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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Braces behind the teeth, also known as lingual braces, represent a less common option for braces treatment though they are becoming increasingly popular with adult patients. If you dislike the look of metal braces, you may have the option to hide your ongoing dental work behind your teeth, which helps you save face in a professional setting or simply stay more confident.

Continue reading to learn about adult braces behind the teeth, including why you might need them, how to care for them, and what they cost.

Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.

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What are Adult Braces Behind the Teeth?

Lingual braces are metal braces attached to the back of the patient’s teeth. They use an archwire attached to separate brackets just like conventional braces. In general, they address the same dental issues that normal braces do, including alignment, spacing, and bite issues.

The advantages of braces behind the teeth include their invisibility as well as their customizability compared to normal braces. They can, however, cause more discomfort than conventional braces, especially in patients with an overbite, due to the position of the brackets.

What Do Braces Behind the Teeth Cost?

We mentioned that lingual braces can be customized. The wires of the braces can be individualized for each patient based on a scan of their mouth, which shortens the treatment time by making the braces more efficient. However, customization comes at a cost.

Braces behind the teeth cost more than conventional braces, running between $5,000 – $7,000 compared to $3,000 – $7,000. The cost depends on how long you will need to wear them, whether your insurance covers them, and where you live.

Just know that even the application process for lingual braces is a little more complicated and labor-intensive than normal metal braces, which also pads the price.

What Do Braces Behind the Teeth Feel Like?

When you first get your braces, you may feel a dull aching feeling as they apply pressure to your teeth. This is true of any braces, including those behind the teeth. Since these braces are on the tongue side of your teeth, you may feel some roughness there.

To counteract this, you should stick to soft foods for the first few days including rice, yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs, or cake. Sharp edges on your braces can also cause pain in spots in your mouth, which you can address with an oral gel or orthodontic wax.

Some people wonder if the discomfort of braces behind the teeth can cause a lisp. Any braces can cause speech issues, and studies show that with lingual braces these issues last for at least a month. Basic speech therapy techniques can help you learn to speak with your braces, though once you get used to them, you should be able to speak normally again.

How to Clean Braces Behind the Teeth

Like conventional braces, lingual braces are permanent, so they don’t need to be removed and cleaned. Caring for them is important, however, since food and sugar stuck behind your lingual braces can cause a buildup of plaque, leading to tartar, cavities, or even tooth decay.

Make sure you brush your braces thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride, addressing every face of each bracket and getting under the wire. You can also use a floss threader to floss the teeth attached to your lingual braces.

An anti-cavity mouthwash can also get behind your braces and prevent cavities from forming. We recommend using a Waterpik with half water and half mouthwash to clean your lingual braces every night to prevent food and sugar from forming plaque.

As always, speak with your orthodontist if you have any maintenance and cleaning questions about your braces. If you feel a harsh or stabbing pain such as from a sharp bracket or wire, you may need the braces adjusted or fixed, so it’s important to call your provider right away. All braces come with some discomfort, but they should never hurt.

Choose Reese Orthodontics

If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.

Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.

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Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
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Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).