Some teens want straighter teeth but feel uncomfortable with brackets showing in photos, school, activities, or daily conversations. Lingual Braces can be a helpful option for teens who need fixed orthodontic correction but prefer treatment that stays out of view.
Starlet Kids Dentistry provides Lingual Braces for teens in San Fernando, CA. Dr. Golshid Shakouri Partovi and the team evaluate tooth position, bite concerns, and lifestyle needs before recommending this discreet orthodontic option. The goal is to help teens improve alignment with care that feels practical, private, and carefully planned.
Lingual Braces are fixed braces placed on the back side of the teeth, near the tongue. This position keeps the brackets and wires hidden when a teen smiles or speaks. They work in a similar way to traditional braces by using brackets and wires to apply steady pressure that guides teeth into better positions over time.
Each set of Lingual Braces is customized to fit the shape of the patient’s teeth. The back surface of each tooth is not flat, so the brackets must match the exact tooth contours. Digital scans and orthodontic planning help create appliances that fit closely and move the teeth with precision.
Lingual Braces may be used for teens with crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, and certain bite concerns. They can be a strong choice when a teen wants treatment to remain hidden but still needs the control of fixed braces. Clear aligners can be discreet, too, but they depend on consistent wear. Lingual Braces stay attached to the teeth, which can help teens who might misplace or forget removable trays.
Lingual Braces are often chosen when appearance matters, but tooth movement still needs the stability of fixed orthodontic care. They can support both confidence and dental function during the teen years.
Many teens feel aware of how their teeth look during treatment. School events, social plans, sports, music performances, and photos can make visible braces feel stressful. Lingual Braces are placed behind the teeth, so they are not seen from the front. This hidden placement can help teens feel more comfortable smiling and talking during treatment.
Some orthodontic cases need more control than removable aligners can provide. Crowding, bite concerns, rotated teeth, and complex tooth movement may respond well to fixed appliances.
Lingual Braces can provide steady pressure because they remain attached to the teeth. Dr. Partovi will evaluate the bite, tooth roots, jaw growth, and treatment goals before deciding if Lingual Braces are a good match.
Clear aligners can work well for some teens, but they must be worn as directed. A teen needs to remove them for meals, store them safely, clean them, and put them back in for enough hours each day.
Lingual Braces do not depend on remembering trays. Since the appliances stay attached, treatment can continue throughout the day and night. This can be useful for teens who want a discreet option but need something fixed in place.
Traditional braces are placed on the front of the teeth. Lingual Braces keep the front enamel free of brackets during treatment. This can appeal to teens who want their smile to look natural during the orthodontic process.
Good oral hygiene still matters. The back of the teeth must be cleaned carefully around the brackets and wires. The team will show your teen how to brush and floss around the appliances so plaque does not build up.
Some teens delay orthodontic treatment because they do not want visible braces. If alignment problems are left alone, crowded teeth may remain hard to clean, gaps may trap food, and bite concerns may place uneven pressure on teeth.
Crowded teeth can raise the chance of plaque buildup, tooth decay, gum irritation, and bad breath. Bite concerns may affect chewing, tooth wear, and jaw comfort. A teen who already feels self-conscious about crooked teeth may become more hesitant to smile or speak freely.
Lingual Braces can remove a major barrier for teens who want treatment but do not want visible hardware.
Starlet Kids Dentistry provides Lingual Braces with custom planning, regular progress checks, and clear guidance for parents and teens.
The first visit includes a detailed orthodontic evaluation. Dr. Partovi checks tooth alignment, bite function, jaw development, spacing, crowding, and oral hygiene. Digital images, photos, or scans may be used to plan treatment.
Parents and teens can talk about appearance concerns, school activities, speech needs, and daily routines. This helps Dr. Partovi decide whether Lingual Braces are practical or if another option may fit better.
Lingual Braces are not standard brackets that are moved to the back of the mouth. They are custom-made to fit each patient’s teeth. Digital planning helps design brackets that match the back tooth surfaces and wires that guide tooth movement. This custom design supports comfort and accuracy during treatment. Dr. Partovi will explain the fabrication timeline and what your teen can expect before placement.
Once the appliances are ready, the brackets are bonded to the back of the teeth. The wire is placed and secured so tooth movement can begin. The placement process should not be painful, though the teeth may feel sore afterward as pressure begins.
Your teen will return for regular visits so Dr. Partovi can check progress, make adjustments, and monitor comfort. These appointments are needed to keep treatment on track.
The tongue will notice the brackets at first. Some teens may have a slight lisp or tongue soreness during the early adjustment period. Orthodontic wax and soft foods can help.
Cleaning takes extra care because the braces are behind the teeth. The team will review brushing angles, flossing tools, and hygiene habits that help protect the teeth and gums during treatment.
Families want orthodontic care that respects a teen’s confidence, health, and daily life. Starlet Kids Dentistry provides discreet planning with clear communication.
Teenagers may feel strongly about how orthodontic treatment looks. Lingual Braces can help teens receive fixed orthodontic care without front-facing brackets. Dr. Partovi listens to appearance concerns while still focusing on what will work clinically.
Lingual Braces require careful placement and adjustment because the brackets sit behind the teeth. Dr. Partovi evaluates whether the treatment can address your teen’s alignment needs and explains the commitment involved before moving forward.
Hidden braces need careful cleaning. The team helps teens understand how to brush behind the teeth, clean around the wires, use flossing tools, and avoid foods that may loosen brackets. Clear daily instructions can help protect tooth health during treatment.
Dr. Partovi speaks English, Spanish, and Farsi. This helps families ask questions, review treatment expectations, and understand home care instructions more clearly.
Lingual Braces may help teens straighten teeth with fixed orthodontic care that stays hidden behind the smile. This option can be helpful for teens who need detailed tooth movement but feel uncomfortable with visible brackets.
Starlet Kids Dentistry provides Lingual Braces in San Fernando, CA, with custom planning, regular progress checks, and parent guidance. Book your teen’s Lingual Braces consultation in San Fernando, CA with Starlet Kids Dentistry today.
No. Lingual Braces are placed on the back side of the teeth, so they are hidden from the front when your teen smiles or speaks.
Yes. Lingual Braces use brackets and wires to move teeth over time. The main difference is that the brackets are placed behind the teeth.
Your teen may have a slight lisp during the first few weeks. Most teens adapt as the tongue gets used to the brackets.
Placement should not be painful. Soreness or pressure can happen after the braces are placed or adjusted, and tongue irritation may occur at first.
Your teen will need to brush carefully behind the teeth and use flossing tools around the wires. The team will demonstrate helpful cleaning methods.
Lingual Braces can help with many crowding concerns. Dr. Partovi will examine your teen’s teeth and bite to confirm if they are a good option.
Neither option is automatically better. Lingual Braces may be preferred when a teen wants hidden treatment but needs fixed appliances or may not wear aligners consistently.
Teens should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can loosen brackets or bend wires. The team will give specific food guidance at the start of treatment.
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