Lingual Braces: Cost, What They Are, vs. Invisalign & More

What are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces except for the fact that they’re bonded on the back (lingual) surfaces of your teeth. So, when you’re speaking or smiling, others won’t notice that you’re going through orthodontic treatment because the braces aren’t visible. With behind-the-teeth braces, you can still enjoy a great social life and smile whenever you feel the need!

How Much Do Lingual Braces Cost?

You’re probably thinking this all sounds great, but what about costs? Are behind the teeth braces more expensive than regular braces? As with most things that are made to be more convenient for us, yes, lingual braces do cost a bit more than traditional ones.

In addition to being invisible, offering lingual braces requires special training, meaning they aren’t offered in all practices. Luckily, Braces Haven in Ottawa offers behind the teeth braces, as well as other orthodontic options to fit your individual needs.  

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect the typical cost of each orthodontic treatment in Ottawa to be:

  • Traditional braces average cost: $6,000
  • Lingual braces average cost: $8,000
  • Invisalign average cost: $6,500

As you can see, there are treatment options to fit various budgets. We even offer convenient payment plans to help make your orthodontic care more affordable. If you have dental insurance, it’s worth looking into your coverage as they may cover a significant portion of the costs.


Lingual Braces vs. Invisalign: Which is Better?

Both lingual braces and Invisalign are great options for orthodontic treatment.  The one that’s right for you may be a personal choice. Some things to consider are how are they differ from each other.

With lingual braces, your orthodontic treatment is always with you.  You don’t have to constantly remember to wear your trays like with Invisalign. There’s nothing to take out before eating. You don’t have to worry about losing or breaking aligners.

However, cleaning your teeth with Invisalign is easier than with lingual braces since the trays are removable. There aren’t any special flossers needed to maneuver around wires and brackets. You’ll also be able to play instruments that you can’t with braces behind the teeth.

When you come in for your Braces Haven consultation, Dr. Cohen, our Ottawa Orthodontist, can help you decide which treatment option is best for your needs.


How Do Behind-the-Teeth Braces Work?

Braces behind the teeth work the same way as braces in front of the teeth. The brackets and wires put gentle pressure on the teeth, guiding them to their new positions.


Lingual Braces Pros and Cons

With different types of braces there are advantages and disadvantages worth considering.  Let’s look into some of the pros and cons of having behind the teeth braces.


Lingual Braces Pros:

  • Virtually invisible
  • You get the same results as with other orthodontic treatments
  • They have no age restrictions

Lingual Braces Cons:

  • Can temporarily affect your speech
  • Irritation of the tongue may occur
  • They tend to cost more than other options
  • They’re harder to clean than other orthodontic appliances


Types of Lingual Braces

Braces Haven is a family orthodontic practice in Ottawa that’s proud to offer the HARMONY Lingual Braces system.


About the HARMONY Lingual Braces

Each HARMONY orthodontic treatment is digitally customized using state of the art technology to ensure the goals of each patient are being met.

Using a digitally scanned image of your teeth, Dr. Cohen will construct the perfect treatment plan for your smile. Your HARMONY System is then custom engineered keeping your comfort in mind. The brackets will be as small and smooth as possible to help you quickly adapt to your new appliances. Once ready, they’ll be easily and quickly bonded to the tongue side of your teeth.

The self-ligating technology of the HARMONY System allows our Ottawa orthodontist to achieve fast, precise tooth alignment. Unlike with traditional braces, no elastic O-rings (colorful rubber bands) are required.


How Do You Clean Lingual Braces?

Just like regular braces, the brackets and wires from lingual braces tend to attract plaque and tartar buildup. In order to avoid having it turn into decalcification or tooth decay, you should practice excellent oral hygiene.

Brush after every meal: Keep a toothbrush with you at all times so there’s no excuse for you not to brush your teeth. When you do, make sure that you brush as well as you can on the back side of your teeth where your braces are.  Moving the toothbrush in different angles will help you clean those hard to reach surfaces.

Floss regularly: At least once per day, you should be flossing your teeth.  Lingual wires will require a special kind of floss known as floss threaders.  Our dental hygienists can show you how to use them. Using a water flosser can help make your flossing routine a lot easier.

Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to help prevent decalcification and tooth decay.

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Lingual Braces

Do lingual braces take longer? The HARMONY System is uniquely customized, meaning that with lingual braces, duration may be less than with the traditional system. Lingual braces treatment times can be anywhere from 12 to 30 months.

Do lingual braces fix Overbites? Lingual braces can fix several bite issues including crossbites, underbites, gaps in teeth and overcrowding. This system can even correct some overbite issues. However, patients with a deep overbite are generally not prime candidates for behind the teeth braces. During your consultation, Dr. Cohen will be able to determine if your overbite would put too much pressure on the brackets, causing them to pop off.

Do lingual (behind-the-teeth) braces affect speech? Since all the components of behind-the-teeth braces are so close the tongue, you will likely experience some changes in your speech, but your tongue should learn to quickly adapt to the change.

We Have the Right Treatment Option for You

If you’d like to see if lingual braces are the right type of orthodontics for you or you want to explore other options, then give Braces Haven in Ottawa a call today.