your general dentist for regular check-ups
What are the alternatives to lingual braces?
If you’re interested in teeth straightening but aren’t sure if lingual braces are right you, there are plenty of alternative orthodontic treatments that your orthodontist can discuss with you.
Invisalign treatment
Invisalign treatment uses clear, removable aligners to move your teeth without the need for fixed braces. You can take them out to eat, drink or brush your teeth.
Fixed metal braces
Fixed metal braces use brackets and a metal wire to straighten your teeth. They often cost less than lingual braces but are a more visible option.
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
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Find out more
Invisible and removable braces
Find out about the types of near-invisible and removable braces we have available, including Invisalign treatment.
Types of
braces
Learn more about the different types of braces available at Total Orthodontics.
Cost of
braces
Find out how much braces cost and how you can request an estimate for treatment.
Our orthodontists
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
