Are Lingual Braces Right for You? Candidates and Considerations
Who is a good candidate for lingual braces? See who hidden braces suit best, the considerations to weigh, and how…
Hidden / lingual braces
InSmile hidden braces, behind the teeth
Truly invisible orthodontics, placed on the inside of the teeth — Dr. Orbach's specialty since 2012, for adults and teens in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia.
What it is
Braces no one can see
InSmile braces are lingual braces — bonded to the back (tongue side) of your teeth, so they're completely hidden from view while they straighten your smile.
Unlike clear aligners, they're fixed in place and working around the clock; unlike traditional braces, nothing shows on the front of your teeth. For many adults, that combination is exactly what makes treatment feel possible.
Book a free consult
Who it's for
Made for visible lives
Lingual braces suit a wide range of cases — and shine for people who can't have anything showing on their teeth.
Working professionals
Client-facing roles, public speaking, photos and video — treatment that never shows up in the room.
Adults & teens
A discreet path for older patients, and for teens who'd rather keep braces to themselves.
Complex cases
Dr. Orbach has handled lingual treatment for surgical, extraction, impaction, and severe crowding and spacing cases.
The journey
How treatment works
1
Free consult
Dr. Orbach reviews your bite and goals and confirms whether lingual braces are right for you.
2
Custom braces
A digital scan captures your teeth; your lingual braces are made to fit the inside of your smile.
3
Treatment
Regular, efficient visits at either office — with Dr. Orbach at every appointment.
4
Retention
Once you're straight, retainers keep your result — with same-day help if one is ever lost.
What to expect
The honest answers
Speech
A short adjustment period is normal; most patients are speaking comfortably within a week or two.
Comfort
Modern lingual systems are smoother and lower-profile than the early ones — Dr. Orbach trained on several.
Hygiene
We'll show you exactly how to keep things clean behind the teeth, with tools that make it simple.
A genuine lingual specialist
Few orthodontists do this — Dr. Orbach built a career on it
Dr. Orbach began treating lingual cases in 2012 after a mini-residency in lingual braces with 3M, was an early adopter of the InSmile system, and trained on the Win lingual system from Germany. He has treated 150+ lingual cases — including surgical, extraction, impaction, and severe crowding and spacing.
Lingual since 2012
150+ lingual cases
InSmile · Win · 3M trained
Meet Dr. Orbach
Compare your options
Hidden braces, compared
Visibility
Completely hidden
Completely hidden
Completely hidden
How it works
GentleForce "Smartwire" — a pre-programmed wire that moves teeth automatically
Fully customized brackets + wires, made per tooth
Fully customized brackets + wires, ultra-flat design
Comfort / profile
Smooth, low-profile; easy to brush & floss
Custom-contoured (first-generation custom system)
Flattest, thinnest brackets — easiest on tongue & speech
In-office visits
Fewer adjustments — the wire "knows" the plan
Regular adjustments
Few fine-tuning visits
Especially suited to
Everyday discreet treatment + easy hygiene
Complex cases (fully custom control)
Comfort-sensitive patients; efficient finishing
Maker / origin
InBrace (USA)
3M (USA)
DW Lingual Systems (Germany)
At Orbach Orthodontics
Flagship — most used
Offered
Offered
InSmileOn this page
VisibilityCompletely hidden
How it worksGentleForce "Smartwire" — a pre-programmed wire that moves teeth automatically
Comfort / profileSmooth, low-profile; easy to brush & floss
In-office visitsFewer adjustments — the wire "knows" the plan
Especially suited toEveryday discreet treatment + easy hygiene
Maker / originInBrace (USA)
At Orbach OrthodonticsFlagship — most used
Incognito
VisibilityCompletely hidden
How it worksFully customized brackets + wires, made per tooth
Comfort / profileCustom-contoured (first-generation custom system)
In-office visitsRegular adjustments
Especially suited toComplex cases (fully custom control)
Maker / origin3M (USA)
At Orbach OrthodonticsOffered
WIN
VisibilityCompletely hidden
How it worksFully customized brackets + wires, ultra-flat design
Comfort / profileFlattest, thinnest brackets — easiest on tongue & speech
In-office visitsFew fine-tuning visits
Especially suited toComfort-sensitive patients; efficient finishing
Maker / originDW Lingual Systems (Germany)
At Orbach OrthodonticsOffered
All three disappear behind your teeth — Dr. Orbach will recommend the system that best fits your bite, your comfort, and your goals at your free consult.
Lingual patients, in their words
Quiet braces, real results
★★★★★
"I decided to go with lingual braces (inside your teeth). Throughout the entire process… nobody could tell that I had braces on! Dr. Orbach proved himself to be an expert in handling my case."
Justin C. · Washington, DC · Google
★★★★★
"I recently finished treatment with Incognito lingual braces and could not be happier… As a physician, I knew how important the right training and experience was — Dr. Orbach came highly recommended and was exactly that!"
David P. · Washington, DC · Google
★★★★★
"I had lingual braces, and Dr. Orbach ensured I was comfortable and listened to any concerns I had… This has been my most stress-free experience with braces."
Annissa J. · Washington, DC · Google
Lingual braces FAQ
Good to know
Will lingual braces affect my speech?
There's a brief adjustment period — a slight lisp is common in the first days — but the tongue adapts quickly, and most patients are speaking normally within a week or two.
Are they really invisible?
Yes — because the braces sit on the back of the teeth, they're not visible when you smile or talk. Many patients tell us no one noticed they were in treatment.See if you're a candidate
Do they work for complex cases?
Often, yes. Dr. Orbach has treated 150+ lingual cases, including surgical, extraction, impaction, and severe crowding and spacing — a depth of lingual experience few practices offer.
How much do they cost, and is it covered?
Cost depends on the complexity and length of treatment; you'll get a clear, transparent quote at your consult, and we'll help you make the most of any orthodontic insurance and financing.New patients & financing
From the blog
Helpful next reads
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How Much Do Hidden (Lingual) Braces Cost?
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See if hidden braces are right for you
A free consult with Dr. Orbach is the best way to find out — in person or online, no referral needed.