If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, there are a number of dental solutions you might be considering, from Invisalign and retainers to traditional metal braces. But what about lingual braces?
Lingual braces are orthodontic braces glued to the back (or lingual) surface of your teeth, making them invisible when you smile. This treatment can straighten teeth as effectively as traditional braces for mild to moderate cases. Modern technologies have also enabled a more efficient timeline, including fewer in-chair appointments thanks to a more automated adjustment process.
This can be an exciting option for correcting crooked teeth, closing gaps, and improving bite alignment without any visible metal. In this article, we’ll look at how lingual braces work, how they differ from traditional braces, and how Ortho Co. can help as a leading Sydney orthodontist.
How lingual braces work
Lingual braces are bonded to the inside surfaces of your teeth and are used to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. Unlike traditional braces, they use customised brackets and wires (or, in the case of Brava™, flexible independent arms) to gently pull teeth into their ideal positions.
Lingual braces are best suited to patients with healthy gums, as they require a sturdy foundation. They also suit those working in television, on-screen, or other front-facing industries where appearance is important, given their completely discreet nature. Ortho Co. also recommends lingual braces as an efficient option, whether patients need quicker treatment or are preparing for an upcoming event (such as a wedding).
What are Lingual Braces used for?
Lingual braces offer the full benefits of orthodontic treatment without the appearance of brackets and wires sitting on the front of the teeth. They are effective for mild to moderate cases of malocclusion, crooked teeth, or misalignment.
Lingual braces are a great and efficient way to treat malocclusion, crowding, and gaps across a range of complexity. However, results and recommendations are largely influenced by the experience of the orthodontist and their ability to utilise the technology. Our team at Ortho Co. is trained to use the innovation of lingual braces to treat most dental concerns.
Compared to other treatment options, lingual braces can generally handle more complexity than Invisalign, but aren’t always up to the task of correcting severe misalignment. Where extreme dental concerns are involved, Ortho Co. may recommend a different solution. Reach out to us to discuss your specific concerns and whether lingual braces are the right care plan for you.
Difference between lingual braces and traditional braces
The big difference between lingual and traditional braces is placement: one sits behind the teeth, the other sits in front. But there are also slight differences in cost and suitability, depending on case complexity.
Let’s take a look at what these orthodontic treatments have in common, and how they differ:
| Feature | Lingual Braces | Traditional Braces |
| Placement | Behind the teeth (hidden from view) | On the front of the teeth |
| Aesthetics | Virtually invisible | Highly visible |
| Comfort | May cause more tongue discomfort (ulcers) | Can cause irritation to lips and gums |
| Treatment Duration | 9-15 months | 18-24 months |
| Cost | Generally higher due to customisation, complexity, and materials | More affordable in comparison |
| Effectiveness | Effective for complex cases, but harder to adjust | Effective for most orthodontic issues |
| Maintenance | Requires more care, and adjustments can be challenging | Easier to adjust and maintain |
Lingual braces brands: From WIN to Brava™ by Brius
As a trusted orthodontist Parramatta, Ortho Co. is proud to offer both WIN and Brava™ lingual braces, ensuring patients have access to proven and innovative treatment options.
WIN Lingual Braces
These are a more traditional version of lingual braces. They are fully customised to the back of each tooth and deliver excellent results through discreet treatment. They require in-chair appointments for adjustments, similar to traditional braces, and patients can expect similar treatment times.
Brava™ by Brius
This next-generation lingual system uses flexible arms behind the teeth to move each tooth directly into place, rather than relying on just brackets and wires. Adjustments are pre-programmed from the initial installation, allowing for automated changes throughout treatment. This innovative design means fewer in-chair appointments are required and, for some patients, shorter overall treatment times.
Here at Ortho Co., we take the time to understand our patients’ lifestyles, preferences, and personality type. We recommend the appliance best suited to you following an initial consultation and assessment of your specific dental concerns. Our specialist team combines the anatomy of your teeth and malocclusion with your treatment goals to develop a care plan that’s tailored to you.
Benefits and drawbacks of lingual braces
| Benefits of Lingual Braces | Drawbacks of Lingual Braces |
| Invisible orthodontic treatment, suitable for teens and adults who prefer discreet treatment | Temporary tongue irritation or mild speech changes |
| Effective for many cases, including crowding, spacing, and bite problems | Slightly more challenging to clean than front braces |
| Custom-designed for each patient’s teeth | Not all orthodontists offer lingual systems, which is why it’s important to see a specialist like Dr Doreen at Ortho Co. |
| With Brava™, patients may need fewer adjustments and less chair time | Not always recommended for severe cases (depending on orthodontist experience) |
Cost of lingual braces treatment
Lingual braces are highly customised, require specialist training, and involve higher lab costs due to the technology and design work involved. This tends to make them more expensive than traditional braces or clear aligners.
Costs will vary based on:
- The complexity of your case
- Whether you choose WIN or Brava™
- Length of treatment
At Ortho Co., we also offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options, so you can better plan for your orthodontic treatment. You have the ability to choose what suits your financial situation, whether paying upfront for a discounted total, or spreading the cost over time. This includes interest-free payment plans, usually involving a deposit followed by monthly or weekly instalments, depending on your preference. Generally, our lowest deposit amount sits at $4,000, followed by $500 monthly payments or $250 fortnightly payments.
Our orthodontic treatment is all-inclusive, meaning every appointment associated with your lingual braces is already accounted for. Our one-off fee includes everything you need:
- Appliances (including retainers upon completion)
- Follow-up visits
- Any repairs or care appointments
- Mandatory 6 to 8 week adjustment visits
- 2 years of after-care
Are Lingual Braces Covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance?
Medicare does not cover lingual braces, as most routine orthodontic treatments are classified as elective, cosmetic, or general dental care rather than essential medical procedures. However, in rare cases where treatment is essential, Medicare may offer rebates.
Private health insurers, however, usually include an item number that provides a rebate for orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces fall under the same item category as traditional metal braces. Rebate amounts will depend on your specific plan and the benefits it includes. Speak to your provider or reach out to our team for more details.
Common Concerns Regarding Lingual Braces
As is the case with many treatment options, there are some common concerns regarding lingual braces worth noting. Moving teeth will always cause some discomfort, regardless of the method or treatment process used. However, many of these concerns are simply a matter of adjusting to the sensation of the braces, and can be managed relatively easily at home.
| Concern | What to expect | Tips and solutions |
| Pain | In the first week, teeth may feel bruised and weak, particularly when eating. Teeth settle into the movement after about a week and appetite returns to normal (some tongue discomfort, including ulcers, is normal) | Stick to softer foods in the first week. Wax is provided to ease irritation, along with a salt water rinse. Your tongue will gradually get used to the sensation |
| Speaking | A slight lisp is normal, along with an unusual feeling behind the tongue. Speech typically returns to normal within one to two weeks | Practice speaking slower and louder, with more deliberate tongue movement. Ortho Co. also provides exercises to help you adjust |
| Cleaning | Requires more effort than traditional braces, especially around the wires | Use a water flosser or water pick (particularly important with Brava™), along with interdental brushes. Brush for four minutes, twice a day, to cover the extra surface area. A Peroxyl mouthwash can also help toughen and protect the gums |
| Tongue | Feels rougher than with traditional braces | Discomfort eases as your tongue adjusts over time |
After Your Lingual Braces Are Removed
Once your lingual braces have been removed (usually within 9 to 15 months), our team will provide you with take-home retainers. These are custom-made to your teeth to ensure the treatment lasts and teeth do not shift once the braces are gone. However, retainers require careful discipline, as refusing to wear them, or forgetting to do so, may compromise how effective the results are.
We provide you with 2 types of retainers. The first is a white gold wire fixed to the back of the teeth, which should remain in place for at least 2 years, but can be worn for a lifetime. This wire is invisible unless someone is looking directly into your mouth. The second is a set of removable retainers that should be worn every night for the 2 years following your lingual braces treatment. Our team at Ortho Co. recommends continuing use after this period, wearing the retainers 1 to 2 nights a week for a lifetime.
Follow-up care is nearly as important as the treatment itself for lasting results.
How Ortho Co. Can Help
At Ortho Co., we work with some of the most advanced lingual systems, including WIN lingual appliances and the innovative Brava™ by Brius, both designed to deliver full orthodontic treatment without anyone noticing.
From your first appointment, we’ll explain your options so you can choose the treatment that best fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget.
As experienced Canterbury orthodontists, we understand that fixing your teeth isn’t just about appearance; it can also improve your speech, alleviate jaw pain, enhance chewing, and overall dental health.
Book your consultation today at Ortho Co. and find out how lingual braces can transform your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lingual Braces
1. What are lingual braces full treatment?
Lingual braces full treatment refers to a complete orthodontic plan, from start to finish, using braces placed behind the teeth.
This can include correcting crooked teeth, bite issues, or spacing problems, all while keeping the braces hidden.
2. Do lingual braces hurt?
Like all orthodontic treatment, you may feel some pressure or discomfort at first, but it usually settles quickly.
There may be some tongue irritation as you’re getting used to the braces.
3. Will lingual braces affect my speech?
Some patients notice a lisp at first, but speech typically improves within a couple of weeks.
4. Are lingual braces faster than regular braces?
Treatment time depends on your case. With Brava™, some patients notice faster progress because each tooth moves independently.
