Lingual Braces

What Are Lingual Braces?

They are orthodontic brackets and archwires placed on the inner side of the teeth — that is, the side facing the tongue. They work on the same principles as classic braces, but are 100% invisible when you speak or smile.

Who They're Recommended For

Public-facing professionals (actors, presenters, executives)
Adults who want completely invisible orthodontics
Patients who have tried clear aligners but struggle with compliance
Brides and grooms finishing treatment before the wedding
Patients who need complex movements but want discretion

Benefits

100% invisible from the outside
Fixed (24/7) — don't depend on compliance
Full effectiveness — correct complex problems
Custom brackets, digitally designed for each tooth
Don't cause discolouration on the front surface of teeth

Disadvantages — What to Know

Higher cost than metal or ceramic braces
Adaptation period of 2–4 weeks (mild tongue discomfort)
May slightly affect speech for a few days
Require specialised technique — not all orthodontists offer them
Slightly harder to clean at first

The Procedure Step by Step

Digital design:

Detailed mouth scanning and digital design of each bracket individually for each tooth — because the inner side of the tooth isn't the same in everyone.

Custom bracket fabrication:

Brackets are made in a specialised laboratory, based on the digital model.

Placement (2–3 hours):

Brackets are bonded using a custom transfer tray, for millimetre precision. The procedure is completely painless.

Adaptation phase:

In the first 2–4 weeks you may notice mild tongue irritation and a small effect on speech. We use orthodontic wax on the first few brackets for comfort.

Regular check-ups:

Every 4–8 weeks for adjustments.

Removal & retainer:

At the end of treatment — usually after 18–30 months — they're removed and a retainer is placed.

Care

Brush 3 times daily, with special attention to the inner surface of the teeth
Water flosser — significantly helps with cleaning
Professional cleaning every 4–6 months
Avoid hard and sticky foods
Keep orthodontic wax handy for the first weeks

Cases

Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are they visible at all?

No. They are 100% invisible from the outside. Even the most careful observer won’t notice them unless you open your mouth wide.

Do they affect speech?

In the first 1–3 weeks you may notice a slight change in articulation of certain sounds (mainly “s”,“t”, “d”). This passes as the tongue adapts.

Does placement hurt?

Placement is completely painless. Afterwards there may be mild tongue irritation for 2–3 weeks, which subsides as the tongue gets used to them.

How long does treatment take?

Usually 18–30 months — slightly longer than classic braces due to the complexity.

How much do lingual braces cost in Cyprus?

They are the most expensive orthodontic option — due to the custom design and specialised technique. The exact cost is determined after the initial assessment.

Are they suitable for everyone?

Not for everyone. In patients with very small teeth or quite complex bite cases they may not be ideal. Suitability is assessed during the initial evaluation.