How Lingual Braces Work

If you’ve been searching for a discreet way to straighten your teeth without visible brackets or wires, you may have come across lingual braces. These “braces behind the teeth” offer the effectiveness of traditional braces with the benefit of staying virtually invisible. But exactly how lingual braces work is still a mystery to many prospective patients.

This article breaks down how lingual braces function, their benefits and drawbacks, and what you can expect from treatment so you can decide if they’re the right choice for your beautiful smile.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Let’s start with the basics. Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses brackets and wires like traditional braces, but with one big difference: they’re placed on the lingual side (the back surface) of your teeth, making them hidden from view.

Unlike invisible braces or clear aligners that rely on removable trays, lingual braces stay fixed in place and are customized for precise, continuous movement of your teeth.

Think of them as traditional metal braces—just flipped to the inside.

This innovative placement is what makes them appealing for professionals, performers, or anyone who wants to straighten their teeth discreetly.

How Lingual Braces Work: The Basics

So, how do lingual braces work?

1. Custom Designed: Each bracket is individually crafted to fit the contour of the back of your teeth. This personalized design enhances comfort and precision.
2. Controlled Force: Archwires apply gentle, sustained pressure on the teeth to guide them into proper alignment.
3. Gradual Progress: Over time, the braces shift teeth into place, just like traditional braces—without being visible from the front.
4. Regular Adjustments: Your orthodontist will make periodic tweaks to the wires, ensuring steady progress and optimal alignment.

Because they’re mounted on the interior of your teeth, lingual braces are virtually invisible when you talk, smile, or take photos.

Lingual Braces vs Traditional Braces

Choosing between these two types of braces depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick comparison:

 

Feature	Lingual Braces	Traditional Braces
Visibility	Hidden from view	Visible from the front
Comfort	May affect tongue briefly	May irritate lips and cheeks
Customization	Highly individualized	Standard brackets
Treatment Time	Varies	Varies
Maintenance	Requires specific cleaning	Easier to clean

In essence, lingual braces vs traditional braces is a matter of aesthetics vs familiarity. Both are effective—one is just more subtle.

Lingual Braces Cost in USA

A common question is: what do lingual braces cost in the USA?

Because they are custom designed for each patient, the cost tends to be higher than traditional braces. On average, you can expect to pay:

• $8,000 to $13,000 depending on complexity, treatment time, and your orthodontist’s expertise.

While this may seem steep, many patients find the discreet aesthetic worth the investment—especially when working with a specialist like Dr. Camilo Riano, who focuses specifically on lingual systems.

Dr. Riaño is one of a limited number of providers in the San Francisco Bay Area offering true lingual braces—customized, behind-the-teeth orthodontics designed for discretion and precision.

Lingual Braces Before and After

The before and after results with lingual braces are comparable to traditional methods—often indistinguishable.

Patients commonly use lingual braces to correct:

• Deep overbites
• Crowding or spacing issues
• Crooked teeth
• Misaligned bites

You can expect a gradual transformation, with dramatic improvements in both alignment and smile symmetry over 12–24 months. A quick Google search of lingual braces before and after photos shows just how effective this approach can be—without compromising your appearance during treatment.

Lingual Braces Disadvantages

While lingual braces offer many benefits, they may not be for everyone. Let’s look at a few lingual braces disadvantages to consider:

• Speech Changes: Some patients experience a slight lisp at the start due to tongue interference.
• Initial Discomfort: The tongue may feel irritated in the first few weeks.
• Oral Hygiene: Cleaning behind the teeth requires extra care and the use of specialized tools like interdental brushes.
• Cost: As discussed, they are among the most premium types of orthodontics.

However, most of these challenges fade within a few weeks, and proper guidance from your orthodontist can make the process much smoother.

Do Lingual Braces Take Longer?

Another common concern: Do lingual braces take longer?

In most cases, treatment time is comparable to other braces. Depending on your needs, treatment could range from 12 to 24 months. Factors affecting the duration include:

• The severity of misalignment
• How well you follow care instructions
• Whether any additional appliances are needed

Your orthodontist will provide a clear timeline during your complimentary consultation.

Are Lingual Braces Right for You?

You might be a great candidate for lingual braces if:

• You want a discreet, fixed orthodontic solution
• You have complex alignment issues that aren’t ideal for clear aligners
• You’re comfortable with a brief adjustment period

Whether you’re a working professional, student, or just someone who wants straight teeth without visible wires, lingual braces offer a powerful blend of performance and privacy.

Discover Expert Lingual Braces Care in San Francisco

Understanding how lingual braces work is the first step toward making an informed decision about your orthodontic care. These hidden braces offer all the power of traditional systems—without the look.

Looking for truly discreet, customized care?
Dr. Camilo Riano specializes in lingual braces in San Francisco, offering personalized, expert-led treatment that helps you achieve the smile you want—confidently and invisibly.
Schedule a complimentary consultation today and explore whether lingual braces are right for you.