# Lingual (Hidden) Braces Explained > Source: https://serenklinik.com/blog/lingual-braces-turkey/ > Language: en Lingual braces are fixed orthodontic braces bonded to the inside (tongue-facing) surface of your teeth, so they straighten your smile while staying almost completely hidden from view. Often called hidden braces or inside braces, they use the same brackets-and-wire principle as conventional braces, simply placed behind the teeth rather than in front. This guide explains what lingual braces are, who suits them, how the treatment works, their realistic benefits and limitations, the honest considerations, and the approximate costs you can expect if you are weighing your orthodontic options in Istanbul. ## What are lingual braces? Lingual braces are a type of fixed brace where the brackets and archwire are attached to the back of the teeth, facing the tongue, instead of the front. Because the hardware sits on the inner surface, the braces are concealed during everyday talking and smiling, which is the main reason patients choose them over standard metal braces. The mechanics are familiar: each bracket is bonded to a tooth, and a thin wire threads through the brackets to apply gentle, continuous pressure that moves teeth into a straighter position over time. The difference is purely placement. Many lingual systems use brackets that are custom-made to the contours of each individual tooth, which improves comfort and fit but also makes them a more specialised, technically demanding treatment than braces fitted to the front of the teeth. ## Who is a good candidate for lingual braces? Lingual braces suit adults and older teenagers who want a discreet, fixed solution and have teeth long enough for brackets to be bonded securely to the inner surface. They are a strong choice for professionals, public-facing workers, or anyone who feels self-conscious about visible orthodontics but does not want removable aligners they might leave out. You may be less suited to lingual braces if you have very short or small teeth, a deep bite that puts heavy pressure on the lower inner brackets, or significant gum disease that needs treating first. People who struggle with the initial tongue discomfort or temporary speech changes may prefer an alternative. Very complex bite problems are sometimes better addressed by a different approach, so a thorough orthodontic assessment is essential before committing. - Adults wanting fully concealed, fixed orthodontic treatment - Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or alignment issues - Patients who prefer a non-removable option over clear aligners - Healthy teeth and gums, with adequate tooth height for bonding ### Lingual braces versus other hidden options Lingual braces are not the only discreet route to straighter teeth. Clear aligners and ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces achieve a similar low-visibility goal in different ways. Aligners are removable and barely noticeable but rely on you wearing them consistently, while ceramic brackets sit on the front of the teeth yet blend with the enamel shade. If you are still comparing routes, our guide to [clear aligners and Invisalign in Turkey](/blog/invisalign-turkey/) sets out how a removable system compares with fixed braces. ## How does the lingual braces procedure work? Fitting lingual braces is a more bespoke process than front-facing braces because the brackets often have to be tailored to the inside shape of each tooth. The treatment is methodical and planned carefully from the start. - **Consultation and assessment.** The orthodontic team examines your teeth and bite, takes scans or impressions, and confirms whether lingual braces are an appropriate option for your case. - **Custom planning.** For many systems, the brackets and wires are designed and manufactured to fit the contours of your individual teeth, which can take a few weeks before fitting. - **Bonding the braces.** The brackets are fixed to the inner surface of the teeth and the archwire is threaded through, usually in a single fitting appointment. - **Adjustments.** You return periodically so the wire can be tightened or changed, gradually guiding the teeth into alignment over the course of treatment. Because some of the planning and manufacturing happens before fitting, international patients usually coordinate timing in advance so the braces are ready when they arrive, and so any follow-up adjustments can be scheduled efficiently. ## What are the benefits of lingual braces? The defining advantage is invisibility. Unlike front-mounted metal or even ceramic braces, lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth, so most people will not know you are wearing them at all. - **Discreet:** hidden from view during talking and smiling. - **Fixed:** nothing to remove or lose, so they work continuously without relying on wear-time discipline. - **Effective:** can address a wide range of alignment and spacing issues, including some cases aligners handle less predictably. - **Front-surface friendly:** the visible front of your teeth stays free of brackets and bonding. > For patients who want a fixed brace that no one can see, lingual braces offer the discretion of aligners with the constant action of conventional braces. ## What are the risks and considerations? Honest planning means weighing the trade-offs. Because the brackets sit against the tongue, lingual braces commonly cause more initial tongue irritation than front braces, and many patients notice a temporary lisp or change in speech during the first weeks while the tongue adapts. These effects usually settle, but they are more pronounced than with other systems. Lingual braces are also harder to clean, since brushing and flossing around brackets on the inner surface takes more care and time, and poor hygiene raises the risk of decay or gum problems. They tend to be among the more expensive orthodontic options because of the custom hardware and the additional skill required to fit and adjust them. Some people find eating awkward at first, and not every clinic offers lingual treatment. As with all orthodontics, results depend on your case and on following the team's guidance, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed. ## How much do lingual braces cost in Turkey? Cost depends on the complexity of your case, the lingual system used, and how long treatment takes, so treat any figure as approximate and confirm your own quote at consultation. As a general guide, lingual braces in Turkey are widely considered significantly more affordable than equivalent treatment in the UK, the US, or much of Western Europe, without that lower price implying lower-quality orthodontics elsewhere. Lingual braces typically sit at the higher end of the orthodontic price range because of their bespoke nature. LocationApprox. cost (lingual braces, full treatment)Turkey£2,000–£4,000United Kingdom£5,000–£10,000United States£6,000–£12,000 These ranges are approximate and vary by case; the severity of misalignment, the treatment duration, and the specific bracket system all affect the total. Because lingual braces are more involved than other systems, it is worth comparing them honestly against the alternatives, including the front-mounted tooth-coloured option set out in our guide to ceramic versus metal braces, before you decide. ## Why consider Turkey and Seren Klinik? Turkey has become a leading destination for orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry thanks to experienced clinical teams, modern facilities, and strong treatment-and-travel value. At Seren Klinik, our specialist team assesses each case individually and will tell you honestly whether lingual braces, another brace system, or clear aligners would serve you best, rather than steering everyone toward one option. Orthodontics is a commitment of many months, so the most important step is a realistic assessment of your bite, your priorities, and what each route involves day to day. Adults in particular often assume it is too late to straighten their teeth; in practice it rarely is, as our guide to adult orthodontics in Turkey explains. A reputable clinic will match the method to your case and set clear expectations from the outset. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are lingual braces completely invisible? Lingual braces are fixed to the back of the teeth, so they are hidden during normal talking and smiling and most people will not notice them. They are not literally invisible at very close range or when your mouth is wide open, but in everyday situations they stay effectively out of sight. ### Do lingual braces affect your speech? Many patients notice a temporary lisp or slight speech change in the first weeks, because the brackets sit where the tongue forms certain sounds. This usually improves as the tongue adapts, often within a few weeks, and most people speak normally again well before treatment ends. ### How long does treatment with lingual braces take? Treatment length depends on how much your teeth need to move, typically ranging from around twelve to twenty-four months for many cases, sometimes longer for complex bites. Your orthodontic team gives a tailored estimate after assessing your teeth, and consistent attendance at adjustment visits helps keep treatment on track. ### Are lingual braces more painful than normal braces? Lingual braces cause similar general soreness to other fixed braces after fitting and adjustments, but they tend to irritate the tongue more in the early stages because of their position. This discomfort usually eases as you get used to them, and orthodontic wax can help protect the tongue while it settles. ### Related reading - [Dental Care in Istanbul: Top Clinics and Services](/blog/dental-care-istanbul-top-clinics-services/) - [Affordable Teeth in Turkey: A Dental Tourism Guide](/blog/affordable-teeth-in-turkey-top-dental-tourism-guide/)