Many teenagers want the benefits of a straight smile but feel self-conscious about the appearance of traditional orthodontic hardware. Lingual braces offer a completely hidden solution. By placing the brackets on the back of the teeth, this method provides the precise control of fixed appliances without anyone knowing they are there.
Starlet Kids Dentistry in Sylmar, CA, offers discreet lingual braces treatments to help teens achieve their best smile with confidence.
Lingual braces function exactly like traditional fixed appliances, but with one major difference: the brackets and wires are attached to the lingual (tongue-facing) side of the teeth. This placement makes them virtually invisible from the outside, even when the patient is speaking or smiling broadly.
Because the back surface of each tooth has a unique shape, these appliances are entirely custom-made for every patient. Using advanced digital scanning and 3D modeling, the brackets are manufactured to fit the exact contours of the individual’s teeth. The wires are also custom-bent by a robotic system to deliver precise, targeted pressure. This high level of customization supports efficient tooth movement and a comfortable fit.
This hidden orthodontic option is particularly well-suited for patients who require robust correction but prioritize aesthetics.
The primary advantage of this approach is its invisibility. For teenagers who are highly self-conscious, involved in acting or modeling, or simply prefer a discreet look, this is the only truly hidden fixed orthodontic option. They can undergo comprehensive treatment without feeling insecure about their appearance.
While clear aligners are discreet, they are not always suitable for severe crowding, significant bite discrepancies, or complex tooth movements. Hidden fixed appliances provide the same mechanical control as traditional hardware, making them capable of treating almost any orthodontic issue while remaining out of sight.
Clear aligners require strict compliance; they must be worn for 22 hours a day and removed for eating and drinking. For teens who might struggle to remember to wear or keep track of removable trays, fixed appliances offer a reliable alternative. The hardware is permanently attached, ensuring continuous treatment without relying on patient compliance.
Traditional brackets placed on the front of the teeth can sometimes leave white spot lesions (decalcification) if oral hygiene is poor during treatment. By placing the hardware on the back of the teeth, the front enamel remains completely untouched and protected throughout the entire process.
When a teenager refuses orthodontic treatment because they are embarrassed by the thought of visible hardware, their alignment issues will persist and likely worsen.
Untreated crowding makes teeth difficult to clean, increasing the risk of decay and gingivitis. Uncorrected bite problems can lead to uneven enamel wear and jaw discomfort. The ongoing self-consciousness about a crooked smile can also negatively impact a teen’s social interactions and self-esteem during crucial developmental years.
Offering a completely hidden treatment option removes the aesthetic barrier, allowing teens to get the necessary care without compromising their confidence.
Dr. Golshid Shakouri Partovi provides expert care using this highly customized, advanced orthodontic technique.
We begin with a detailed evaluation to determine if this hidden approach is the right clinical fit for your child’s needs. We take precise digital scans of the teeth, which are used to design the custom brackets and wires. Dr. Partovi will explain the unique aspects of this treatment, including the adjustment period for speech and tongue comfort.
Once the custom hardware is fabricated, the brackets are bonded to the back of the teeth in a single appointment. The custom-bent wire is then engaged to begin the alignment process. Your teen will visit our office regularly for adjustments, where Dr. Partovi will monitor progress and update the wires to continue guiding the teeth into place.
Because the hardware rests against the tongue, there is an initial adjustment period. Patients may experience temporary changes in speech (such as a slight lisp) and some tongue soreness for the first few weeks. We provide orthodontic wax and guidance to help manage this transition. Excellent oral hygiene is essential, and we will demonstrate specific techniques for cleaning the back of the teeth effectively.
Families in Sylmar trust our practice for advanced orthodontic solutions delivered with precision and care.
We understand the social pressures teenagers face and the importance of self-esteem. By offering a completely hidden treatment option, we empower teens to improve their oral health without feeling self-conscious. We celebrate their progress and support their confidence throughout the journey.
Placing and adjusting hardware on the back of the teeth requires specialized training and precise clinical skill. Dr. Partovi has the expertise necessary to manage these complex cases effectively. You can be confident that your teen is receiving top-tier care with this advanced method.
We utilize state-of-the-art digital scanning and 3D modeling to make sure the custom hardware fits perfectly. This high level of personalization not only makes the appliances more comfortable but also increases the efficiency of the tooth movement. We invest in the technology needed to deliver superior results.
We believe in clear, open communication with both parents and teens. Dr. Partovi is fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi, allowing her to explain the nuances of this specialized treatment clearly to diverse families. We make sure everyone understands the commitment required for successful treatment.
Your teen does not have to choose between a straight smile and their confidence. Dr. Partovi and the dedicated team at Starlet Kids Dentistry offer completely hidden orthodontic treatment to correct even complex alignment issues discreetly. We provide the advanced care needed to achieve beautiful results without visible hardware.
Book a lingual braces appointment for your teenager at Starlet Kids Dentistry today.
Yes, because the brackets and wires are placed on the back surface of the teeth, facing the tongue, they are completely hidden from view when smiling or speaking.
There is typically a short adjustment period where patients may experience a slight lisp as the tongue gets used to the hardware. Most teens adapt within a few weeks and their speech returns to normal.
The initial adjustment period can cause some soreness on the tongue, but the custom-fit design of the brackets makes them as smooth and comfortable as possible. Orthodontic wax helps significantly during the first few weeks.
They are highly effective and can treat most of the same complex issues as traditional front-facing hardware, including severe crowding and bite discrepancies. Dr. Partovi will confirm if they are the right choice during the consultation.
Cleaning requires a bit more attention since the hardware is on the back of the teeth. We will provide specific instructions and tools, such as water flossers and interdental brushes, to make daily hygiene effective.
Treatment time is generally comparable to traditional methods. Because the wires are custom-bent by a robotic system for precise movement, treatment can sometimes even be more efficient.
Yes, they typically cost more than traditional options due to the advanced 3D customization process and the specialized clinical time required for adjustments. We can discuss financing options during your visit.
Just like with traditional hardware, patients must avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can break the brackets or bend the wires.
Still have questions? Reach out now