Lingual braces are completely invisible because we place them on the back of the teeth instead of the front. This is the number one reason people choose this method of braces for correcting orthodontic issues. Lingual braces are most commonly used by adults who are 
concerned about aesthetics.
Not All Orthodontists Offer Lingual Braces
Not all orthodontists offer lingual braces for two reasons:
- An orthodontist is required to get further education from the American Lingual Orthodontic Association to learn how to use the tools needed for the application.
- All lingual braces are custom-engineered for each patient, and the doctor must learn how to do this as well.
Love Orthodontics is proud to say that Dr. Grewal has received specialized training and is authorized to offer lingual braces as an additional option for those who qualify for this type of treatment.
Who is a Candidate for Lingual Braces?
Because we place lingual braces on the back of the teeth, there are some conditions that we can’t treat with this method. For example, people who have severe bite issues (such as a strong overbite) can’t use them because it would put too much pressure on the brackets and cause them to break off easily.
Teeth also have to be large enough for bracket placement (the surface of the tooth is smaller on the backside). Lingual braces would not be an appropriate treatment plan for younger children or for people with smaller teeth.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Lingual Braces
The Good:
The great thing about lingual braces is that since they are on the back of the teeth, no one will know you’re wearing them!
These braces are also self-ligating. That means no plastic ligatures or rubber bands are required to keep the brackets attached to the archwire (as with traditional braces). As a result, they’ll feel less bulky and will be easier to keep clean.
Lingual braces also use less pressure to move your teeth than more traditional types of braces, so your mouth won’t be as sore after adjustments.
The brackets of lingual braces are smaller, rounder, and smoother than traditional braces, so there’s less tongue irritation.
The Bad:
It can be a little more challenging to keep your teeth clean than with traditional braces. You’ll need to make sure that you always brush the backs of your teeth both above and below the brackets. This is easier to do with a special narrow-tipped toothbrush. You’ll also need to use a special type of dental floss that will be more effective in keeping the areas between your teeth clean.
Regardless of what type of braces option you choose, there will always be an adjustment period of a few weeks. Lingual braces are a little more difficult to get used to because your tongue rests against them, and the tongue is involved in more mouth functions than you might realize.
- You may feel you’re having difficulty swallowing at first. You CAN still swallow, but you’ll have to adapt to doing it a bit differently. We usually thrust our tongues forward to swallow; until you’ve adjusted to the feel of having braces, you will want to practice gently touching your teeth together before you swallow.
- Talking might feel a bit tricky. It helps to practice over-enunciating your words for a few weeks to overcome sounding “lispy.”
- Your tongue will be sore until it adjusts to the braces. We recommend rinsing your mouth with warm, salt water to soothe any raw areas and using orthodontic wax over your braces until your tongue has better adapted.
- Because lingual braces put less pressure on the teeth than traditional braces, treatment time may take a bit longer.
The Ugly:
There is no “ugly!” That’s the great thing about lingual braces — they won’t show!
Free Consultation
All braces have their pros and cons — and every patient has individual needs and preferences. We are happy to discuss all options and answer any questions that you may have to determine what’s right for YOU. At Love Orthodontics, we offer a free consultation and evaluation for your convenience.