LingualBraces

There's a type of orthodontics most people don't know about. Braces that go on the back of your teeth.

Lingual braces are brackets and wires — like traditional braces — but placed on the tongue side of your teeth. From the front, nothing is visible. Not up close. Not on camera. Not across the table.

This is the only truly invisible orthodontic option.

How Lingual Braces Work

The mechanics are the same as traditional braces: brackets bonded to your teeth, connected by a wire, applying controlled pressure to guide movement over time.

The difference is placement. The brackets sit on the inner surface — the lingual surface — of your teeth. No one sees them from outside your mouth.

At Bloom, we use InSmile Braces: custom-fabricated lingual brackets designed specifically for your teeth. No two sets are alike.

What Lingual Braces Fix

• Crowding
• Spacing and gaps
• Overbite, underbite, crossbite
• Open bite
• Complex alignment issues that may be difficult to address with aligners

Lingual braces handle the full range of orthodontic cases, including complex ones. Their bracket-and-wire mechanics allow precise control over individual tooth movement.

What to Expect

Placement appointment. About 1–2 hours. Dr. Vu places each bracket precisely on the back of your teeth.

Adjustment period. Your tongue adapts over the first 2–4 weeks. Initial speech changes and tongue irritation are common and temporary.

Check-ins. Every 4–6 weeks. We monitor progress and make adjustments.

Timeline. Most cases complete in 12–24 months depending on complexity.

Retainers. Required after treatment. We provide them. They keep your smile where you put it.

Lingual Braces vs. Clear Aligners

The core question: fixed or removable?

Aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, drink, and brush. You must wear them 20–22 hours a day. Compliance is on you.

Lingual braces are fixed. They work 24/7. You don't remove them. No forgetting, no losing trays, no calculating hours. They just work.

If compliance is a real concern — or if you want the most invisible option possible — lingual is the answer. See our full clear aligners vs. lingual braces comparison.

Why Bloom for Lingual Braces

Lingual braces require specialized training. Not all orthodontists offer them. Dr. Vu is trained and experienced in lingual technique.

Every case at Bloom is handled by a board-certified orthodontist — not a general dentist. That distinction affects your result, especially for complex cases.

We have two locations: Long Beach and Garden Grove.

Cost and Financing

Lingual braces typically range from $8,000–$15,000 depending on case complexity. The premium over aligners reflects custom fabrication, specialized training, and longer chair time.

Flexible monthly financing is available. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of treatment. We verify your benefits before you start.

See our full lingual braces cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lingual braces truly invisible? Yes. From the front, there is nothing visible. Not up close, not on camera.

Do lingual braces affect speech? Temporarily. Most patients adapt within 2–4 weeks. The tongue adjusts to the brackets.

Are lingual braces harder to clean? They require more attention than smooth aligners. A water flosser is helpful. We provide a full cleaning protocol at placement.

Can lingual braces fix severe crowding? Yes. Their bracket-and-wire mechanics allow complex tooth movements that some aligner cases can't achieve.

How long does treatment take? Most cases: 12–24 months. Complex cases may take longer. We give you a specific estimate at consultation.

Why do lingual braces cost more? Custom bracket fabrication for each individual patient, specialized clinical training, and longer appointment time all contribute to the cost.