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Lingual braces: pros, cons, and cost

June 2025

The pros of lingual bracesThe cons of lingual bracesLingual brace vs Invisalign treatmentWhat lingual braces cost

When considering orthodontic treatments, many patients evaluate the benefits of lingual braces or Invisalign clear aligners. Both options are designed to straighten teeth with minimal visibility but differ in various aspects including convenience and cost.

Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that functions like traditional braces. The key difference is that they are positioned on the inner surfaces of your teeth, making them less visible compared to standard metal braces, which are placed on the front of your teeth.1

The pros of lingual braces

Lingual braces offer several benefits that make them an appealing option for those seeking orthodontic treatment. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • Discreet design: One of the main benefits of lingual braces is the convenience of their hidden appearance. Because they’re placed on the back of your teeth, most people won’t notice them, allowing you to maintain a more natural smile during treatment.2

  • Effective for bite correction: Lingual braces are designed to address a variety of orthodontic issues, including most bite problems. They can effectively align your teeth and improve your bite, just like traditional braces.2

  • Customizable fit: Each set of lingual braces can be adjusted to fit your teeth, making them more personalized and effective during treatment.2

The cons of lingual braces

While lingual braces have their benefits, there are also several potential drawbacks to keep in mind when choosing your orthodontic treatment:

  • Discomfort: You may experience discomfort, particularly around the tongue, as the brackets and wires are positioned closer to the inside of the mouth. This can take some time to adjust to.2

  • Speech impediments or lisps: While adjusting to wearing lingual braces, you may notice a temporary lisp or speech impediment.2

  • Higher cost: On average, lingual braces cost more than their traditional braces counterparts.2

  • Longer treatment duration: Achieving your perfect smile may take longer with lingual braces than with traditional metal braces.2

  • Cleaning challenges: Lingual braces can make it more difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene.3 Because they are placed on the back of your teeth, it can be harder to brush and floss effectively, which can increase your risk of gum disease,4 tooth decay,5 cavities,6 and canker sores.6

Lingual braces vs. Invisalign treatment

Both lingual braces and Invisalign clear aligners offer the advantage of being discreet, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. However, Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating, flossing, and brushing your teeth, which can make them a more convenient option for some patients.7 Additionally, cost can be a factor when deciding between these two options, as lingual braces tend to be more expensive than Invisalign treatment.8

Cost of lingual braces

The cost of lingual braces can vary widely, typically ranging from $5,000 to $13,000.8 This price range tends to be on the higher end compared to traditional metal or ceramic braces. Several factors influence the overall treatment cost, including the complexity and duration of treatment, as well as any insurance coverage that may apply.2

While lingual braces offer a discreet solution for teeth straightening, other more affordable options like metal braces ($3,000 to $7,5009) or Invisalign aligners may be better suited to those with budget constraints. However, it’s essential to consider the severity of your misalignment when choosing the treatment that will best address your specific orthodontic needs.

Talk to your orthodontist

If you’re curious about lingual braces or want to know more about treatment options, talk to your orthodontist. They can answer your questions and help you come up with a strategy to achieve the smile of your dreams. Don’t have an orthodontist? Try Invisalign’s Find a Doctor tool to find a vetted provider near you.


Disclaimer: The information contained in this website are for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding any dental or medical-related condition and never disregard or delay seeking such advice because of something you have read on this website.

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  1. Cleveland Clinic. Teeth Braces (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24601-teeth-braces) Accessed 10/31/2024
  2. Joy R (2019 Jun 17) Lingual Braces: The Upside and Downside of Braces on the Back Side Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/lingual-braces-2
  3. WebMD. What to Know About Lingual Braces (https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-to-know-about-lingual-braces) Accessed 10/31/2024
  4. Pandey V (2016 Mar-Apr) Impact of dental neglect score on oral health among patients receiving fixed orthodontic treatment: A cross-sectional study J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4820570/
  5. Nandakumar S (2024 Oct 28) Implications of Lingual Orthodontics Compared to Conventional Orthodontics Cureus. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11604254/
  6. Gurarie M (2024 Oct 20) Your Mouth Has a Lot to Say About Your Overall Health Verywell Health, https://www.verywellhealth.com/importance-of-dental-hygiene-5235243
  7. Larson J (2021 Jan 7) What to Know About Invisalign and Its Effectiveness Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/does-invisalign-work
  8. Qiu E (2022 Nov 17) How Much Do Braces Cost? A Cost Breakdown of 3 Different Kinds of Braces GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/how-much-do-braces-cost
  9. Yetman D (2021 Apr 1) How Much Do Braces Cost? Healthine. https://www.healthline.com/health/average-cost-of-braces#cost-without-insurance