Lingual Braces

Truly Incognito Orthodontic Treatment

If you’re ready to achieve the smile of your dreams but don’t love the look of traditional braces—and clear aligners aren’t the right fit—lingual braces may be your perfect solution. Lingual braces are the only fixed orthodontic technology that is truly incognito, allowing your life to carry on seamlessly while they quietly transform your smile in the background.

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What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are made from the same components as traditional braces with one key difference—they are fixed to the back of the teeth. This placement makes them virtually invisible, so you can go about your life and no one will know you’re starting your smile transformation.

How They Work

Lingual braces work just like traditional braces, only they are hidden! A metal archwire is attached to brackets on the inside of your teeth, applying gentle pressure to gradually shift them into place. This behind-the-scenes placement means your treatment is working without drawing attention to it.

Benefits

Lingual braces are a great option for patients looking for a beautiful smile without the look of traditional braces or the daily commitment of clear aligners. They are adept at handling more complex cases, including severe bite problems, spacing and overcrowding, so whatever your smile needs, you can reap the benefits of truly incognito orthodontic treatment.

Like traditional braces, lingual braces do come with some challenges. It is imperative that you listen to any care instructions that Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little give you. Since they are on the inside of your teeth, you must be extremely careful about what you eat and drink. Maintaining a diet that is safe for braces and practicing excellent oral hygiene is the key to successful and efficient treatment.

Dentist explaining lingual braces and their benefits to patient in dental office

Lingual braces may temporarily affect your speech while your tongue adjusts to their position. This is a common and short-term adjustment—many patients find that any changes resolve within the first few weeks.

Common Questions About Lingual Braces

At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we want to ensure that you are fully informed before starting any treatment for yourself or your child. Below are some of the most common questions Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little are asked about lingual braces. If you still have questions after reading, please feel free to give us a call at (618) 400-0900!

How long is treatment?

During your complimentary consultation, we will provide an estimate of how long treatment may take. Every smile is different, so the timeline varies depending on individual smile needs and goals. Most patients complete treatment in about one to three years, but Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little will give you a more precise idea based on your case.

What if something breaks?

Even if you follow care instructions perfectly, we understand that accidents happen. If you end up with a broken bracket or wire, call our office right away at (618) 400-0900 to reach our emergency orthodontics line. Our team will guide you on the best next steps. We also encourage you to check out our pages on Common Questions About Orthodontics and Orthodontic Emergencies for more helpful information. We are here to support you no matter what!

Are lingual braces more uncomfortable than traditional braces?

Patients typically experience some discomfort with any kind of braces—especially when they are first put on or after adjustments. Because braces rest against the soft tissues of the mouth, some soreness is normal. With lingual braces, you may experience more irritation on your tongue at first since it rests close to the brackets. Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little recommend using orthodontic wax on any spots that cause irritation and taking over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. If you ever have questions or persistent soreness, please give us a call. We’re happy to help.

Are Lingual Braces Right For You?

At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we understand the importance of a beautiful smile and that traditional braces or clear aligners aren’t the right choice for everyone. If you are interested in lingual braces, we encourage you to request your complimentary consultation today. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your unique smile needs—bringing you one step closer to the smile of your dreams. We can’t wait to meet you and support you every step of the way!

Your Smile Journey Starts Here

Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics makes treatment fun, comfortable and patient-focused in both of our welcoming offices. With advanced tools like in-house 3D-printed aligners and precise CBCT scans, we deliver efficient, high-quality results. We proudly give back through school programs, community events and local sponsorships, and we make confident smiles affordable with flexible, no-interest financing. Ready to get started? Request your appointment today and experience the HJO difference!