How Much Do Lingual Braces Cost?

Last Updated on March 27, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Lingual braces are specialty orthodontic appliances that discreetly fasten behind the teeth for subtle teeth straightening. But such customized invisibility comes at a premium. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the average cost of lingual braces, what factors influence pricing, a full breakdown of included treatment components, insurance and financing options to offset expenses, as well as whether the investment is ultimately worthwhile for achieving your dream smile.

However, their hidden aesthetics offer unique benefits for adults, teens, and career professionals craving subtlety. Carefully weighing the costs vs. benefits will determine if they are the right solution for your orthodontic needs.

How Much Do Lingual Braces Cost?

The average total cost for lingual braces from starts to finish range between $8,000 to $13,000 according to national dental surveys. However, your specific pricing depends on several factors covered later.

For comparison:

• Traditional metal braces cost $3,000 to $7,000 on average
• Ceramic braces run $4,000 to $8,500 typically
• Popular clear aligners like Invisalign range from $3,500 to $8,000

As you can see, lingual braces are one of the more expensive types of orthodontic treatments available. Their specialized custom design requires additional expertise and labor from the orthodontist, who must handcraft brackets to fit the back contours of each unique tooth. This drives up the costs significantly from mass-produced braces.

According to Consumer Affairs, lingual braces typically cost between $5,000 and $13,000, depending on the complexity of the treatment and customization required. These braces are designed for patients who prefer a less visible solution, but they come with higher initial discomfort and costs due to their precise placement and custom brackets.

On Healthline, lingual braces are listed within the same price range of $5,000 to $13,000, making them the most expensive type of braces. The cost depends on factors such as the length of treatment and whether insurance covers part of the expense. Healthline emphasizes that insurance coverage for adults is rare but may be available for children if deemed medically necessary.

The article on Oral-B reports that lingual braces generally cost between $8,000 and $10,000, highlighting their premium pricing compared to other options like traditional metal braces or ceramic braces. Costs can vary based on location, with orthodontists in urban areas typically charging more than those in rural regions.

According to AEDIT, lingual braces range from $5,000 to $13,000, with final costs influenced by factors such as provider expertise, geographic location, and the complexity of the treatment plan. AEDIT notes that while lingual braces offer aesthetic benefits, they are associated with higher costs due to their custom design and intricate placement process.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces involve fastening customized metal or ceramic brackets and archwires to the backs (lingual side) of the teeth for discreet straightening. This hides any visible evidence of orthodontics.

They are especially popular among adult professionals aged 25-50 who want subtler correction without visible metalwork that could impact career perceptions. Many use them to look polished for client meetings, presentations, filming, and public appearances.

Self-conscious teens also sometimes choose lingual braces over more overt options when concerned about school peer perceptions during treatment. Their undetectable nature provides a confidence boost.

While not suited for every severe case, lingual braces effectively and surreptitiously align mildly to moderately crooked teeth when performed by a specialist. Their cosmetic nature does come at a higher cost than metal braces.

What’s Included in the Pricing

What exactly does the lingual braces cost cover in your treatment? Here are the primary components:

• Initial consultation and imaging: Photos, X-rays, 3D dental scans and impressions to assess your case.
• Custom bracket design and fabrication: Based on a mold of your teeth, orthodontists design and produce custom metal brackets that precisely fit behind each tooth. This labor-intensive process takes weeks and represents the bulk of the upfront cost.
• Bracket bonding: The custom brackets are then bonded permanently to the backs of your teeth.
• Wire insertion: The orthodontist threads the archwire through the bracket slots to initiate gradual tooth movement.
• Adjustments and follow-ups: At least monthly appointments are required to tighten wires and ensure proper alignment progress.
• Retainers: Custom fixed retainers are sometimes included to hold results in place post-treatment, although fees may apply.

Lingual braces are technique-sensitive and require an experienced specialist. The advanced expertise and hours spent justify the higher rates.

You might also like our articles on the cost of children’s braces, braces removal, or Byte.

Factors Impacting Lingual Braces Pricing

Several variables beyond the orthodontist’s control affect the final price you’ll pay for lingual braces. These should be considered when estimating potential costs:

• Case complexity – Patients with severe alignment issues often require longer treatment involving both upper and lower arches. This equates to higher total costs vs mild singular arch cases.
• Total treatment duration – Extended treatment plans spanning 18-24 months naturally cost more in adjustment visits than fast 8-12 month solutions.
• Orthodontist’s specialization & experience – Doctors who invest years earning premier lingual accreditations and mastering the meticulous technique command premium pricing for their expertise.
• Braces materials and brand – Patented lingual systems like IncognitoTM and HarmonyTM utilize advanced fabrication technologies and gold brackets that boost their pricing.
• Geographic location – Practices in major metropolitan cities like Los Angeles and New York City set rates 15-25% higher than less populated areas.

Being informed on these cost factors helps set accurate expectations before pursuing lingual braces.

Itemized Breakdown

Initial Diagnostic Exam and Imaging Costs

• Initial consultation: $200 – $500
• Orthodontic records (x-rays, photos, scans): $300 – $600
• Treatment planning session: $150 – $350

These upfront diagnostic fees help the orthodontist thoroughly evaluate your case. Total ranges from $650 – $1,450 on average.

Custom Bracket Fabrication Costs

• Impressions and 3D model scanning: $450 – $850
• Computer-aided bracket modeling and design: $950 – $1,600 per arch
• Physical bracket prototyping and production: $1,200 – $2,500 per arch

Fabricating the 10-14 custom brackets accounts for a significant portion of total fees. Expect $2,600 – $4,950 for this process.

Monthly Adjustment Visit Costs

• Standard appointment: $125 – $250
• Complex adjustment visit: $200 – $400

With appointments every 4-6 weeks, total fees for adjustments come out to $3,000 – $7,000 depending on duration.

Retainer Costs

• Fixed wire retainer: $350 – $600
• Removable clear retainer: $500 – $1,000

Add $850 – $1,600 if retainers are not included in the package quote.

Having an itemized breakdown can help patients budget for the different phases of lingual braces treatment. Understanding where the costs derive from is useful.

Insurance Coverage and Financial Options

Can insurance or financing help offset the higher costs of lingual braces? Here are some options to explore:

• Orthodontic insurance – When deemed medically necessary, some dental insurance plans cover ~50% of lingual braces fees. But most classify it as an elective cosmetic treatment with lower or no reimbursement.
• FSA/HSA accounts – Contributing pre-tax dollars to a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account provides a way to pay for medical expenses like orthodontics tax-free.
• Payment plans – Many orthodontists offer monthly payment plans at 0% interest over 12-24 months to divide treatment into smaller installments.
• Third-party medical financing – Companies like CareCredit and OrthoFi specialize in lending for healthcare costs, although they charge deferred interest rates, so total repayment is higher.

Using tax-advantaged accounts or low/no-interest installment plans can help ease the financial burden of expensive lingual braces. Make sure to closely review all financing terms and implications.

Cost and Suitability Comparison

How do lingual braces compare to traditional braces and aligners in terms of both pricing and best uses?

Braces Type	Average Cost	Visibility	Comfort	Best Suited For
Lingual Braces	$8,000 – $13,000	Hidden	Moderate	Adults & teens self-conscious about braces
Metal Braces	$3,000 – $7,000	Visible	Low	Teens who need complex alignment
Ceramic Braces	$4,000 – $8,500	Less visible	Medium	Adults or teens concerned about aesthetics
Clear Aligners	$3,500 – $8,000	Nearly Invisible	High	Mild to moderate alignment cases

This makes it clear that lingual braces command the highest average fees but offer unrivaled discreetness that provides cosmetic and professional benefits to adults/teens willing to pay the premium cost. Less expensive substitutes may sufficiently improve smile aesthetics for more budget-minded patients.

Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces

What are the unique advantages and disadvantages of lingual braces?

Pros of Lingual Braces

• Completely hidden behind teeth for maximum discretion
• Custom-fitted to each tooth for targeted precision
• More stable and effective for complex cases vs aligners
• May shorten treatment time compared to aligners
• Preferred subtlety for career-minded professionals

Cons of Lingual Braces

• Much higher cost than metal braces
• Can temporarily irritate tongue and affect speech
• Makes eating and brushing more difficult
• Not possible for some severe misalignments
• Orthodontist expertise is mandatory

For patients prioritizing invisible orthodontics, lingual braces provide clear benefits. But the process is not easy or comfortable for every patient. An honest cost-benefit analysis with your dentist is advised.

Are Lingual Braces Worth the Cost?

Are premium-priced lingual braces a wise investment for your individual orthodontic needs?

For adults and teens where absolute discretion and aesthetics are the top priority, lingual braces can certainly be worth the higher costs when compared to potential career or social impacts of overt metal braces during treatment. Many patients report a significant confidence boost.

However, patients on a tight budget looking for minor to moderate improvement may find less expensive options like clear aligners or ceramic braces provide sufficient cosmetic enhancement at more affordable rates. The choice ultimately depends on your personal treatment goals and financial situation.

According to surveys, approximately 80% of lingual braces patients are satisfied with their experience and dental results. Ensure you consult experienced registered orthodontists to determine if you are an ideal candidate before pursuing treatment. Lingual braces require technical mastery.

Final Words

While clearly on the higher end of orthodontic pricing, lingual braces offer adults and professionals the discretion, aesthetics, and precision needed to correct more complex teeth alignment issues without overt appliances.

When researching options, consult experienced registered orthodontists to determine if you are a candidate, analyze projected treatment time and costs, and scrutinize financing details to keep expenses in check. For the right patients, lingual braces provide valued cosmetic benefits that enhance self-image despite their premium price tag.

Answers to Common Questions

Why are lingual braces more expensive?

The extensive customization required, specialized training and materials, low volume, and longer treatment times all contribute to the higher costs of lingual braces. The results justify the investment for adults who prioritize discretion.

How long do lingual braces take to work?

Most lingual braces treatments range from 12-24 months depending on severity of alignment issues. Two years allows for incremental movement and retention. Proper wearing of retainers afterward maintains the position.

Can you talk normally with lingual braces?

While lingual braces may cause temporary speech impairment and lisp at the outset, most patients adapt their speech within 2-4 weeks. Communicating normally simply takes a brief adjustment period.