Hidden Braces for a Straighter Smile
If you want the benefits of braces but prefer a less noticeable treatment option, lingual braces may be a good fit. Lingual braces work much like traditional braces, but the brackets are placed behind the teeth instead of on the front, making them much less visible when you smile, speak or laugh.
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, provides lingual braces in Santa Monica, California, for patients who want effective tooth movement with a more discreet appearance. Dr. Khan will evaluate your smile, bite and treatment goals to determine whether lingual braces are the right orthodontic option for you.
Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment to schedule a consultation and learn more about lingual braces.
What Are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are braces that are attached to the tongue-side surface of the teeth. Instead of placing brackets and wires on the front of your smile, lingual braces are positioned behind the teeth, where they are hidden from most everyday view.
Like traditional braces, lingual braces use brackets and wires to apply gentle, controlled pressure to the teeth. Over time, this pressure helps guide the teeth into better alignment and can improve both the appearance and function of your smile.
Because lingual braces are customized to the back surfaces of the teeth, they require careful planning and precise placement. Dr. Khan will review your orthodontic needs and explain whether this treatment can predictably address your case.
Who Is a Candidate for Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces may be a good option for teens or adults who want braces but do not want visible brackets on the front of the teeth. They may be especially appealing for patients who want discreet orthodontic treatment but may not be ideal candidates for removable clear aligners.
You may be a candidate for lingual braces if you want to correct concerns such as:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Bite alignment concerns
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
- Aesthetic concerns about wearing visible braces
Lingual braces are not the best fit for every patient. Tooth shape, bite depth, crowding, oral hygiene habits and treatment complexity can all affect whether they are recommended. During your consultation, Dr. Khan will help you compare your options honestly.
How Lingual Braces Work
Lingual braces begin with a detailed orthodontic evaluation. Dr. Khan will examine your teeth, bite and jaw relationship and may use digital records, scans or imaging to plan your treatment. Because the brackets sit behind the teeth, accurate planning is especially important.
Custom brackets are then designed to fit the back surfaces of your teeth. Once the brackets are ready, they are bonded behind the teeth and connected with an orthodontic wire. This wire applies steady, gentle pressure to guide your teeth into improved alignment over time.
You will visit our office throughout treatment so Dr. Khan can monitor your progress and make adjustments as your teeth move.
Benefits of Lingual Braces
The biggest benefit of lingual braces is their discreet appearance. Since the brackets are placed behind the teeth, most people will not notice them during normal conversation.
Other benefits may include:
- A hidden alternative to front-facing braces
- Consistent tooth movement because the braces are fixed in place
- An option for patients who are not ideal clear aligner candidates
- Orthodontic control similar to traditional braces in appropriate cases
- A treatment option that supports smile improvement without highly visible brackets
Lingual braces can be a strong choice for patients who want the dependability of braces with a more aesthetic treatment experience.
Lingual Braces vs. Traditional Braces
Traditional braces and lingual braces both use brackets and wires to move the teeth. The main difference is placement. Traditional braces are attached to the front of the teeth, while lingual braces are attached behind the teeth.
Traditional braces are often easier to clean and adjust, and they may be recommended for a wider range of orthodontic cases. Lingual braces are more discreet, but they can take more time to get used to and may not be appropriate for every bite or tooth position.
If you are comparing lingual braces with traditional braces, Dr. Khan can explain the advantages and limitations of each option based on your smile.
Lingual Braces vs. Invisalign Clear Aligners
Lingual braces and Invisalign® clear aligners are both discreet orthodontic options, but they work differently. Lingual braces are fixed to the teeth, while Invisalign treatment uses removable clear aligners.
For some patients, Invisalign may be the better fit because the aligners are removable and easier to clean around. For others, lingual braces may provide the fixed control of braces while still keeping the brackets hidden behind the teeth.
As a Top 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider, Dr. Khan can help you compare Invisalign clear aligners, lingual braces and other orthodontic options so you can make a confident decision.
What to Expect With Lingual Braces
Lingual braces can feel different at first because the brackets sit near the tongue. Some patients notice temporary tongue irritation, speech changes or soreness as they adjust. These issues often improve as your mouth gets used to the braces.
Our team will show you how to clean around your braces, use orthodontic wax when needed and protect your smile during treatment. Keeping your teeth and braces clean is especially important because the brackets are harder to see behind the teeth.
You should also avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that could damage the brackets or wires. If something breaks or feels uncomfortable, call our office so we can help.
How Long Do Lingual Braces Take?
Treatment time with lingual braces depends on the complexity of your case, the amount of tooth movement needed and how your teeth respond to treatment. Many cases take a similar amount of time as traditional braces, but your timeline will be personalized after your orthodontic evaluation.
During your consultation, Dr. Khan can give you a better estimate based on your alignment, bite and treatment goals.
Why Choose Santa Monica Orthodontics?
Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, completed a three-year orthodontic residency and earned a Master of Science in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University. She has over 20 years of experience as an orthodontic specialist and has treated thousands of orthodontic cases involving braces and clear aligners.
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, treatment planning may include advanced technology such as iTero digital scanning, CBCT/3D imaging when appropriate, digital photography and digital treatment planning. These tools help Dr. Khan evaluate your smile and plan orthodontic treatment with precision.
Our goal is to recommend the treatment that fits your needs, lifestyle and goals. If lingual braces are not the best option for your case, Dr. Khan can also discuss ceramic braces, traditional braces, Invisalign treatment or other braces options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lingual Braces
Are lingual braces completely invisible?
Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, so they are hidden from most everyday view. They are one of the most discreet braces options, but no orthodontic treatment should be described as invisible in every situation.
Do lingual braces work as well as regular braces?
Lingual braces can be effective for many orthodontic cases, but they are not right for everyone. Dr. Khan will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine whether lingual braces can achieve your treatment goals.
Are lingual braces uncomfortable?
Lingual braces can take time to get used to because the brackets sit near the tongue. Temporary soreness, tongue irritation or speech changes may occur, especially at the beginning of treatment.
Are lingual braces better than Invisalign?
Neither option is automatically better. Lingual braces are fixed behind the teeth, while Invisalign uses removable clear aligners. The better choice depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle and ability to wear aligners as directed.
Can adults get lingual braces?
Yes. Many adults like lingual braces because they offer a discreet alternative to traditional front-facing braces. Your candidacy depends on your bite, tooth position and treatment goals.
How do I clean lingual braces?
You will need to brush carefully around the brackets and wires and floss consistently. Our team can show you tools and techniques to help keep your teeth clean during treatment.
Schedule a Lingual Braces Consultation in Santa Monica
If you want a straighter smile without highly visible braces, lingual braces may be worth considering. Santa Monica Orthodontics can help you compare your treatment options and decide whether hidden braces are right for your smile.
Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment online to schedule a lingual braces consultation in Santa Monica, CA.