Invisible (Lingual) Braces in Bellevue, WA
Reviewed by Dr. Barton Soper, Orthodontist
Invisible braces, also called lingual braces, are placed on the back side of your teeth so they are hidden from view. At Advanced Orthodontics Bellevue, Dr. Barton Soper offers custom lingual braces that straighten teeth and correct bites with precision, while staying completely out of sight. They are a popular choice for adults, professionals, and athletes who want discreet treatment.
What if you could straighten your teeth without anyone seeing your braces at all? That is exactly what invisible braces, also known as lingual braces, are designed to do. Instead of sitting on the front of your teeth, they are custom-made to fit behind them, completely hidden from view. At Advanced Orthodontics Bellevue, Dr. Barton Soper uses 3D digital planning to design lingual braces that deliver the proven power of braces with total discretion. If you have wanted a straighter smile but worried about how braces would look, this could be the answer.
What Are Lingual (Invisible) Braces?
Lingual braces are real braces, with brackets and wires, but they are bonded to the tongue side of your teeth instead of the front. Because they sit behind your teeth, no one can see them when you smile or talk. At Advanced Orthodontics Bellevue, we use a custom lingual system (the Incognito™ system), in which each bracket is made to fit the unique shape of your teeth using 3D digital technology. This custom fit improves both comfort and precision.
Invisible Braces vs. Clear Aligners
People searching for “invisible braces” are often comparing two very different discreet options:
- Lingual braces are fixed braces hidden behind your teeth. They are always working, cannot be lost or forgotten, and can handle a wide range of cases.
- Clear aligners like Invisalign® are removable, nearly invisible trays worn over the front of your teeth. See our clear aligners page to compare.
Both can give you a discreet path to a straighter smile. Dr. Soper will help you choose the one that fits your case, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces work for teens and adults alike, from teenagers through patients in their sixties and beyond. They are an especially good fit for:
- Adult professionals who want no visible braces at work or in photos.
- Athletes in contact sports, since there are no brackets on the front of the teeth to cause lip injuries.
- Patients concerned about the front surface of their teeth, since the brackets bond to the back.
A certified, experienced orthodontist determines whether lingual braces are right for you. Dr. Soper will evaluate your bite and goals at your free consultation.
What to Expect With Lingual Braces
Because lingual braces are fully customized, your treatment begins with a detailed 3D scan of your teeth, with no messy molds. Your custom brackets and wires are then created to fit precisely behind your teeth. There is a short adjustment period as your tongue gets used to them, much like any new appliance, and our team will give you tips and orthodontic wax to stay comfortable. From there, you visit us for adjustments while your smile straightens quietly behind the scenes.
Schedule Your Invisible Braces Consultation in Bellevue
Ready to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing? Find out if lingual braces are right for you at a free consultation. Call (425) 747-9494 or request your free consultation online. Advanced Orthodontics Bellevue is on NE Bel-Red Road, just minutes from Crossroads and Overlake, serving Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, and Mercer Island.
FAQ
Are invisible braces the same as Invisalign?
No. On our site, invisible braces means lingual braces, which are fixed braces placed behind your teeth. Invisalign uses removable clear aligners worn over the front of your teeth. Both are discreet, but they work very differently.
Do lingual braces affect your speech?
You may notice a slight lisp for a short time as your tongue adjusts to the brackets. For most people this fades within a week or two, and speaking returns to normal.
Are invisible braces more expensive than regular braces?
Custom lingual braces often cost more than traditional front-mounted braces because each bracket is individually made. We will give you a clear quote at your free visit. See our financing page for payment options.
Can lingual braces fix complex bite problems?
Yes. Because they are fixed braces, lingual braces can treat a wide range of cases, including many complex bites. Dr. Soper will confirm whether they are the best choice for your situation.