What are Lingual braces? Are they effective? How much do they cost?

Lingual braces are considered a significant advancement in orthodontics, as they combine the reliable tooth movement of traditional metal braces with the high level of aesthetics associated with clear aligners. This is possible because the entire appliance system is positioned on the inner surfaces of the teeth, making it virtually invisible during treatment.

To better understand what Lingual braces are, their advantages, and whether they are suitable for your specific case, let’s explore the details with Smilux Dental in the article below.

Lingual braces smilux dental — What are Lingual braces? Are they effective? How much do they cost?

What are Lingual braces?

Lingual braces (also known as lingual orthodontics) are a fixed orthodontic treatment that uses a system of brackets, archwires, and ligatures bonded to the inner (lingual) surfaces of the teeth, in direct contact with the tongue.

This appliance system delivers continuous, controlled forces in each stage of treatment, allowing the teeth to gradually move into their ideal positions along the dental arch according to the orthodontist’s treatment plan.

Unlike traditional labial braces, where brackets are attached to the outer surfaces of the teeth, Lingual braces are completely concealed on the inner side, making them virtually invisible during everyday communication.

Are Lingual braces effective?

Lingual braces were first developed in the 1970s by Dr. Fujita in Japan and Dr. Kurtz in the United States. This technique is considered a modern orthodontic solution that combines the effective tooth movement of traditional braces with the aesthetic advantage of clear aligners, thanks to the appliance system being placed entirely on the inner surfaces of the teeth.

Below are the key advantages of Lingual braces:

High orthodontic effectiveness

Lingual braces utilize a system of brackets and archwires to deliver consistent and controlled forces, allowing teeth to move gradually into their correct positions along the dental arch. Their effectiveness is comparable to conventional braces, making them suitable for correcting various dental and bite irregularities.

Excellent aesthetics

Because all components are bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth, Lingual braces are virtually invisible during daily communication. Patients can confidently work, socialize, and interact without concerns about their appearance.

Protection of the outer tooth surface

Since the outer (labial) surfaces of the teeth remain untouched throughout treatment, this helps reduce the risk of white spot lesions, enamel demineralization, or aesthetic issues after debonding.

Reduced irritation to lips and cheeks

With brackets positioned on the inner side, Lingual braces minimize friction and irritation to the lips and cheeks. This makes them particularly suitable for individuals who are physically active or participate in sports.

Comparison between Lingual braces and other orthodontic methods

Lingual braces	Clear aligners	Metal braces	Ceramic braces
Brackets bonded to the inner (lingual) surfaces of the teeth	No brackets, uses clear removable aligners	Brackets bonded to the outer (labial) surfaces of the teeth	Brackets bonded to the outer surfaces of the teeth
Very high aesthetics, nearly invisible	Low aesthetics, easily noticeable	Very high aesthetics, nearly invisible	Less noticeable than metal braces
High orthodontic effectiveness, suitable for complex cases	Good effectiveness for mild to moderate cases	High orthodontic effectiveness, suitable for complex cases	High orthodontic effectiveness, suitable for complex cases
High treatment cost	Low treatment cost	High treatment cost	Low treatment cost

Who is suitable for Lingual braces?

Lingual braces are an ideal option for individuals who want discreet orthodontic treatment while maintaining a natural appearance throughout the process. This technique is suitable for correcting various types of malocclusions, including:

Overbite (protrusion): when the upper teeth extend excessively beyond the lower teeth.
Underbite: when the lower teeth protrude in front of the upper teeth.
Spacing (diastema): when there are noticeable gaps between teeth due to tooth loss or a wide dental arch.
Crowding: when teeth are misaligned, overlapping, or lack sufficient space on the dental arch.
With its ability to address both aesthetic concerns and functional bite issues, Lingual braces are particularly well suited for patients seeking effective yet invisible orthodontic correction.

The most accurate way to determine whether Lingual braces are suitable for you is to have a direct consultation with an orthodontist at Smilux Dental. During the visit, each patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation of their dental condition and occlusion, followed by a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

Please complete the FORM below to receive a complimentary consultation with the specialists at Smilux Dental, helping you choose the most appropriate orthodontic solution.

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How much do Lingual braces cost?

Lingual braces are a technically demanding orthodontic treatment, as the entire bracket system is bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth. This requires a high level of expertise from the orthodontist to precisely control force application and tooth movement throughout the treatment process. As a result, the cost of Lingual braces is typically higher than other orthodontic methods, ranging from approximately 80,000,000 to 150,000,000 VND for both arches. Below is a reference pricing table at Smilux Dental for your consideration:

Total cost: 90,000,000 – 150,000,000 VND (both arches)
Level 1 (Mild cases) – Minor misalignment: 90,000,000 – 110,000,000 VND
Level 2 (Moderate cases) – Moderate crowding: 110,000,000 – 130,000,000 VND
Level 3 (Complex cases) – Severe malocclusion, protrusion or misaligned bite: 130,000,000 – 150,000,000 VND

Why choose Lingual braces at Smilux Dental?

Smilux Dental is a licensed dental clinic accredited by the Department of Health, offering a full range of services from general dentistry to advanced orthodontics. The clinic is committed to delivering safe, transparent, and effective treatment tailored to each patient.

When choosing Lingual braces at Smilux Dental, patients can expect a professional environment with clear protocols and measurable outcomes:

Patient safety and oral health are prioritized throughout the entire treatment process.
Modern equipment supports accurate diagnosis and effective treatment monitoring.
Experienced orthodontists directly manage and follow each case from start to finish.
Personalized treatment plans are developed based on each patient’s dental condition.
Transparent pricing is provided from the beginning, minimizing unexpected costs.
A clear treatment contract outlines the timeline and expected results.
Each patient is monitored consistently by a dedicated orthodontist.
Comprehensive consultation, imaging, and diagnostics are provided to build an appropriate treatment plan.
Flexible payment options make orthodontic treatment more accessible.
Advanced Biolight technology for enhanced comfort and efficiency

At Smilux Dental, Biolight technology is integrated into orthodontic treatment to improve patient comfort and optimize outcomes. This advanced solution combines low-level laser therapy with an antibacterial Ag+ ion coating, supporting both effective tooth movement and oral health throughout treatment.

Low-level laser therapy gently stimulates the periodontal tissues, helping control orthodontic forces and guiding teeth to move accurately according to the treatment plan. This can shorten treatment time compared to conventional methods while reducing discomfort and sensitivity, especially during the initial stages.
Ag+ antibacterial coating helps limit bacterial accumulation around the brackets, which is particularly important for Lingual braces, where cleaning can be more challenging. This reduces the risk of gingival inflammation, bad breath, and enamel damage during treatment.

The combination of Biolight technology and a personalized orthodontic approach at Smilux Dental ensures a smoother, more comfortable treatment experience while maintaining long-term stability. Patients can confidently undergo orthodontic treatment with minimal disruption to their daily activities and a reduced risk of common complications.

Lingual braces treatment process

Step 1: Examination and comprehensive diagnosis

The orthodontist evaluates the overall oral condition, analyzes the occlusion, and determines the severity of misalignment. Patients undergo Cone Beam CT (CBCT) imaging to assess jawbone structure, tooth position, and any underlying issues. Based on this data, a personalized treatment plan is developed, including a clear explanation of treatment duration and tooth movement strategy.

Step 2: Dental impressions and customized appliance design

Detailed dental records are collected to design a fully customized Lingual braces system for each patient. This step is essential to ensure precise fit and optimal force control throughout the treatment process.

Step 3: Bonding of Lingual brackets

The orthodontist bonds the brackets to the inner (lingual) surfaces of the teeth and places the archwire system. Due to the positioning on the inner side, this procedure requires high precision and advanced clinical expertise.

Step 4: Follow up and periodic adjustments

After appliance placement, patients receive instructions on oral hygiene and care during treatment. Regular follow up visits are scheduled to adjust orthodontic forces, monitor progress, and promptly address any issues that may arise.

Important notes after getting Lingual braces

Besides the orthodontist’s expertise, at home oral care is also an important factor that directly affects the outcome of Lingual braces treatment.

This method is more difficult to clean because the appliances are positioned on the inner surfaces of the teeth. If not cared for properly, it can easily lead to gingival inflammation, bad breath, or affect the progress of tooth movement.

Below are home care instructions recommended by dentists at Smilux Dental:

Use a small head, soft bristled toothbrush to easily clean the inner bracket areas without damaging the gums.
Brush gently at an angle, guiding the toothbrush into each interdental space and around the brackets to effectively remove plaque.
Avoid brushing in a vertical direction, as it may cause the orthodontic appliances to shift or detach.
Combine dental floss, water flosser, and mouthwash to achieve deeper cleaning and reduce odor causing bacteria.
During the first few days after getting braces, prioritize soft foods such as porridge, soup, or milk to reduce sensitivity and help the teeth adapt to the appliances.
Limit tongue contact with the brackets, as it may cause irritation and discomfort.
Once adapted, you can eat normally, but it is recommended to cut food into smaller pieces or cook it softer to reduce chewing force.
Limit chewy, sticky, or hard foods, as they can damage the inner brackets.
Avoid chewing gum, as it can stick to the appliances and make cleaning difficult.
Prioritize soft fruits; for harder fruits, juice or blend them to maintain nutrition without affecting the teeth.
Avoid sugary foods, carbonated drinks, and highly acidic foods, as they can erode enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay.

CONCLUSION

In summary, if you are looking for an effective orthodontic solution while maintaining a high level of aesthetics throughout treatment, Lingual braces are an ideal choice. However, to achieve optimal results, it is essential to undergo examination and treatment at a reputable dental clinic such as Smilux Dental.

At Smilux Dental, each patient receives a comprehensive assessment and a personalized treatment plan, ensuring a safe, stable process and long term outcomes. Contact the HOTLINE (+84) 866 251 379 for detailed consultation.

FAQs

How long do Lingual braces take?

Treatment with Lingual braces typically lasts from 18 to 36 months (approximately 1.5 to 3 years), depending on the severity of tooth misalignment, jawbone condition, and the patient’s compliance throughout the treatment process.

Do Lingual braces hurt?

Lingual braces may cause discomfort and soreness, especially during the first 1–2 weeks as the teeth begin to move and the oral cavity adapts to the appliances. However, when treated at Smilux Dental, this discomfort is significantly reduced thanks to the combination of advanced Biolight technology and the expertise of highly skilled orthodontists, providing a more comfortable and manageable treatment experience.

Do Lingual braces affect speech?

Yes. Lingual braces may cause temporary speech changes, especially in the initial stage of treatment. Because the brackets are placed on the inner surfaces of the teeth, they can interfere with tongue movement when pronouncing sounds such as s, t, d, and th. However, this is only a temporary condition and typically improves within 1–2 weeks as the tongue adapts to the appliances.

Is tooth extraction required with Lingual braces?

Whether tooth extraction is needed when using Lingual braces depends on the patient’s specific dental condition. At Smilux Dental, orthodontists carefully evaluate each case before making a decision. Tooth extraction may be recommended in cases of severe crowding, significant protrusion or underbite, or when impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth need to be removed to create sufficient space for proper tooth movement along the dental arch.

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