Lingual appliances are placed on the inside of the teeth giving less visibility with no change in facial contours. This treatment can be suitable for adults and children.

The word “lingual” originates from a Latin word meaning “close to the tongue”. Lingual appliances are used to correct misaligned teeth and bite problems, using a fixed brace that has been bonded to the inner side of the teeth. This enables teeth to be moved into their correct position without having the braces in plain view.

Lingual appliances are not suitable for every patient – they don’t solve all orthodontic problems, they require considerable dexterity and expertise on the part of the practitioner, and aspects of their design have the potential to complicate certain parts of treatment.

Some claim that treatment time can be prolonged and not every patient gets on with an appliance which encroaches on the tongue space. Some might find it difficult to adapt speech or chewing functions to this appliance.