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Lingual Braces in Ashburn, Woodbridge & Alexandria, VA

Lingual braces offer full orthodontic correction with complete invisibility — the brackets and wires sit behind your teeth, completely out of sight. If you want effective treatment for misalignment or bite issues without anyone being able to tell you are wearing braces, lingual braces may be the right choice for you.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces work exactly like traditional metal braces — using metal brackets and an archwire to apply controlled pressure that gradually moves teeth into their correct positions. The key difference is that lingual brackets are bonded to the back surface of the teeth rather than the front, making them completely invisible when you smile or speak. They are one of the only fixed orthodontic options that offers full correction with zero visible hardware, making them a particularly popular choice among adults and professionals who are concerned about appearance during treatment.

How Are Lingual Braces Placed?

The lingual braces process begins with an impression of your teeth, which is sent to a specialist dental laboratory to create custom brackets precisely shaped to the back contours of each tooth. This fabrication process takes up to six weeks.

Once the custom brackets are ready, Dr. Hessamfar uses a special dental bonding cement to attach each bracket to the back of the tooth. The archwire is then threaded through the brackets and begins applying gentle, persistent pressure to shift the teeth gradually into their ideal positions.

Treatment time is typically 18 to 36 months, depending on the severity of your misalignment, crowding, or bite issues. You will visit ABSC approximately every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments throughout your treatment.

Dr. Ron Hessamfar DMD MS orthodontist at American Braces and Smile Center Northern Virginia

Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces

Pros of Lingual Braces

  • Completely invisible: Because the brackets are placed behind the teeth, lingual braces are entirely hidden from view — no one will know you are wearing braces unless you tell them.
  • Same treatment effectiveness as traditional braces: Lingual braces use the same mechanics as metal braces and can treat the same range of alignment and bite issues, including complex cases.
  • Fixed appliance reliability: Like all fixed braces, lingual braces work continuously without requiring the patient to remember to wear them — treatment stays on track around the clock.
  • Ideal for adults and professionals: For patients in social or professional environments where appearance matters, lingual braces offer full correction without compromising how you look during treatment.

Cons of Lingual Braces

  • Temporary speech adjustment: It is common for speech to be temporarily affected for around two weeks after placement as your tongue adjusts to the presence of brackets behind the teeth. This resolves quickly for most patients.
  • Tongue irritation: The brackets sit close to the tongue and may cause some initial irritation. Orthodontic wax can help alleviate discomfort while your mouth adjusts.
  • Higher cost: Lingual braces require custom fabrication and a more complex placement process, making them the most expensive fixed brace option. Financing options are available at ABSC.
Dr. Hessamfar AAO American Association of Orthodontists member Northern Virginia

How to Care for Lingual Braces

Good oral hygiene is especially important with lingual braces because the brackets sit in an area of the mouth that is harder to see and clean. Here are the key habits to maintain throughout your treatment:

  • Brush thoroughly after every meal using a soft, round-bristle toothbrush — pay careful attention to the area around each bracket
  • Floss daily using a floss threader or water flosser to clean between teeth and beneath the archwire
  • Use an oral irrigator (water flosser) to flush the area around the brackets and remove debris that brushing may miss
  • Use a fluoride rinse to strengthen tooth enamel during treatment
  • Apply orthodontic wax to any bracket that is rubbing or irritating your tongue to prevent sores and discomfort

Are Lingual Braces Right for You?

Lingual braces are an excellent option if you want fully invisible orthodontic treatment and have a case that is too complex for clear aligners or if you want a more discreet alternative to clear ceramic braces. They are particularly well-suited to adults and professionals who need effective bite and alignment correction without compromising their appearance during treatment.

The best way to determine whether lingual braces are right for your specific needs is to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Hessamfar. He will assess your teeth, discuss your goals, and recommend the treatment that will deliver the best possible result for you.

Why Choose ABSC for Lingual Braces?

At ABSC, Dr. Ron Hessamfar brings over 20 years of orthodontic experience to every patient’s care. His deep expertise in a full range of fixed and removable orthodontic systems means you receive a precise, personalized treatment plan — not a generic recommendation. ABSC has been recognized as a Top Orthodontist by Northern Virginia Magazine and Washingtonian Magazine, and as Best Orthodontist in Prince William and Loudoun County.

  • Board-eligible orthodontist with 20+ years of clinical experience
  • Three offices in Ashburn, Woodbridge, and Alexandria for your convenience
  • Flexible financing and payment plan options
  • iTero digital scanning — no messy impressions
  • Free initial consultation for all new patients
Metal braces clear braces and Invisalign options at ABSC Orthodontics Ashburn VA

Three Convenient Locations in Northern Virginia

Lingual braces treatment is available at all three ABSC offices, each staffed by Dr. Hessamfar and his experienced team. Every patient receives the same high level of care and attention to detail regardless of which location they choose.

  • Lingual braces in Ashburn, VA
  • Lingual braces in Woodbridge, VA
  • Lingual braces in Alexandria, VA

We serve patients from across Loudoun County, Prince William County, and Fairfax County — including Leesburg, Manassas, Dale City, Reston, Herndon, Chantilly, and Sterling. Call us at 703-726-6561 or book your free consultation online.

ABSC Orthodontics office Ashburn VA with happy smiling patients

Explore All Braces Options at ABSC

Not sure if lingual braces are the right fit? ABSC offers the full range of fixed orthodontic treatment options so you can choose what works best for your lifestyle and clinical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lingual Braces

Yes. Because the brackets and wire are attached to the back surfaces of the teeth, lingual braces are entirely hidden from view when you smile, speak, or laugh. They are the only fixed brace option that is truly invisible from the front.

It is common to notice a temporary change in speech — particularly with sounds like “s” and “t” — for around two weeks after placement as your tongue adapts to the brackets sitting behind the teeth. Most patients adjust quickly, and speech returns fully to normal.

Yes. Lingual braces use the same archwire-and-bracket mechanics as traditional metal braces and can treat the same range of alignment, spacing, and bite issues — including moderate to complex cases.

Treatment time typically ranges from 18 to 36 months, comparable to traditional metal braces. The exact duration depends on the complexity of your alignment or bite issues and will be discussed at your consultation with Dr. Hessamfar.

Yes — lingual braces require custom bracket fabrication and a more complex placement technique, making them the highest-cost fixed brace option. ABSC offers flexible financing plans, and many insurance providers contribute to orthodontic treatment costs. Contact your insurer for your specific coverage details.

Brush after every meal with a soft-bristle brush, floss daily using a threader or water flosser, and use an oral irrigator to flush around the brackets. A fluoride rinse is also recommended to strengthen enamel during treatment. Your ABSC team will provide detailed hygiene guidance at your first appointment.

What ABSC Patients Are Saying

“I was adamant I didn’t want anyone to see me in braces, and Dr. Hessamfar recommended lingual braces. Nobody at work had any idea I was going through orthodontic treatment. The results were worth every adjustment appointment.”

— ABSC Orthodontics patient, Woodbridge, VA

Dr. Ron Hessamfar is a board-eligible orthodontist with more than 20 years of clinical experience across Northern Virginia. His individualized approach to treatment planning ensures every patient receives the option that best suits their clinical needs and lifestyle — not just the most convenient recommendation. ABSC has been consistently recognized as one of Northern Virginia’s top orthodontic practices. Read more patient reviews here.

Dr. Ron Hessamfar orthodontist Northern Virginia personal photo family

Find Out if Lingual Braces Are Right for You

Schedule your free orthodontic consultation with Dr. Hessamfar at any of our three Northern Virginia offices. He will evaluate your teeth, explain all your options, and help you make a confident, informed decision — with no obligation and no cost to you.

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Happy patient with straight teeth after braces treatment at ABSC Orthodontics in Ashburn Virginia