Smile Craft Dental offers lingual braces for teens and adults in Redwood City — a fixed, fully custom-fitted option that works from behind your teeth so nothing shows from the front.
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Crooked or crowded teeth can affect more than your smile, they can make it harder to bite, chew, and keep your teeth clean. If you want that corrected without a mouth full of visible metal, our orthodontics team in Redwood City offers lingual braces, a fixed option that works from behind your teeth instead of in front of them.
Lingual braces use the same brackets, archwires, and gentle pressure as traditional braces, but every bracket is custom-fabricated to match the contour of your tooth. Dr. Amy Nguyen and our on-site orthodontist walk you through what to expect, what it costs, and how long it takes before you commit to anything.
Fully hidden, fully effective — lingual braces deliver the same correction as traditional braces without the visible hardware.
Lingual braces suit a wide range of alignment concerns in adults and teens. Here's what they treat well:
Not sure if lingual braces fit your case? Our free consultation includes a digital scan and a clear recommendation from our orthodontist — no pressure, no commitment.
Lingual braces work because they deliver everything a fixed appliance can do while staying completely out of sight. Since they are bonded in place, they do not rely on your compliance the way removable aligners do. The National Institutes of Health notes that lingual appliances can address the same range of cases as traditional braces when custom-fitted to each tooth. Our patients — professionals, performers, and anyone who values discretion — consistently tell us they forget the braces are even there.
No surprises, no pressure. Here's exactly how treatment works from your first visit to your final adjustment.
We use advanced 3D imaging to map your teeth — no messy impressions. You'll see a preview of your projected smile before committing to anything.
Your case is reviewed by our on-site orthodontist. You'll receive a timeline, a tray count, and a clear picture of what your treatment will accomplish.
Your custom trays are ordered and arrive quickly. You'll wear each set for about two weeks, switching at home on your own schedule.
We monitor your progress with short office visits — no lengthy appointments. Most patients are in and out in under 30 minutes.
Once treatment is complete, we fit you with a retainer to hold your results long-term. The finish line is clearer than you'd expect.
Lingual braces typically cost more than traditional metal braces because each bracket is custom-fabricated for your teeth and placement requires specialized training. In the Bay Area, lingual braces can range from about $8,000 to $13,000 depending on case complexity.
We accept most major PPO insurance plans, and orthodontic benefits often apply toward lingual braces. We also accept HSA and FSA funds and offer Cherry financing with flexible monthly payment plans, so cost does not have to rule out a discreet option. Your consultation includes a full cost breakdown before you commit to anything.
Lingual braces are effective for a wide range of alignment and bite concerns. We evaluate each patient individually to determine whether lingual braces, clear aligners, or traditional orthodontics is the best fit for their case.
Lingual braces are not the right fit for every case. Patients with very narrow dental arches, severe deep bites, or teeth too short to hold a bracket securely may need a different approach. During your consultation, we will give you an honest assessment of whether lingual braces are the right tool for your case.
Because the brackets sit where your tongue naturally rests, cleaning takes a bit more attention than with front-mounted braces. Brushing after every meal and using a water flosser or interdental brush to reach between wires and teeth helps prevent decay and gum irritation. Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that can bend wires or loosen brackets are best avoided. Most patients adjust to cleaning around the brackets within the first couple of weeks.
Both options straighten teeth, but the experience is very different. Here's a side-by-side look.
| Factor | Lingual Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | ✓ Fully hidden from the front | Nearly invisible |
| Relies on compliance | ✓ No, bonded in place | Yes, must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day |
| Best for | Complex cases needing full correction while staying hidden | Mild to moderate cases, removable convenience |
| Removable for eating | No | ✓ Yes |
| Treatment length | 18–24 months average | 12–18 months average |
Lingual braces treatment at Smile Craft combines your general dentist's familiarity with your case and an orthodontist's specialty training.
Lead Dentist · Smile Craft Dental Redwood City
Dr. Amy leads Smile Craft Dental with a commitment to technology, continuing education, and patient-centered care. She works alongside an on-site orthodontist on every lingual braces case, ensuring your treatment plan is shaped by specialist-level expertise while keeping you comfortable in a practice you already know.
4.9 stars across 556 Google reviews. Here's what patients describe about their experience at Smile Craft.
The questions patients ask most before starting treatment — answered plainly.
Most patients experience a brief adjustment period as the tongue adapts to the brackets, with mild discomfort for the first few days. It is generally less noticeable than the discomfort of traditional braces once you adjust.
Treatment generally runs 18 to 24 months depending on the complexity of your case, similar to the timeline for traditional braces.
Some patients notice a temporary lisp or altered speech during the first couple of weeks as the tongue adapts to the brackets. Most patients find their speech returns to normal with a little practice.
Adults and older teens who want full correction without visible hardware are usually good candidates. Patients with very narrow dental arches, severe deep bites, or teeth too short to hold a bracket securely may need a different approach, which a consultation will determine.
Many PPO insurance plans with orthodontic benefits include some coverage for lingual braces. Our front desk will verify your benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect before you start.
Smile Craft Dental is a family dental practice with two Bay Area locations — Redwood City and Sunnyvale — serving patients of all ages. Dr. Amy Nguyen leads a team committed to continued education, advanced technology, and clear communication at every step of care. We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer Cherry financing to help make treatment accessible. If you are ready to explore lingual braces in Redwood City, we make it easy to get started. Contact us to request a consultation and take the first step toward a straighter, fully hidden smile.
2531 El Camino Real · Redwood City, CA 94061
Serving San Carlos, Belmont, and the Peninsula