Lingual Braces: Efficacy, Cost & Comparisons

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces, including the metal brackets and wires involved, but the entire system sits on the inside of your teeth rather than the outside. This means they are practically invisible to other people.

Lingual braces don’t work for everyone. They are only good for certain candidates, just like most orthodontic devices.

The Ups & Downs of Lingual Braces

Lingual braces can be a highly effective option to realign your smile. Many adults ask about this option because they do not want their orthodontic treatment to be visible, they play a woodwind or brass instrument, or they play sports. Lingual braces are a better option for these hobbies and professions.

More importantly, lingual braces are permanent. They remain on your teeth until your dentist removes them, which means you cannot forget to put them in or lose them as you might with clear, plastic aligners.

For people with very crowded teeth or some types of crossbite or overbites, braces are a more effective treatment than clear aligners. And your dentist has more control over how tight the braces are at the end of each checkup, allowing them to control your treatment plan more effectively.

There are some downsides to lingual braces. These are some of them:

Availability, Time & Cost Might Be Barriers

Aside from appearance, some of the biggest concerns for adults considering their dental alignment options are cost, length of treatment time, and availability. Lingual braces may be practically invisible, but they are not the best option when considering some other factors.

Still, if you want an invisible option but have greater orthodontic needs that clear aligners are less suited for, lingual braces may be a good option.

Lingual braces cost breakdown

As we mentioned, lingual braces can cost between $5,000 and $13,000 based on surveys performed by CostHelper. Typically, the fees include everything you need for the treatment program, but sometimes, other costs are involved.

CostHelper reports that other fees can include the following:

• Initial consultation exam: $100-$200

• Dental x-rays: $10-$250

• Retainers: $200-$1,000

• Replacement retainers: $100-$500

Insurance & financing options

Your dental insurance company may help to reduce the lingual braces cost you’ll face at the end of care. However, you must read your policy carefully and understand what is and is not covered.

A full-coverage dental insurance plan often includes orthodontic treatment, such as braces or other devices used to align your teeth. However, your plan may include clauses you should know about, including the following:

• Limits: Some plans place a cap on how much you can spend on treatment every year. If you choose an expensive option (like lingual braces), you may be required to pay more.

• Exclusions: Your plan may require you to get the least expensive form of braces, not the lingual versions. If you don’t comply, you could be asked to pay more.

• Networks: Some plans require you to work with a specific vendor or dentist to use your benefits fully.

Contact your insurance company and explain the treatment you’d like to use and the partner you’ve chosen. Ask how much you’ll be asked to pay in this scenario, and determine if there are other options that could cut your bill.

If you don’t have dental insurance, you have options. CostHelper reports that many orthodontists offer interest-free payment plans with a downpayment of up to 33% with monthly payments lasting for two years.

If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you could use those funds to pay for orthodontic care. Ask your employer if you’re enrolled in such a program now, and if not, when you can sign up.

Who is a Candidate for Lingual Braces?

Because they are virtually unnoticeable throughout treatment, lingual braces are most likely to be considered by someone who is concerned about their appearance and wants their orthodontic device to be almost undetectable.

You may also be a candidate for lingual braces if you fit the following criteria:

• You’re okay with a longer adjustment period and working through possible speech and eating problems. Because lingual braces are placed on the back of your teeth, and closer to your tongue, they may interfere more with chewing and talking before you get used to them. It may take a few weeks before these daily activities feel more normal.

• You’re willing to put more effort into daily oral hygiene. In order to avoid staining and decay, it’s important for anyone with braces to be diligent about keeping up with their oral care. This can be especially time-consuming with lingual braces, which require cleaning the area behind the teeth, where the braces are placed.

• Money isn’t a concern. Although dental prices vary, lingual braces can cost twice as much as traditional metal braces. Fittings and adjustments can take longer too, which can also add to the price tag. Most insurance companies won’t cover the full expense.

• You’re patient. The process for being fit for lingual braces, and having them put on, can take longer than with some other types of braces. Treatment may take longer in some cases.

• You’re willing to search out the right dentist. Lingual braces aren’t as popular or readily available as many other orthodontic options. Finding a dentist who offers them and is experienced in treating patients with them may require some research and possibly some travel.

Effectiveness and long-term benefits

In a head-to-head study comparing lingual braces to traditional versions, researchers found no differences in their ability to move teeth. In other words, devices that are glued to your teeth and connected with wires are very good at adjusting your smile.

In a secondary study, researchers found that lingual braces cause pain that starts earlier and lasts longer than the discomfort associated with regular braces. People with lingual braces also have more tongue discomfort and cheek/lip pain, and they also struggle to adapt to the devices while they eat and talk.

However, some people find that lingual benefits come with very real benefits.

Researchers say that many people get braces due to difficulties with self-esteem. Sometimes, the problem doesn’t get better when they get braces. Placing brackets on the back of the teeth could keep the treatment private, and for some, it could mean better self-esteem.

Lingual Braces Might Work Well for You

Lingual braces may be a good option for many adults seeking orthodontic treatment, and they can work for some teenagers. They are not a good orthodontic option for children or younger adolescents, whose teeth may be too small to manage this approach.

Although they are more expensive than many orthodontic devices, lingual braces can still be partially covered by insurance if your dentist diagnoses the orthodontic work as necessary.

The time commitment is about the same as other intensive types of dental alignment, and you have the benefit of seeing your dentist every few weeks or months for adjustments and to check that the braces are clean.

In-person exams can reduce the risk of different types of misalignment and ensure your teeth are healthy. Your dentist will also be able to adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

While many adults opt for clear, plastic aligners for ease, you may find you prefer the appearance, or lack thereof, of lingual braces.

Alternatives to Lingual Braces

For some people, the “cons” of lingual braces — including the cost, care, and potential discomfort — outweigh the benefits. Those seeking another option may consider the following:

Metal Braces

Metal braces are also known as traditional braces, and they use metallic wires and attachments to achieve a great smile and bite after treatment. With a price tag of around $3,000 to $7,000, they are the most affordable braces option, but also the most noticeable throughout treatment.For some complex or severe orthodontic issues, metal braces may be the only option available. Metal braces can also be customized with fun colorful bands.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces use the same bracket-and-band design as traditional metal braces, but instead of metallic attachments, clear or tooth-colored brackets and/or wires blend more into the teeth. They’re slightly more expensive than metal braces and usually cost around $4,000 to $8,000.

Clear Braces

Clear braces, like Invisalign or other brands, use a clear material to form braces around the teeth. As with other types of braces, permanent clear braces are customized to your bite and fitted accordingly to shift teeth into place.Because of their clear appearance, these braces are another top choice for people looking for a less noticeable alternative to metal braces. However, clear braces are more expensive than traditional braces. They usually cost around $3,500 to $8,000. They’re also not suitable to correct every orthodontic issue.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are custom-made, clear, removable devices that fit over your teeth and guide them into correct positions.

When you go with a clear aligner treatment, you start the process by having an initial scan (or at-home impression kit) completed to analyze your current bite and where your teeth need to move in order to achieve your optimal smile. Then, a series of clear teeth aligners is created.You’ll wear each set for a period (usually about two weeks) before moving on to the next, as your teeth are gradually shifted into their ideal positions. 

Clear aligners are more affordable than braces, with costs ranging from around $1,800 to $2,500.  Treatment is usually complete within four to six months. 

While braces require multiple in-office visits and adjustments, the process for many clear aligner sets can be completed entirely from home as progress is monitored by a dentist virtually.

The convenience and accessibility of clear aligners have made them increasingly popular, but they’re not for everyone. Because aligners are removable, they require commitment from the user. They won’t work if you don’t wear them. 

Also, clear aligners may not be able to address severe orthodontic problems. An initial scan or at-home impression kit can determine if clear aligners will work for you. Some providers, like Byte, will refund the cost of the impression kit if you’re not able to proceed with treatment.