Lingual Braces in Hornchurch.

Custom-made braces fitted to the back of your teeth so they're completely invisible from the front. The discreet alternative to Invisalign for patients who want fixed-brace precision without anyone seeing.

Book a free consultation How it works
Hornchurch patient smiling normally with lingual braces invisible behind teeth
★★★★★
"I'm in client-facing presentations every week and nobody ever knew I had braces in."
Sarah M.
Lingual braces fitted behind the teeth

What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are small custom brackets bonded to the back (tongue side) of each tooth, connected by a thin wire that gradually moves your teeth into a planned position. Because they sit behind the teeth, they're completely invisible from the front in conversation, photos and video calls.

Each bracket is custom-milled in a specialist lab to fit the unique inside surface of your individual teeth, so the appliance is precise and the movement is predictable. Most cases finish in twelve to twenty-four months, on a similar timeline to traditional fixed braces.

Are lingual braces right for me?

Lingual braces tend to be the right answer if you:

  • Want fully invisible orthodontic treatment with no visible appliance
  • Are in a profession or social situation where Invisalign or visible braces are not acceptable
  • Have a case that needs the precision of fixed braces, not aligners
  • Are willing to invest in the higher cost of custom appliances
  • Can manage a few weeks of tongue adjustment as your speech and oral comfort settles

If you only need mild to moderate alignment, Invisalign or Clear Correct will likely give you the same result for less money.

Anatomy diagram showing lingual bracket placement on the inside surface of the teeth

How your lingual brace treatment works with us.

01

Free consultation

We assess your bite, photograph your smile, take a 3D scan and discuss whether lingual braces are right for you. Around 45 minutes.

02

Custom design

Your lingual brackets are designed and milled in a specialist lab from your 3D scan, taking 4 to 6 weeks.

03

Bracket bonding

The custom brackets are bonded to the back of your teeth and the wire fitted. Around 90 minutes per arch.

04

Adjustments

Short appointments every 4 to 8 weeks to tighten the wire and progress treatment.

05

Brace removal

The brackets are removed and the back of your teeth polished smooth, typically 12 to 24 months in.

06

Retainers

Fixed or removable retainers fitted to lock the new position permanently.

How much do lingual braces cost in Hornchurch?

Lingual braces are the most expensive orthodontic option because of the custom lab work involved. Treatment fees include the consultation, scans, custom appliance, all adjustments, debonding and the retainers.

We offer 0% finance over 12, 24 and 36 months and members of the Hacton membership plan receive 10% off treatment.

See full fees and finance

Lingual braces (per arch)

From £6,000
Custom-milled brackets, 12 to 24 months

Retainers (included)

From £175
Fixed or removable, included in every treatment plan

0% interest finance

12, 24 or 36 months
Spread the cost interest-free, ask at your consultation

The Hacton Dental Care difference.

Fully invisible from the front

Lingual braces sit behind your teeth, against the tongue, so nobody sees them in conversation, in photos or in video calls. The only person who knows you're wearing braces is you.

Custom-made for your teeth

Unlike standard fixed braces, lingual brackets are custom-milled to match the unique inside surface of each of your teeth, so the fit is precise and the wire moves them efficiently.

Fixed-brace precision, no compromise

Where Invisalign requires you to wear aligners 22 hours a day to make progress, lingual braces work continuously, like traditional fixed braces, so the result is fully predictable.

A genuine option for client-facing roles

For patients in roles where visible braces are a non-starter (presenters, lawyers, teachers, sales) but who need more than Invisalign can deliver, lingual braces are often the only realistic option.

Honest about the trade-offs

Lingual braces are more expensive than other options and the tongue takes a few weeks to adjust. We will be straight about the pros and cons before you commit.

Same team start to finish

The same orthodontic clinician designs your case, fits the braces and reviews you at every adjustment.

Real patients, real results.

Before lingual brace treatment Before
After lingual brace treatment After

Adult lingual braces, fully invisible throughout

An eighteen-month treatment with custom-milled lingual brackets, completely invisible from the front for the duration.

The calm, welcoming waiting room at Hacton Dental Care in Hornchurch

Nervous about lingual braces?

The most common concern is "how will it feel against my tongue?". Honestly, for the first two to four weeks it does take adjustment, your speech may feel slightly different and your tongue may be sore. This passes, and almost every lingual brace patient tells us they had completely forgotten the braces were there within a few weeks.

We provide wax to soften any sharp edges and you'll have direct contact details if you ever want to come in for a quick adjustment. Your same orthodontic clinician runs every appointment, so the questions you asked at your consultation are the same questions answered at every review.

Book your free consultation

Ready for completely invisible orthodontics?

Book a free, no-pressure orthodontic consultation. We'll talk you through every option (Invisalign, lingual and fixed) before recommending the right route for your case.

Book free consultation

Lingual brace questions, answered.

How long do lingual braces take?

Lingual brace treatment typically takes 12 to 24 months, broadly similar to standard fixed braces depending on the case complexity.

Are lingual braces uncomfortable?

The tongue takes around two to four weeks to adjust to the brackets, during which speech may sound slightly different and the tongue can feel sore, but this almost always settles fully.

Are lingual braces really invisible?

Yes, because the brackets are bonded to the back of your teeth, lingual braces are completely invisible from any normal conversation angle, in photos and on video calls.

Why are lingual braces more expensive than standard braces?

Lingual brackets are custom-milled in a specialist lab to fit the unique inside shape of each of your teeth, where standard braces use off-the-shelf brackets, which is the main cost driver.

Will lingual braces affect my speech?

Many patients have a slight lisp for the first one to two weeks while the tongue learns to move around the brackets, which usually resolves completely without any conscious effort.

Can I eat normally with lingual braces?

Yes, with the same precautions as standard braces - avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods that could damage the brackets or wire.

Are lingual braces only suitable for adults?

We typically recommend lingual braces for adults and older teenagers because the cost and tongue adjustment are easier to commit to at that stage.

Do you offer lingual braces near me?

Hacton Dental Care is in Hornchurch and a ten minute drive from Upminster, Romford, Elm Park and Rainham, with free on-site parking.

Find us.

Visit us

1 Hacton Lane
Hornchurch
Essex, RM12 6PH

Get directions

Speak to us

Opening times

Monday9.00am – 6.00pm Tuesday9.00am – 5.00pm Wednesday9.00am – 5.00pm Thursday8.00am – 5.00pm Friday9.00am – 5.00pm SaturdayBy appointment SundayClosed

Closed daily 1.00pm – 2.00pm for lunch.

Hacton Dental Care location map
Looking for an NHS dentist? Our sister practice Church View Dental is 1.1 miles away and currently accepting NHS patients.
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