Lingual Braces · Specialist-Led · Last reviewed May 2026
Fixed Braces, Completely Invisible.
Picasso Dental places lingual braces in Vietnam, custom brackets bonded to the back of the teeth, invisible from every normal viewing angle. The most discreet fixed-brace option, planned by specialist orthodontists with custom bracket fabrication for each individual tooth.
What Are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are fixed orthodontic braces with brackets bonded to the back (tongue-side) of the teeth instead of the front. The brackets and wires sit entirely on the inner surface of the teeth, making them completely invisible from any normal viewing angle. The biomechanics and treatment outcomes are equivalent to traditional fixed braces, but the technical complexity is higher and the cost is meaningfully greater.
Why Choose Lingual Braces?
Genuinely Invisible
Even ceramic braces are visible at conversational distance. Lingual braces are not. From any normal viewing angle, no one knows you're in orthodontic treatment, ideal for adults in client-facing roles, public figures, and image-sensitive professions.
Same Effectiveness as Front Braces
Lingual braces handle the same case range as traditional braces: complex extractions, severe rotations, bite corrections. Custom bracket fabrication makes the biomechanics predictable.
Fixed (Not Removable)
Unlike Invisalign, lingual braces work continuously without requiring 20+ hours of daily wear discipline. The brackets are always on, treatment proceeds whether you remember to wear them or not.
Lingual Braces Configurations
Lingual braces are the premium fixed-brace option due to custom bracket fabrication and technical complexity. All-inclusive of consultation, planning, full treatment and final retainers. Per-configuration pricing (partial single arch, hybrid front-lingual back-traditional, comprehensive both-arch) is published on our cost guide. Pricing is itemised in your written quote after specialist consultation.
| Configuration | Case Type |
|---|---|
| Partial Lingual (single arch, mild) | Mild front-tooth alignment |
| Hybrid (lingual front, traditional back) | Cost-conscious invisibility |
| Comprehensive Lingual (both arches, mild to moderate) | Standard adult case |
| Comprehensive Lingual (both arches, complex) | Bite correction, extractions |
Hybrid placement (lingual on visible front, traditional brackets on rear molars) reduces cost while preserving the front-of-mouth invisibility most patients care about.
The Procedure, Step by Step
Lingual braces require more planning visits than traditional braces because each bracket is custom-fabricated.
Specialist Consultation
Specialist orthodontist evaluates whether lingual is the right fit, tooth size, bite, alignment goals.
Day 1 · 60 minRecords & Custom Setup
OPG, Cephalometric X-rays, photographs, iTero scan. Detailed lingual setup, each bracket designed to fit the unique inner surface of each tooth.
Day 1–14Bracket Fabrication
Custom brackets manufactured ( 8 weeks). Indirect bonding tray prepared so brackets can be bonded in their pre-planned positions.
4–8 weeksIndirect Bonding
Brackets bonded to all teeth via indirect bonding tray (more accurate than direct bonding). First archwire fitted. Wax provided for tongue comfort.
Bonding · 2–3 hrAdjustment + Retention
Every 8 weeks for adjustment. Total treatment 36 months. Brackets removed, retainers fitted, worn nightly indefinitely.
12–36 monthsThe First 4 Weeks: What to Expect
Lingual braces have a steeper adaptation curve than traditional braces. Honest expectations matter.
Days 7
Tongue irritation is the dominant sensation. Brackets feel large and unfamiliar against the tongue. Speech is affected (lisp, slight slurring). Wax helps. Saline rinses 6 times a day soothe irritation.
Days 14
Tongue starts to develop calluses where it contacts the brackets. Speech improves substantially. Most patients report 80 percent normal speech by day 14. Eating becomes easier.
Days 28
Adaptation largely complete. Speech essentially normal in most contexts. Brackets feel familiar, no longer noticeable except when adjustments are made.
Months 2 Onward
Adapted state. Comfort comparable to traditional braces. Mild discomfort for 3 days after each adjustment. Most patients forget the brackets are there for long stretches.
What Helps Adaptation
Orthodontic wax over rough spots. Saline rinses. Soft food for the first week. Avoiding alcohol-based mouthwash (irritating). Patience, the tongue genuinely does adapt.
Speakers, Singers, Performers
Plan around the first 4 weeks. After adaptation, lingual braces have minimal impact on professional speaking or singing. Most public figures who choose lingual treatment do so for exactly this reason.
Lingual vs Ceramic vs Invisalign: Honest Comparison
Three discreet options. Each has its own trade-offs.
| Criterion | Lingual | Ceramic | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility from Front | Zero | Low | Very low |
| Removable? | No | No | Yes |
| Self-Discipline Required? | None | None | High (20+ hr/day) |
| Speech Impact | 2–4 weeks adaptation | Minimal | Mild lisp 1–3 days per aligner |
| Hygiene Difficulty | Highest | Moderate | Easiest (remove and brush) |
| Treatment Time | 12–36 months | 12–36 months | 6–24 months |
| Case Range | Full | Full | Mild to severe |
Lingual is the right answer when total invisibility is non-negotiable and you can absorb the cost premium and the adaptation period.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Lingual braces have specific case requirements. Decided after specialist consultation.
You're a Strong Candidate If
You are an adult who needs orthodontic treatment but cannot have any visible appliances (public figures, client-facing professionals, image-sensitive roles).
Your tooth size is sufficient (small lower front teeth can be challenging).
Your bite does not have severe deep-bite issues that would impact lingual brackets.
You can commit to a more demanding hygiene routine.
You can absorb the cost premium over ceramic or Invisalign.
You are willing to adapt to 4 weeks of speech and tongue adjustment.
Lingual May Not Be Right If
You have very small lower front teeth (insufficient surface for the bracket).
You have a severe deep bite (opposing teeth would repeatedly impact lingual brackets).
You have heavy bruxism and cannot wear a night guard.
You depend professionally on perfect speech with no adaptation period.
You are unwilling to commit to the demanding hygiene routine.
You are budget-conscious, ceramic or Invisalign deliver discreet treatment at much lower cost.
Daily Life with Lingual Braces
What changes day-to-day after adaptation.
Hygiene
The most demanding aspect. Brushing the inner surface of teeth requires care, a small mirror, and a thorough technique. Interdental brushes essential. Water flossers strongly recommended. Plan 10 minutes per session.
Eating
Same restrictions as traditional braces: avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods. Cut foods like apples and corn off the cob. The lingual placement actually protects the brackets from many front-tooth impacts.
Adjustments
Every 8 weeks. Adjustments are slightly slower than traditional braces because access is more limited. Each visit is 60 minutes.
Sport
Contact sports require a custom orthodontic mouthguard. Lingual placement makes mouthguards more comfortable than with traditional braces (front of teeth is unobstructed).
Singing & Public Speaking
After 4 weeks of adaptation, minimal impact. Many singers and speakers choose lingual specifically because the front of the mouth (and lip movement) is unobstructed.
The Discreet Advantage
Most patients report that 95+ percent of people who interact with them daily never notice they have orthodontic treatment in progress. This is the central reason to choose lingual.
The Specialist Orthodontic Team
Specialist Orthodontist
Dr. Thuan Phung
Specialist orthodontist with experience across the full lingual case range. Lingual braces require advanced technical skill and pre-planning, Dr. Phung leads our lingual program.
Specialist Orthodontist
Dr. Toan Le (Dr. Mathew)
Specialist orthodontist with broad experience across fixed and clear-aligner systems. Co-leads complex adult cases including hybrid lingual configurations.
Founding Clinical Director
Dr. Emily Nguyen
Founder of the original clinic in 2013. Sets clinical standards for orthodontic case selection and quality benchmarks group-wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are fixed orthodontic braces with brackets bonded to the back (tongue side) of the teeth instead of the front. From a normal viewing angle, they are completely invisible. The biomechanics and treatment outcomes are equivalent to traditional fixed braces.
How much do lingual braces cost in Vietnam?
Lingual braces are the premium fixed-brace tier due to custom bracket fabrication and technical complexity. Per-configuration pricing (partial single arch, hybrid, comprehensive both arches) is published on our cost guide.
Are lingual braces really invisible?
From the front and most viewing angles, yes, completely invisible. The brackets sit on the inner (tongue) surface of the teeth. People only see lingual braces if you tilt your head back substantially or open very wide. For most social interactions, no one will notice them.
How long does lingual braces treatment take?
Mild cases typically take 18 months. Moderate cases 24 months. Severe and complex cases 36 months. Treatment time is comparable to traditional fixed braces, sometimes slightly longer due to the more complex biomechanics on the lingual surface.
Do lingual braces affect speech?
Yes, initially. The brackets sit where your tongue rests, causing a temporary lisp or slurring that improves substantially over the first 4 weeks as the tongue adapts. Most patients report normal speech by week 3, complete adaptation by week 6.
Are lingual braces uncomfortable?
More so than traditional braces in the first 4 weeks. Tongue irritation is the main issue, the brackets press against the tongue when you swallow and speak. Wax and saline rinses help. Most patients adapt within 3 weeks. After adaptation, comfort is comparable to traditional braces.
Do all teeth need lingual brackets?
Some patients choose hybrid placement: lingual on the visible front teeth (where invisibility matters) and traditional brackets on the back molars (which are not visible anyway). This reduces cost. Other patients prefer fully lingual. Both arrangements are possible at planning.
Are lingual braces harder to clean?
Yes, hygiene takes more effort than traditional braces. The brackets are not easily visible, brushing requires care and a small mirror, and food trapping happens on the inner surface. Interdental brushes, water flossers and orthodontic floss threaders are essential.
What food restrictions apply?
Same as traditional braces: avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods that can detach brackets or break wires. Cut foods like apples and corn off the cob. Avoid ice, hard candy, popcorn, gum, caramels, and crusty bread.
Are lingual braces customised?
Yes. Each lingual bracket is custom-fabricated to fit your individual tooth shape and surface, the inner surface of teeth varies far more than the outer, requiring per-tooth customisation. This adds cost and technical complexity but is essential for predictable outcomes.
Who should not have lingual braces?
Patients with very small lower front teeth (insufficient surface for the bracket), severe deep bite (where lingual brackets would be repeatedly impacted by the opposing teeth), heavy bruxism, or patients unwilling to commit to the demanding hygiene routine.
Will I need retainers afterwards?
Yes, long-term. Teeth naturally drift, especially in the first year after braces are removed. We supply clear, Hawley, fixed or Vivera retainers based on your case and recommend nightly wear indefinitely to preserve your result.
Related Treatments
Ceramic Braces
The middle-ground discreet option. Tooth-coloured brackets on the front of the teeth. Significantly less expensive than lingual.
Invisalign
The removable discreet option. Most lifestyle-friendly. Picasso is a Platinum Elite Provider.
Adult Orthodontics
The complete adult orthodontic decision guide, comparing all options for adults at any case complexity.
Start Here
Ask About Lingual Braces
Within 24 Hours.
Tell us your concerns and your visibility priority. Our specialist orthodontists review every request and tell you honestly whether lingual fits your case, with treatment plan, expected timeline and pricing at no cost and no obligation.