Dr Carolyn Ng – Specialist Orthodontist
Dr Carolyn Ng
Specialist Orthodontist
Specialist Orthodontist
Lingual Braces: Orthodontic Treatment That Stays Hidden
Lingual braces offer the clinical precision of fixed orthodontic treatment, with one significant difference; the brackets and wires sit on the inside surface of the teeth, facing the tongue, rather than the front. For anyone who has been hesitant about orthodontic treatment because of how it looks, lingual braces are worth understanding in detail.
Table of Contents
- Why Some Patients Choose Lingual Braces?
- How Lingual Braces Work
- The Treatment Process
- Lingual Braces Compared to Other Options
- Aftercare and Maintenance
- Is This the Right Option for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Some Patients Choose Lingual Braces
Because the brackets and wires are positioned behind the teeth, lingual braces are invisible in normal social and professional situations. There is no visible hardware at any point during treatment – not at the start, not during adjustments, and not in photographs.
This makes them a practical choice for professionals, adults in client-facing roles, and patients of any age who would prefer their orthodontic treatment to remain private. They are also custom-designed and fitted using digital 3D scans, which allows each bracket to be precisely shaped to the contours of the individual tooth surface. This level of customisation supports accurate force delivery throughout treatment.
Because the appliance sits on the inner surface of the teeth, there is also no risk of staining or marking on the front enamel, something that can occasionally occur with front-facing fixed appliances if oral hygiene is not maintained consistently. About Lingual Hidden Braces
How Lingual Braces Work
Lingual braces work on the same biological principles as traditional fixed braces, with controlled, continuous pressure is applied to the teeth over time, gradually moving them into the desired position. The difference is entirely in the placement. Because the brackets are bonded to the inner tooth surface, the mechanics are designed and adjusted from behind the teeth rather than the front.
This requires a higher level of clinical skill to place and manage than standard fixed appliances. Dr Carolyn Ng has over ten years of specialist orthodontic experience and manages all stages of lingual brace treatment personally.
The Treatment Process
All stages of treatment are conducted by Dr Carolyn and are only delegated to other team members with your prior approval.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | Review of dental history, X-rays, discussion of goals and treatment considerations |
| Confirm plan and 3D Scan | Finalise treatment plan and scan for appliance fabrication |
| Appliance Fabrication | Lab fabrication and set up of Lingual Braces for Bonding |
| Bonding Appointment | Brackets bonded to inner tooth surfaces, initial wire placement |
| Adjustment Visits | Archwire activations and fine-tuning of tooth movement |
| Debonding and Retention | Remove brackets, polish teeth, fit clear retainers to maintain results |
Lingual Braces Compared to Other Options
Every orthodontic appliance has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on your individual clinical needs, lifestyle, and preferences. The table below offers a general comparison. Your specific situation may differ, and a consultation is the only way to determine what is genuinely appropriate for you.
| Lingual Braces | Aligners | Ceramic Braces | Metal Braces |
|---|---|---|---|
| No visibility | Mild visibility | Mild visibility | High visibility |
| Most cases | Some cases | Most cases | Most cases |
| Initial tongue and speech adjustments | Minimal discomfort | Initial lip and cheek adjustments | Initial lip and cheek adjustments |
| Moderate dietary modification | Minimal dietary modification | Moderate dietary modification | Moderate dietary modification |
Aftercare and Maintenance
Caring for lingual braces requires consistent oral hygiene habits throughout treatment. Because the brackets sit on the inner tooth surface, thorough cleaning around each bracket is important. Interdental brushes and water flossers are particularly useful for reaching debris that a standard toothbrush may not access easily. Attending adjustment visits on schedule is also important — missed or delayed appointments can extend the overall treatment time.
Once treatment is complete, retainers are fitted to maintain the position of your teeth and prevent relapse. Dr Carolyn will advise you on how long and how often retainers should be worn based on your individual result
Is This the Right Option for You?
Lingual braces are suitable for most orthodontic cases, including complex bite corrections, rotated teeth, and spacing issues. Whether they are appropriate for your specific situation depends on a clinical assessment — there is no substitute for an in-person examination and X-rays when it comes to treatment planning.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment and discretion is important to you, an initial consultation with Dr Carolyn Ng is a sensible starting point. She will assess your teeth, discuss your goals, and give you an honest overview of which appliances would be appropriate for your case — lingual braces, clear aligners, or otherwise. No referral is required, so get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Because the brackets and wires sit on the inner surface of the teeth, they are not visible from the front in normal social situations or in photographs.
There is typically a short adjustment period of one to two weeks during which speech may feel slightly different. Most patients adapt quickly and find that any initial change resolves without lasting effect.
There is usually a brief adjustment period as the tongue adapts to the brackets. Dr Carolyn uses custom-fitted brackets designed to minimise bulk on the inner tooth surface, which helps with comfort over time.
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of each case. Most treatments take between 18 and 24 months. Dr Carolyn will give you a personalised estimate following your initial assessment.
Yes. Lingual braces are suitable for a wide range of cases including complex bite corrections, rotated teeth, crowding, and spacing issues. A clinical assessment will confirm whether they are appropriate for your specific situation.
No referral is required. You can contact the practice directly to book an initial consultation at any time.
The Orthodontist Advantage
Dr. Carolyn Ng firmly believes that a beautiful smile can unlock a life of greater confidence and well-being. She is a highly skilled specialist and an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics.
Orthodontic specialists like Dr. Carolyn customizes each treatment—whether braces, clear aligners, or other discreet options—to fit your lifestyle and goals, helping you achieve a smile you’ll be proud of for years to come.
At her orthodontic practice in Hawthorn, Victoria, she works collaboratively and patiently with all her patients in creating beautiful, healthy smiles.
The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not cover all appliances or treatment modalities. It does not take into account your personal situation. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek advice from a dental professional.
Dr. Carolyn Ng
Orthodontist Hawthorn
