Lingual braces in Turkey: what they are and how they work
Lingual braces are fixed orthodontic braces bonded to the inner (tongue-side) surfaces of the teeth, so they cannot be seen when you smile or talk. Like conventional braces, they use small brackets and an archwire that applies a light, continuous force; the teeth move through the bone as the bone remodels around them. The difference is where the brackets sit and how they are made. Because the back of the teeth is uneven and the tongue is close, lingual brackets are small and usually custom-made from a digital scan of your teeth, and in some systems the wires are bent by a computer-controlled robot to match the plan. Dental clinics in Turkey offer lingual braces for adults and teenagers who want fixed braces without visible metal.
This guide explains how the treatment works, what research says, how long it lasts, the effect on speech, cost and how it compares with the alternatives, including the practical problem of follow-up appointments. For the wider field see our dental treatments in Turkey.
Do lingual braces work as well as ordinary braces?
For most alignment problems, yes. Reviews of the research find that lingual and front-fitted braces can both give a good result, and the main differences lie in comfort, hygiene, chair time and the need for an experienced orthodontist. Lingual treatment is technically harder, since the clinician works from behind the teeth in a limited space, and complex bite corrections may take longer or need extra steps. The evidence on treatment time and final quality is mixed, so it is sensible to ask the clinic how many lingual cases it has completed and to see its results. No orthodontist can promise how fast or how far your teeth will move. Ask which lingual system is proposed, because custom-made and standard brackets differ in size, price and the amount of adjustment needed.
Is a lingual brace right for your teeth: who suits it and who does not?
Lingual braces suit adults with crowding, spacing or a mild to moderate bite problem who want invisibility and are able to keep up careful cleaning. They can be difficult for very short teeth, for deep bites where the brackets are knocked off by the lower teeth, or for people with a very sensitive tongue or a gag reflex. They are not the usual choice for children, whose teeth are still changing. Gum disease or active decay must be treated first, and a dentist will check your gum health, X-rays and bite before agreeing a plan.
Will lingual braces affect your speech and tongue?
Yes, at first. Brackets on the tongue side take up space, so many patients have a lisp or a slushy "s" sound for the first days to weeks, and the tongue can be sore or ulcerated at the edges. Most people adapt within a few weeks as the tongue learns the new shape; reading aloud and talking a lot help. Wax can cover sharp spots. Eating is awkward in the first days, and soft food helps. If speech or tongue irritation lasts, the orthodontist may adjust or smooth the brackets; this is a main reason some people choose another system.
Lingual braces compared with ceramic braces, self-ligating braces and aligners
Lingual braces are one of several ways to be discreet. Tooth-coloured ceramic braces sit on the front and are less obvious than metal, self-ligating braces use clips instead of elastic ties, and removable aligners such as Invisalign are almost invisible. Our guide to braces covers the standard options.
| Option | Suits | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Lingual braces | Adults wanting fixed, hidden braces and a firm control of tooth movement | Speech and tongue effects; harder cleaning; need an experienced orthodontist |
| Ceramic braces | Those who accept a visible but tooth-coloured fixed brace | Can stain or chip; slightly larger than metal |
| Clear aligners | Mild to moderate problems, people who want to remove the appliance | Needs wear of about 22 hours a day; some movements are less predictable |
| Metal braces | Complex problems and teenagers | Most visible |
Lingual braces cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The ranges below are approximate for a full treatment of both arches, not hospital quotes. They depend on the lingual system, the complexity of the bite, whether the teeth are scanned digitally and the number of appointments.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,500 – €6,500 |
| United Kingdom | €4,500 – €10,000 |
| United States | €6,000 – €13,000 |
| Germany | €5,000 – €10,000 |
Lingual braces cost more than front-fitted braces because the brackets are custom-made and each adjustment takes more time. A price normally includes the records (X-rays and scans), the appliance, scheduled adjustments, and sometimes a first retainer. Ask whether treatment of one arch only, extractions, a retainer and replacement of loose brackets are included, and whether adjustments are charged per visit.
How long does treatment take, and how can you manage it as a visitor?
Lingual treatment commonly runs from about 12 to 30 months, depending on how far the teeth must move. The wire is changed and checked about every 4 to 8 weeks. This is the main difficulty for people travelling to Turkey: a single holiday cannot complete a fixed-brace treatment. Realistic arrangements are to have the brackets fitted in Turkey and continue adjustments with an orthodontist at home who is trained in lingual systems, to plan a few scheduled trips, or to choose a shorter or simpler method. Agree the plan before treatment, including who will fix a loose bracket and who will take the braces off.
Recovery and daily life with lingual braces
Fitting takes one or two sessions and needs no anaesthetic in most cases. Teeth and the tongue are sore for the first week, and that soreness returns for a day or two after each adjustment. Brush after meals, use interdental brushes and a water flosser, and avoid sticky or hard food that can detach brackets. At the end of treatment the braces are removed and you wear a retainer, since teeth tend to drift back without one. The orthodontist usually checks the retainer fit at planned visits.
Lingual braces before and after: what do the photos show?
Photographs show straighter teeth and a better bite, and the braces are not visible in the "during" photos. They do not show the tongue irritation, the speech adaptation, the extra cleaning effort or the number of months involved. Ask for results from patients with a similar problem who completed treatment, and for the planned finish date and the retainer routine.
What are the risks of lingual braces?
As with all fixed braces, plaque can build up and cause white marks on the enamel, cavities or gum inflammation if cleaning is poor; this is harder behind the teeth. Other effects include tongue ulcers, speech changes, loose brackets, tooth root shortening in a small number of patients, and relapse if the retainer is not worn. The NHS and the British Orthodontic Society explain that orthodontic treatment needs good oral hygiene and regular visits. Report loose or broken brackets quickly.
How to choose an orthodontist, red flags and questions
Choose an orthodontist or dentist who treats lingual cases regularly, uses a digital scan, and gives a written plan with a price and a timeline. Red flags are promises of speed, a quote without an exam, no plan for adjustments after you return home and pressure to pay a deposit. Read how our process works and ask for a plan through our free quote page. Questions to ask:
- How many lingual cases have you completed?
- How long will treatment take, and how often must I be seen?
- Who adjusts the braces if I live abroad?
- What happens if a bracket comes loose?
- What is included in the price, and is the retainer included?
Hospitals with Dental Treatments in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Lingual braces are fixed braces bonded to the tongue side of the teeth so they cannot be seen. They use custom-made brackets and an archwire to move teeth, in the same way as ordinary braces.
They can correct most alignment problems, and research finds both lingual and front-fitted braces effective. Treatment is more technical, so ask the clinic how many lingual cases it has completed.
Approximate ranges are €2,500 to €6,500 in Turkey, against about €4,500 to €10,000 in the UK. The price depends on the system, complexity and number of adjustments, and is confirmed in a written quote.
Often, for the first days to weeks: a lisp or slushy s sound is common. Most people adapt as the tongue gets used to the brackets, and talking or reading aloud helps.
Typically about 12 to 30 months, with adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks. The length depends on how far the teeth must move and on how well the braces are looked after.
Teeth and tongue are sore for the first week and for a day or two after each adjustment. Simple painkillers, soft food and orthodontic wax usually manage it, and the tongue toughens over time.
They are different. Lingual braces are fixed, so they work all day and suit more complex movements, while aligners are removable but need about 22 hours of wear. An orthodontist should recommend one for your teeth.
Sometimes. Fit brackets in Turkey, then continue with a lingual-trained orthodontist at home, or plan scheduled trips. Agree who will do adjustments before you start, because a fixed brace needs visits every month or two.
Plaque can cause white marks, cavities and gum inflammation if cleaning is poor, which is harder behind the teeth. Tongue ulcers, loose brackets and relapse without a retainer can also occur.
Fitting usually takes one or two visits over a few days. Because adjustments are needed every few weeks, the stay is only the start, so plan follow-up with the clinic or a local orthodontist.