Lingual braces are a fixed orthodontic appliance that attaches to the back surfaces of your teeth rather than the front. Because the brackets are positioned on the inner side, they are not visible during normal conversation or daily activity. For patients who need orthodontic treatment but prefer that it remain private, lingual braces offer a clinically effective option that does not compromise on results.
At Starling Orthodontics in Brentwood, TN, Dr. Craig Starling provides lingual braces for adults and older teens across a range of alignment concerns. Each set of brackets is custom-fabricated to fit the contours of your individual teeth, which is central to how the treatment works. Dr. Starling will evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall oral health before recommending any course of treatment — lingual braces included.
Continue reading to learn what lingual braces involve, who they are suited for, and what to expect from treatment at our Brentwood office.
Lingual braces are suitable for a wide range of patients, but they are not the right choice in every situation. Dr. Starling evaluates each patient individually to determine whether lingual braces are appropriate based on their specific alignment needs and oral health. Adults considering orthodontic treatment for the first time are often good candidates, as are older teens with fully developed dentition.
Lingual braces may be a suitable option for patients who:
There are cases where lingual braces may not be the most appropriate approach. Certain bite or jaw-related concerns may be better addressed through other orthodontic or surgical options. Dr. Starling will review your records and discuss all relevant treatment paths during your consultation, so you have a clear understanding of what is and is not recommended for your case.
If you are unsure whether lingual braces are right for you, a consultation is the most reliable way to get an accurate answer based on your actual clinical situation.
Lingual braces treatment follows a structured process from initial evaluation through to the completion of active tooth movement. Understanding each stage can help you prepare for what is involved.
Treatment begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Starling will evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether lingual braces are appropriate for your case and to establish a treatment plan. From there, detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken. These records are used to fabricate brackets that are custom-made to fit the contours of each individual tooth. A precise fit is important because the brackets are bonded to the back surfaces of your teeth, and proper fit directly affects both function and comfort.
The placement appointment is more involved than a standard braces visit. Dr. Starling bonds each custom bracket to the inner surface of your teeth and connects them with an archwire. Patients typically notice the hardware more prominently in the first days following placement, which is an expected part of the process.
An adjustment period follows placement. During this time, patients may experience:
These effects generally resolve as the mouth adapts to the appliance. Following placement, you will return for periodic visits so Dr. Starling can monitor your progress and make any necessary wire adjustments as your teeth move.
Treatment timelines vary depending on the nature and complexity of each case. There is no single answer that applies to everyone, and any estimate given before a thorough evaluation would not be reliable. What Dr. Starling can offer at your consultation is an honest assessment based on your specific teeth, bite, and alignment needs.
Several factors influence how long treatment will take:
Scheduled check-in visits throughout treatment serve an important clinical purpose. They allow Dr. Starling to monitor tooth movement, make wire adjustments, and confirm that progress is tracking as planned. If anything needs to be modified along the way, those appointments are when that happens.
The system used for your lingual braces can also be a factor. Different appliance systems have different design characteristics that may affect how treatment progresses. If you'd like to understand more about the options available, our article on lingual braces brands used in the U.S. provides a useful overview.
A consultation with Dr. Starling is the appropriate starting point for understanding what your treatment would involve and how long it is likely to take.
Lingual braces are a custom appliance. Each set of brackets is fabricated specifically for your teeth, and placement requires a high level of clinical precision. Because of that, the cost of lingual braces reflects the complexity of the treatment — and it will vary from patient to patient based on the specifics of your case.
At Starling Orthodontics, we accept insurance where applicable and offer financing options for patients who prefer to spread the cost over time. If you have questions about what your plan may cover or what payment arrangements are available, those are straightforward things to discuss at your consultation.
A few things to keep in mind as you consider your options:
To get a clear picture of what treatment would involve for your specific situation, the best next step is a consultation. You can request an appointment online or call our Brentwood office at (615) 507-1660.
Choosing an orthodontist is a personal decision, and the right fit goes beyond just the treatment itself. Patients throughout Brentwood and the greater Nashville area come to Starling Orthodontics because the experience feels different from the start: unhurried, attentive, and focused on what actually works for their life.
Every treatment plan is built around the individual. That means taking the time to understand your goals, your schedule, and what you're comfortable with before recommending a path forward. There's no one-size-fits-all approach here.
A few things patients consistently point to when describing why they chose this practice:
The goal isn't to steer you toward any particular treatment. It's to help you understand your options and feel good about the one you choose.
Do lingual braces hurt more than regular braces?
There's an adjustment period with any braces, and lingual braces are no different. Most people notice some tongue sensitivity in the first week or two, but it typically settles down as you get used to them.
Will they affect my speech?
Some patients notice a slight lisp early on, especially with certain sounds. For most people, speech returns to normal within a few weeks as the tongue adapts to the new hardware.
Are they harder to clean?
They do require a bit more attention than traditional braces. We'll walk you through exactly what to do so keeping your teeth clean doesn't feel like a second job.
Can I get lingual braces if I've had braces before?
Yes, in many cases. Whether you're correcting relapse or addressing something that wasn't fully treated the first time, lingual braces can be a good fit. We'll take a close look at your current alignment before recommending anything.
How are they different from clear aligners?
Clear aligners are removable trays, while lingual braces are fixed brackets bonded to the back of your teeth. Lingual braces work continuously without relying on you to wear them consistently, which makes them a strong option for more complex cases.
The best way to know if lingual braces fit your needs is a consultation. Dr. Craig Starling will evaluate your bite, alignment, and goals, then walk you through whether this approach makes sense for your case and what your other options might be.
At Starling Orthodontics in Brentwood, TN, the focus is simple: clear answers and a treatment plan that actually fits your smile and lifestyle.
You can call us at (615) 507-1660 or request a consultation online to get started.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your appointment online.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation online.
