Do Braces Behind Your Teeth Cost A Lot Of Money?

The desire for a straighter smile is universal, but for many adults and teens, the thought of flashing a mouthful of metal for two years is a dealbreaker. Enter lingual braces. These are often marketed as the “invisible” solution because the brackets and wires are attached to the back of your teeth, facing your tongue.

This technology sounds like a dream come true. But as with most dreams, there is a price to pay. If you are considering lingual braces, you have likely asked: “Do braces behind your teeth cost a lot of money?” The short answer is a resounding yes. But the why and the how much are important to understand.

This guide will break down the high cost of lingual braces, explain why they are so expensive, and compare them to more affordable alternatives to help you decide if the premium is worth it for your lifestyle.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are exactly what they sound like. “Lingual” refers to the tongue side of the teeth. Instead of bonding the metal brackets to the front of your teeth (like traditional braces), the orthodontist bonds them to the back. A custom-shaped wire connects them, pulling your teeth into alignment from behind.

Because they are completely hidden from view, they are the ultimate aesthetic orthodontic treatment. Only you and your orthodontist know you are wearing them.

The Leading Brand:
While several systems exist, the most famous and widely available brand is Incognito by 3M, often simply referred to as “Incognito braces.” Other brands include eBrace and Harmony.

The Cost of Lingual Braces: The Numbers

Yes, they cost a lot of money. In fact, they are almost always the most expensive orthodontic option on the market.

The Price Range:
In the United States, the cost of lingual braces typically ranges from $8,000 to $13,000 for a standard course of treatment.

To put that in perspective:

• Traditional Metal Braces: $4,000 – $6,500.
• Clear Aligners (Invisalign): $4,000 – $8,000.
• Ceramic Braces: $5,000 – $7,500.

Lingual braces can be nearly double the cost of standard metal braces.

Why Are Braces Behind the Teeth So Expensive?

The high cost is not arbitrary. It is driven by several factors that make lingual orthodontics a highly specialized field.

1. The Custom Laboratory Work
This is the biggest driver of cost. Unlike traditional braces, where the orthodontist uses a standard kit of mass-produced brackets, lingual braces are 100% custom-made for your specific teeth.

• The Process: The orthodontist takes a detailed impression or 3D scan of your teeth.
• The Lab: This scan is sent to a specialized laboratory (often in Germany for Incognito braces). There, technicians use CAD/CAM technology to design brackets that perfectly hug the contours of the back of your unique teeth.
• The Wire: The wires are also custom-bent by robots to ensure the exact force is applied in the right direction.
  This level of customization and the high cost of running these specialized labs are passed on to the patient.

2. Specialist Training
Not every orthodontist offers lingual braces. The technique is difficult to master.

• Space: The space on the back of the teeth is smaller and more awkward to work in than the front.
• Technique: The orthodontist must take additional certification courses to learn how to place these brackets correctly and troubleshoot problems.
• Premium Fee: Because fewer orthodontists offer the service, those who do can charge a premium for their expertise.

3. Longer Chair Time
Adjusting lingual braces takes longer. The orthodontist has to work “blind” or with a mirror to thread the wires through the back of the teeth. This requires more precision and patience, which means more time in the dental chair for you and more labor costs for the dentist.

4. Advanced Technology
The planning phase requires sophisticated 3D software. The orthodontist maps out your entire tooth movement digitally before you even start. The cost of this software licensing contributes to the overall fee.

A Cost Comparison Table: Lingual vs. Alternatives

Treatment Option	Average Cost	Visibility	Treatment Time	Comfort Level
Lingual Braces (Incognito)	$8,000 – $13,000	Invisible	18 – 36 months	Moderate (causes tongue soreness)
Traditional Metal Braces	$4,000 – $6,500	High (Visible)	12 – 24 months	Moderate
Ceramic Braces	$5,000 – $7,500	Low (Tooth-colored)	18 – 30 months	Moderate
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)	$4,000 – $8,000	Low (Removable, clear)	12 – 18 months	High (Smooth plastic)

Does Insurance Cover Lingual Braces?

Dental insurance plans that cover orthodontics usually have a “Lifetime Maximum” benefit (e.g., $1,500 or $2,000).

• The “Upgrade” Rule: Insurance companies typically base their reimbursement on the cost of standard metal braces.
• The Math: If your insurance covers 50% up to a $2,000 lifetime max, they might pay $2,000 toward your metal braces. If you choose lingual braces, they will generally still only pay that same $2,000. You are responsible for the remaining $6,000 – $11,000.

Are Lingual Braces Worth the High Cost?

The answer depends entirely on your priorities and your financial situation.

The Case FOR Lingual Braces:

1. You are a public figure or performer: If your job requires you to speak to audiences, act, or model, having visible braces might not be acceptable.
2. You are an adult who simply refuses to wear visible metal: Self-esteem and confidence during treatment are valid reasons to choose a cosmetic option.
3. You play contact sports: Because the brackets are behind the teeth, they are protected from impact. A blow to the face is less likely to damage the brackets (though it can still damage your lips/teeth).
4. You play a wind instrument: Unlike standard braces which can cut the lips, lingual braces usually do not affect the embouchure (mouth position) for wind instrument players as much.

The Case AGAINST Lingual Braces:

1. The “Lisp” Factor: Almost all patients develop a temporary lisp when they get lingual braces because the tongue hits the brackets when speaking. It usually resolves in a few weeks, but for some, it persists.
2. Tongue Discomfort: The tongue is constantly rubbing against the metal brackets. This can cause significant soreness and cuts on the tongue during the first month. Wax becomes your best friend.
3. Harder to Clean: It is very difficult to see the back of your teeth to floss and brush effectively. Food gets trapped easily.
4. The Cost: For most people, the $4,000+ premium over traditional braces is simply not justifiable when aligners (like Invisalign) offer a similar aesthetic benefit for less money.

Important Note for Patients: “I often tell my adult patients who want invisible treatment to compare lingual braces and clear aligners side-by-side. Both are invisible, but aligners are removable, more comfortable, and usually cheaper. However, for severe bite issues, lingual braces can sometimes produce a result that aligners cannot.” – Dr. Lisa Simon, DMD, orthodontist and health policy researcher.

How to Save Money on Lingual Braces

If you have your heart set on this specific treatment, there are a few ways to mitigate the financial blow.

1. Shop Around: Not all orthodontists charge the same. Get 2-3 consultations. Ask for an “all-inclusive” fee that covers the records, the retainers, and any emergency visits.
2. Use an FSA/HSA: As with other medical treatments, using pre-tax dollars from a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account can save you 20-30%.
3. Payment Plans: Almost all orthodontic offices offer zero-interest in-house financing. You can spread the $10,000 cost over 24-36 months (e.g., $300-$400/month).
4. Compare Brands: Incognito is the premium brand. Sometimes, the “Harmony” system or generic custom lingual brackets offered by a local lab are slightly cheaper. Ask your orthodontist about the difference.

The Discomfort Factor: What to Expect

If you spend the money on lingual braces, you should be prepared for the adaptation period.

The First Two Weeks:

• Your tongue will be sore and cut up.
• You will salivate more.
• You will likely have a noticeable lisp.
• You will need to use orthodontic wax constantly.

After the First Month:

• The tongue “toughens up” (keratinizes) and stops getting cut.
• The lisp usually goes away, though you may still stumble on certain words when tired.

Maintenance:

• You will need special floss (like Superfloss) to thread behind the wires.
• Waterpiks are highly recommended for these patients.

Conclusion

Yes, braces behind your teeth cost a significant amount of money, typically $8,000 to $13,000, driven by custom lab work and specialist expertise. They offer the ultimate in invisible fixed orthodontics, but the high price, initial discomfort, and potential speech issues must be weighed carefully. For many patients, clear aligners provide a cheaper and more comfortable path to a straight smile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you see lingual braces at all?
No. They are completely hidden behind the teeth. Even when you open your mouth wide, they are difficult to see unless someone is looking down from above.

2. Do lingual braces work as fast as regular braces?
Lingual braces can sometimes take slightly longer to finish than traditional braces because the mechanics are more complex. However, for many cases, the treatment time is comparable (18-24 months).

3. What happens if a bracket falls off?
It is more common for brackets to debond with lingual braces because the tongue exerts constant pressure on them. If a bracket falls off, you must see your orthodontist immediately to have it re-bonded, or the tooth will drift.

4. Can I eat normally with lingual braces?
You can eat, but you must be very careful with hard or sticky foods (nuts, caramel, hard bread). Sticky foods can pull the brackets off the back of the teeth, and it is harder to see if food is stuck back there.

5. Are there “generic” lingual braces?
Yes. Incognito is the brand name (like Kleenex is to tissues). Other systems like eBrace, Harmony, and SureSmile offer similar technology. They are all custom-made, but the lab fees might vary slightly.

Additional Resource

To learn more about the Incognito lingual braces system, visit the official website: https://www.incognitobraces.com/