What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are fixed braces that are placed on the back (lingual) surface of your teeth—the side facing your tongue. Because they're positioned behind your teeth, they're completely invisible when you smile, talk, or laugh. No one will know you're undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you tell them.

Also known as hidden braces or incognito braces, lingual braces work exactly like traditional braces. The brackets are custom-made to fit the unique shape of each tooth's inner surface, connected by archwires that gradually move your teeth into alignment.

At Curve Orthodontics in Bangalore, Dr. Garima Gupta (MDS Orthodontics) offers lingual braces for patients who need complete discretion during treatment. If you're a professional, public figure, or simply someone who wants invisible braces without the limitations of removable aligners, lingual braces may be the perfect solution.

How Do Lingual Braces Work?

Lingual braces use the same principles as traditional braces—brackets bonded to teeth, connected by archwires that apply gentle pressure to move teeth over time. The key difference is placement: on the inner surface of teeth rather than the outer.

The Process:

1. Impressions & Scanning: Detailed impressions or 3D scans of your teeth are taken and sent to a specialized lab
2. Custom Manufacturing: Each bracket is custom-made using robotics or CAD/CAM technology to perfectly fit your tooth's inner surface
3. Bonding: The custom brackets are bonded to the back of your teeth
4. Adjustments: Regular visits for wire changes and adjustments, similar to traditional braces

Popular Lingual Systems:

• Incognito (3M) - fully customized, gold alloy brackets
• Harmony - self-ligating lingual brackets
• WIN - thin, comfortable design
• In-Ovation L - smaller bracket profile

Who Should Get Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are ideal for:

• Professionals: Executives, lawyers, salespeople, or anyone in client-facing roles
• Public Figures: Actors, TV personalities, models who need invisible treatment
• Adults Who Value Privacy: Those who prefer to keep their orthodontic treatment discreet
• Patients with Complex Cases: Those who need braces power but want invisibility
• Aligner Non-Candidates: Patients whose cases are too complex for clear aligners

Considerations:

• Adjustment period for speech (typically 1-2 weeks)
• May cause initial tongue discomfort as you adapt
• Higher cost than front-facing braces
• Requires highly specialized orthodontist training

What to Expect with Lingual Braces

Adjustment Period The first 1-2 weeks require adaptation. Your tongue will need time to adjust to the brackets on the back of your teeth. You may experience:

• Temporary speech changes (especially with "S" and "T" sounds)
• Tongue soreness as it adapts to the new surfaces
• Learning to eat with brackets on the inner teeth

Most patients fully adapt within 2-4 weeks, and speech returns to normal.

Treatment Duration Lingual braces treatment typically takes a similar amount of time as traditional braces—usually 18-24 months depending on case complexity. Some simple cases may be faster; complex cases may take longer.

Maintenance Caring for lingual braces requires:

• Careful brushing of the inner tooth surfaces
• Using special flossing tools to clean around brackets
• Regular adjustment appointments every 4-8 weeks
• Avoiding hard and sticky foods

Lingual Braces vs. Invisalign

Feature	Lingual Braces	Invisalign
Visibility	Completely hidden	Nearly invisible
Removability	Fixed 24/7	Removable
Complex Cases	Excellent	Limited
Compliance Needed	None	High (22 hrs/day)
Speech Impact	Initial adjustment	Minimal
Cost	Premium	Premium

Lingual Braces Cost in Bangalore

Lingual braces are a premium orthodontic option and cost more than front-facing braces due to:

• Custom manufacturing of each bracket
• Specialized materials (often gold alloy)
• Advanced training required for placement
• Imported components from specialized labs

The investment reflects the technology, customization, and expertise involved. At Curve Orthodontics, we provide transparent pricing and offer flexible payment plans with EMI options. During your consultation, you'll receive a detailed quote for your specific treatment needs.