Mar 25, 2025

The pros and cons of lingual braces

If you’re exploring discreet ways to straighten your smile, lingual braces might have already caught your attention. These behind-the-teeth braces offer an almost invisible solution—but are they right for you?

At Embrace Orthodontists in Canberra, we offer Incognito™ lingual braces, a custom-made system designed to deliver powerful results with minimal visual impact. As with any orthodontic treatment, it’s important to understand both the advantages and challenges before making your decision.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of lingual braces to help you weigh up your options with confidence.

Pros of lingual braces

1. Discreet appearance

The number one benefit of lingual braces is that they’re hidden behind your teeth. For adults and teens who prefer to keep their orthodontic treatment low-key, lingual braces offer complete discretion.

Whether you’re working in a professional setting, attending school, or speaking in public, you can straighten your teeth without visible brackets or wires.

2. Custom fit for greater accuracy

Because Incognito™ braces are tailored to your unique dental anatomy, they offer high levels of precision. The brackets are custom-milled to fit each tooth, and the wires are robotically bent for exact movement. This can lead to better alignment results and potentially fewer adjustment appointments.

3. Effective for a wide range of cases

Lingual braces are suitable for treating both mild and complex orthodontic concerns - such as crowding, gaps, bite issues, or rotations. They offer the strength of traditional braces with the added benefit of invisibility.

Cons of lingual braces

1. Initial discomfort and tongue irritation

One of the most common downsides of lingual braces is the adjustment period. Because the brackets sit close to your tongue, you might experience soreness or irritation in the early weeks.

Some patients also notice temporary changes in their speech - like a mild lisp - as your mouth adapts to the braces. This typically improves within a few weeks, but it’s something to consider if your job or lifestyle involves regular speaking.

2. Oral hygiene is trickier

Cleaning around lingual braces can be more time-consuming. Because the brackets are harder to see and reach, brushing and flossing requires more care and technique. Our team will equip you with the right tools and advice to help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.

3. Longer and more complex appointments

Due to their position behind the teeth, adjustments can take slightly longer than with regular braces. Not all orthodontists offer lingual braces, either - so it’s important to choose a provider (like Embrace) with specific training and experience in this area.

4. Higher cost

Lingual braces are typically more expensive than traditional or clear braces. This is due to the bespoke nature of the system and the additional time and expertise required to manage treatment. At Embrace, we offer flexible payment options to help make treatment more affordable for Canberra families.

Are lingual braces right for you?

If you’re looking for a powerful yet invisible way to straighten your teeth, lingual braces may be a great option - especially if aesthetics are a top priority.

However, they’re not the best fit for everyone. Lingual braces require commitment to oral hygiene, patience during the adjustment phase, and may not be suitable for those with certain bite types or smaller teeth.

The best way to know for sure? Book a consultation with our team at Embrace Orthodontists. With over 20 years of experience and a dedicated focus on advanced orthodontic solutions, we’ll assess your smile and help you explore the treatment that fits your lifestyle and goals - whether that’s Incognito™ lingual braces, clear aligners, or traditional braces.

Let’s find the right fit for your smile

At Embrace Orthodontists, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re curious about lingual braces - or want to know how they compare to other options - we’d love to chat.

Visit one of our conveniently located Canberra clinics in Belconnen, Manuka, or Gungahlin to start your journey toward a more confident smile.

Book your consultation today