Table of Contents
- What Are Braces Behind Teeth?
- How Do Braces behind Your Teeth Actually Work?
- The Process of Getting Braces behind Teeth
- Do Braces behind Teeth Really Work?
- Comparing Braces behind Teeth and Clear Aligners
- Pros and Cons of Braces behind Teeth
- How Long Do Braces behind Teeth Take?
- Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces Behind Teeth?
- What It Feels Like to Wear Braces on the Inside of the Teeth
- Life after Braces behind Teeth
- Straightening Your Smile Invisibly
- FAQs
Braces have always tended to be overly loud when they enter one’s life. With all the metal, wires, and brackets involved, you feel their presence almost before you see them. At the opposite end of the spectrum, braces have been responsible for some of the most amazing smile transformations.
However, the vast majority of people want something more subdued, which is not necessarily the first thing that everybody sees. Thus began the rise of braces behind teeth, also known as lingual braces, allowing a person to improve their smile without anyone knowing about it. Just think of them as whispering away at your teeth in secret as they move into alignment. Invisibly strong, surprisingly effective, comfortingly out of sight while still improving a smile.
What Are Braces Behind Teeth?
A lot of people now want treatments that blend into their lives. Some don’t want braces showing up in photos. Some just want convenience. That desire for a discreet journey has shaped the entire world of orthodontics. More invisible options appeared. More “out of sight” solutions gained popularity. Braces on inside of teeth became one of those breakthroughs. They sit quietly on the inside of your teeth.
Invisibility is just part of the equation when it comes to teeth straightening. People are looking for comfort, flexibility, and treatment that easily fits into their lifestyles. This is where clear aligners come into play. One brand that truly revolutionized the game for those seeking affordable options without sacrificing quality is ALIGNERCO.
What sets ALIGNERCO apart is its focus on convenience. Forget about metal brackets lingering behind your tongue or lengthy adjustment appointments. With ALIGNERCO, you get removable, nearly invisible aligners that feel modern and effortless.
How Do Braces behind Your Teeth Actually Work?
Braces behind teeth, also known as lingual braces, utilize the science of orthodontics to effectively straighten teeth. This is achieved through the combination of brackets and wires that are uniquely designed to fit the back side of your teeth, making them less visible. Teeth shift gradually, often with a hint of stubbornness, but they do indeed move. The reason? Pressure can alter the bone structure. It’s all about applying a gentle push or pull, prompting the body to respond accordingly.
Is It Complicated? Not Really
People imagine a big, high-tech setup. Actually, it’s more like this:
- The orthodontist sticks brackets behind your teeth.
- A thin wire goes through them.
- Adjustments happen every few weeks.
- Teeth start drifting into better places.
Straightforward. Just invisible.
Surprisingly Strong
You’d think hidden braces mean weaker braces. But nope.
They handle serious cases:
Tiny but tough.
Fast, Slow, and Everything In Between
Teeth don’t follow a stopwatch.
Sometimes movement feels glacial.
Sometimes you suddenly notice a big shift.
Either way, the biology stays the same:
pressure → bone remodeling → new tooth position.
The Real Talk about Pain
Short version: Yes, you’ll feel stuff.
Pain depends on:
- Your tolerance
- Wire thickness
- Orthodontist skill
- Random daily factors (you’d be surprised)
People adjust fast. The reward distracts from the discomfort.
The Process of Getting Braces behind Teeth
The steps feel similar to traditional braces but are slightly modified.
First, the orthodontist scans your mouth or takes impressions. Digital scans are more common now. Then, custom brackets are created to match your tooth shape. This precision helps them sit comfortably on the inner side.
Next, bonding. Brackets are attached, one by one, to the backs of your teeth. This part feels long but straightforward. The orthodontist may chat with you about random things to pass the time. It’s an oddly intimate process.
The wire is threaded through the brackets. It’s tightened. And suddenly, you’re in treatment.
The first few days feel weird. Your tongue feels offended. Your speech sounds softer, rounder, sometimes airier. But within a week or two, everything feels normal again.
Appointments happen regularly. Adjustments are made. Pressure is introduced. Your smile shifts.
And that’s the cycle.
Do Braces behind Teeth Really Work?
Let’s answer this clearly.
Yes, braces behind teeth work. They correct alignment, spacing, rotation, and bite problems effectively. They follow the same orthodontic principles used for decades. The location does not weaken their function.
They work slowly. They work surely. They work invisibly. And thousands of people trust them because the results speak for themselves.
But they are not for everyone. Some people experience discomfort longer than others. Some have trouble cleaning them. Some feel conscious about their speech at the beginning.
And then there’s cost. Lingual braces are usually more expensive because they’re custom-made and require more precise work from orthodontists.
That’s one of the reasons people turn toward clear aligners like those from ALIGNERCO. They offer invisible treatment without the higher pricing of lingual braces. Plus, they’re removable. Much easier to clean.
Still, for the right person, behind the teeth braces are perfect.
Comparing Braces behind Teeth and Clear Aligners
To understand the difference clearly, it makes sense to look at each option separately and then compare.
Lingual Braces
- Ideal for those who want invisible treatment without relying on daily discipline
- Stay fixed in place throughout treatment
- Strong enough to treat complex alignment issues
- May cause temporary speech changes
- Harder to clean compared to aligners
- Remain attached until the entire treatment is completed
Clear Aligners
- Designed for comfort and removability
- More lifestyle-friendly for eating, brushing, and daily routines
- Rarely causes speech difficulties
- Very easy to clean
- Must be worn 22 hours per day for best results
Both Systems
- Both straighten teeth effectively
- Both provide invisible or discreet orthodontic treatment
- Each option suits different needs, habits, and preferences
Pros and Cons of Braces behind Teeth
| Pros | Cons |
| Completely invisible | More expensive |
| Effective for complex cases | Harder to clean |
| Constant, reliable pressure | Initial speech difficulty |
| No visible brackets in photos | Tongue discomfort |
| Good for people who don’t want removable aligners | Longer appointment times |
Tip: For many people, the pros outweigh the cons
How Long Do Braces behind Teeth Take?
Time varies wildly. Some people finish in nine months. Others take two years. A few require even more time due to bite issues or jaw discrepancies. The treatment timeline usually mirrors traditional braces. There’s no magical shortcut. Teeth still move at the pace bone biology allows.
Orthodontists adjust wires periodically. Every adjustment encourages new movement. Some sessions feel uncomfortable. Others are barely noticeable. There’s no clear pattern.
What’s interesting is that while lingual braces are more discreet, they sometimes require more precise adjustments because of the limited space behind the teeth. This can mean slightly longer appointments. But not always. Again, human dentistry is full of inconsistencies.
But the journey is simple enough. Pressure applied. Teeth respond. Progress continues.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces Behind Teeth?
Almost everyone qualifies. People with crowding issues. People with gaps. People with uneven bites. Teens, adults, and those who simply don’t want visible braces.
But there’s a small detail. If your teeth are very small, placing brackets on the interior surface becomes tricky. Some orthodontists will still do it. Others might recommend alternative options. They usually scan, examine, and then decide what works best. It’s not a one-size-fits-all system.
Also, people with speech-related jobs sometimes find lingual braces tough at first. The initial lisp can feel annoying. Most adapt. But some switch to clear aligners instead.
Speaking of aligners, if someone wants something invisible without the discomfort of brackets behind the tongue, ALIGNERCO often becomes the more comfortable solution.
What It Feels Like to Wear Braces on the Inside of the Teeth
People describe the feeling differently.
Some say it feels like wearing a tiny fence inside your mouth. Others feel pressure but not pain. A few claim their tongue feels like it’s in a battle with metal every time they talk during the first week.
Then there’s eating. Soft foods become your best friend at the beginning, like soups, pasta, and bananas. Then you gradually return to your favorites. Crunchy foods become manageable again, but sticky foods are still dangerous. Orthodontists everywhere groan when patients say they ate caramel.
You do need to clean carefully. Food hides more easily behind teeth than on the front. A water flosser helps. Tiny brushes help. Patience helps most of all.
In time, you forget the braces are there. They become part of your daily routine.
Life after Braces behind Teeth
Once treatment ends, retainers come next. Yes, retainers. Teeth like wandering, retainers keep them grounded.
Some people get permanent wires behind teeth after braces. These sit quietly, holding everything in place. Others get removable retainers that they wear at night.
The exciting part is seeing your new smile. Smooth, aligned, balanced, and so much more confident.
People often say they forget how their teeth looked before treatment. That’s the beauty of orthodontics
Straightening Your Smile Invisibly
A type of orthodontic device, braces behind the teeth are an interesting option. They provide superior effectiveness compared to other types of orthodontic appliances and do so without the aesthetic concern of being seen. The braces work behind the scenes to provide you with more confidence in your smile, not necessarily to take the place of your smile. Some individuals appreciate the invisibility of braces behind the teeth, while others may prefer a more traditional approach.
For those looking for an invisible form of treatment that does not cause tongue irritation and is affordable, ALIGNERCO provides a practical solution via its clear, removable aligners that provide the benefit of achieving your ideal smile without the stress of dealing with wires and brackets. Whichever option you select, ensure that you select the choice that suits your lifestyle best. Ultimately, the future of your smile is worth the investment.
FAQs
1. What are braces behind the teeth?
They are lingual braces placed on the back of your teeth, making them hidden from view.
2. How do braces behind the teeth straighten your smile?
They use brackets and wires to apply steady pressure that moves teeth into better alignment.
3. Are braces behind the teeth as effective as regular braces?
Yes, they work just as effectively and can handle complex cases.
4. Who is a good candidate for braces behind the teeth?
People who want a fully invisible option and don’t mind fixed, non-removable braces.
5. How long does treatment with braces behind the teeth take?
Usually 18–36 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
6. Are braces behind the teeth completely invisible?
Yes, they’re hidden behind your teeth and cannot be seen from the front.
Citations:
Mfa, R. J. S. (2019b, June 17). Lingual braces: the upside and downside of braces on the back side. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/lingual-braces-2
WebMD Editorial Contributor. (2025, April 17). What to know about lingual braces. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-to-know-about-lingual-braces


