Who is this information for?
People comparing the principles of different tooth-straightening methods.
← All explanationsLingual braces
How do braces behind the teeth differ from aligners?
Lingual braces are fixed appliances attached to the inner, tongue-facing surfaces of teeth. Brackets and an archwire apply forces to the teeth. They differ from removable aligner trays. Suitability depends on tooth position, bite, oral health and the available treatment options.
For training & practice ↓
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Choose a view
Attached on the inside
Brackets sit on the tongue-facing surfaces and are generally less noticeable from the front. Patients do not remove them for meals or cleaning.
Planned tooth movement
An adjusted archwire and other components guide movement. Planning and reviews are necessary; placing an appliance inside does not automatically make treatment quicker or simpler.
Plan care and retention
Plaque needs thorough removal around brackets and wires. Suitable retention matters after active movement. Lingual treatment requires consultation with an orthodontic clinician experienced in the technique.
At a glance
How is suitability assessed?
Through dental and, where appropriate, specialist orthodontic assessment.
Who assesses a specific request?
Lingual braces require consultation with an orthodontic clinician experienced in the technique.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Attached on the inside
Brackets sit on the tongue-facing surfaces and are generally less noticeable from the front. Patients do not remove them for meals or cleaning.
Planned tooth movement
An adjusted archwire and other components guide movement. Planning and reviews are necessary; placing an appliance inside does not automatically make treatment quicker or simpler.
Plan care and retention
Plaque needs thorough removal around brackets and wires. Suitable retention matters after active movement. Lingual treatment requires consultation with an orthodontic clinician experienced in the technique.
Often confused
Lingual brace or bonded retainer?
Both can sit behind teeth. A lingual brace actively moves teeth; a retainer aims to maintain the position reached.
Quick answers
Are lingual braces entirely invisible?
They are less visible from the front, but invisibility cannot be promised in every view or situation.
Can they be removed like aligners?
No. They are fixed to the teeth. Aligners are removable trays whose effect depends on agreed wear time.
Are lingual braces better than aligners?
Not universally. Required movements, dental health and practical handling need assessment together.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which movements would be needed, and which service should assess the relevant methods?
Unsure which type of tooth correction is meant? A discussion can clarify whether an aligner consultation or specialist orthodontic assessment fits the question.
Discuss tooth positionAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Lingual
- Facing the tongue.
- Bracket
- A component attached to a tooth that can hold an orthodontic archwire.
- Retention
- Maintaining tooth position after active movement.
Make the distinction
Both can sit behind teeth. A lingual brace actively moves teeth; a retainer aims to maintain the position reached.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.