Lingual braces are braces that go on the back of your teeth instead of the front. They straighten your smile the same way regular braces do, but nobody sees them when you talk or laugh. If you want that hidden option in Brooklyn, the team at Hanson Place Orthodontics fits lingual braces right here in the Downtown Brooklyn / Fort Greene area. This page walks through how they work, what they cost, who they suit, and how they stack up against metal braces and clear aligners.
Key takeaways
- Lingual braces are bonded to the back of the teeth, making them much less visible from the front than conventional braces.
- They can treat many of the same orthodontic problems as conventional braces, including crowding, spacing, and many bite problems, although candidacy depends on the individual case.
- Most people pay roughly $5,000 to $13,000, which is more than standard metal braces.
- Each bracket is custom-made for a single tooth from a 3D scan, which is part of why the price runs higher.
- Your tongue needs a week or two to adjust, and a short lisp is common at first.
- Ready to see if they fit your smile? Request a consultation or call (718) 550-5816.
How do lingual braces work?
Lingual braces work on the same mechanics you already picture when you think of braces. Small brackets bond to each tooth. A thin archwire connects them and applies gentle, steady pressure. Over months, that pressure walks your teeth into a straighter line.
The one real difference is placement. “Lingual” means the tongue-facing side of the tooth. Standard braces face outward; lingual braces face inward. That single change is the whole reason they disappear from view.
There’s a second difference worth knowing. The back of every tooth has its own contour, so a one-size bracket won’t do. Your orthodontist takes a digital scan of your mouth, and a lab builds each bracket to match that exact tooth surface. That custom fit lets the braces work precisely in a tight, curved space. The American Association of Orthodontists explains that all fixed braces move teeth through this same combination of steady pressure and time.
What are the benefits of lingual braces?
Here’s why many teens and adults in Brooklyn choose them:
- No one sees them. They hide behind your teeth, so you can smile in photos, present at work, or stand up in class with nothing showing.
- They handle tougher cases. Clear aligner trays are excellent for many patients, but some bite problems need the control of fixed braces. Lingual braces give you that control without the metal-mouth look.
- They’re fully custom. Each bracket is built for one specific tooth, which means a snug fit and precise movement.
- Brackets are hidden behind the teeth. Plaque and enamel damage can still occur around hidden brackets, so careful cleaning remains essential.
- They never come out. Unlike aligners, you can’t forget to wear them or lose a tray at lunch. Because they are fixed to the teeth, you don’t need to remember to put them back in after eating.
How much do lingual braces cost in Brooklyn?
Lingual braces typically run between $5,000 and $13,000 in the U.S., according to Healthline. That’s higher than metal braces, and there are clear reasons why. The brackets are custom-fabricated in a lab rather than pulled from a standard kit, and bonding them to the back of the teeth takes extra skill and chair time. Dense-urban markets like Brooklyn and greater New York also sit toward the higher end of any national range.
Your real number depends on your case. Minor crowding costs less than a full bite correction that moves many teeth over a longer span. Here’s what tends to move the price:
- How far your teeth need to travel
- Whether a bite problem rides along with the crowding
- Total treatment length, since more visits mean more materials
- Your insurance benefit and whether you use a payment plan
Many dental plans cover part of orthodontic care for kids and teens, and some contribute for adults too. Hanson Place Orthodontics offers financing options and will review your insurance with you at the visit. The only way to get a firm figure is a consultation, not an online estimate.
Lingual braces vs. metal braces vs. clear aligners
Every patient weighing hidden braces asks the same thing: how do they compare to the alternatives? Here’s a side-by-side.
On a small screen, swipe left or right to compare all options.
| Feature | Lingual braces | Metal braces | Clear aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can people see them? | No, hidden behind teeth | Yes, visible brackets and wires | Barely, clear trays |
| Typical cost | $5,000 to $13,000 | Usually lowest | Middle of the range |
| Removable? | No | No | Yes |
| Handles complex bites? | Yes | Yes | Depends on the case |
| Speech at first | Short lisp possible | Little change | Slight change |
| Cleaning effort | Highest | High | Easiest |
No single option wins for everyone. The right pick depends on your bite, your budget, and how you live day to day. A patient who spends all day in meetings may value invisibility above all; a teen with a complex bite may need the raw control of a fixed appliance.
What happens when you get lingual braces? (step by step)
The path is straightforward. Here’s what to expect at Hanson Place Orthodontics, start to finish.
- Consult and digital scan. Your orthodontist examines your teeth and captures a 3D digital scan, no goopy molds required.
- Custom brackets made. A lab uses that scan to build a bracket shaped for each tooth. This step usually takes a few weeks.
- Bonding day. The brackets are bonded to the backs of your teeth, often all at once with a custom placement tray, and the archwire goes in.
- Adjustment visits. You return roughly every 6 to 8 weeks so the team can adjust or swap the wire and keep your teeth moving on schedule.
- Braces off, retainer on. When your smile is ready, the braces come off and a retainer holds everything in its new position.
Most lingual cases take about 18 to 36 months. Simpler crowding or spacing cases can finish faster; bigger bite corrections take longer.
Are lingual braces right for you?
Lingual braces are a strong fit if you want the strength of real braces without the look of them. Adults in client-facing jobs gravitate to them, and so do teens who feel self-conscious about metal.
They do ask a little more of you. Because your tongue rests against them, expect some soreness and possibly a mild lisp for the first week or two. Reading out loud speeds up the adjustment. Cleaning takes extra care as well, since you can’t see the brackets in a mirror, so brush after meals and floss daily, and a water flosser helps. The ADA’s guidance on braces reinforces that consistent brushing and flossing technique matters more than any single gadget. For a plain-language overview of orthodontic treatment generally, MedlinePlus is a good starting point.
A few very deep bites or unusually small teeth may not have enough back-surface area for lingual brackets. Only a hands-on exam can say for sure.
Why get lingual braces in Brooklyn at Hanson Place Orthodontics?
Hanson Place Orthodontics sits at One Hanson Place, Suite 702, in Downtown Brooklyn near Fort Greene. Dr. Yakov Eisenberger, Dr. Rahul Gulati, and Dr. Arthur Kammerman offer the full menu: lingual braces plus metal, ceramic, gold, and Damon braces, along with clear aligners. That range matters. When your orthodontist offers every option, you get the one that actually fits your bite, not just the one on the shelf.
Patients often mention how clearly the doctors explain each option and how warm the whole Hanson Place team is, from the front desk on. You can read more about the practice on their Brooklyn reviews page.
Office and contact:
- Address: One Hanson Place, Suite 702 Brooklyn, NY 11243 (Entrance is on Ashland Pl)
- New patients: (718) 550-5816
- Current patients: (718) 622-2695
- Book online: request an appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lingual braces?
They’re braces bonded to the back (tongue-facing) side of your teeth instead of the front, so they straighten your smile while staying hidden from view.
Do lingual braces hurt more than regular braces?
The tooth pressure feels about the same. The difference is your tongue, which may feel sore for the first week or two. Orthodontic wax and soft foods help.
Will lingual braces change how I talk?
Some people get a slight lisp at first. It usually fades within a couple of weeks as your tongue adjusts. Reading out loud speeds it up.
How long do lingual braces take to work?
Most cases run 18 to 36 months, similar to regular braces. Your timeline depends on how far your teeth need to move.
How much do lingual braces cost?
Roughly $5,000 to $13,000 in the U.S., more than metal braces because the brackets are custom-made and placement takes extra time. Your exact price is set at a consultation.
Are lingual braces worth the higher cost?
If staying hidden matters to you, many patients say yes, since you get the strength of real braces with none of the look. If cost is your top priority, metal braces do the same job for less.
Can teens get lingual braces?
Yes. Most teens are good candidates once their adult teeth are in and the back surfaces have enough room for the brackets.
How do I clean lingual braces?
Brush after every meal, angle the brush toward the backs of your teeth, and floss daily. A water flosser makes it much easier, and your hygienist will show you the technique at your visit.
Are lingual braces the same as Invisalign?
No. Lingual braces are fixed brackets and a wire behind your teeth. Invisalign uses removable clear trays. Lingual braces can’t be taken out, which some patients prefer for consistency.
Are there hidden braces near me in Brooklyn?
Yes. Hanson Place Orthodontics in Downtown Brooklyn fits lingual braces along with other discreet options like ceramic braces and clear aligners.
Ready to see if lingual braces fit your smile?
The fastest way to know is a quick visit. The team will scan your teeth, walk you through every option, and give you a real price for your case. Request an appointment online or call Hanson Place Orthodontics at (718) 550-5816.
