Clear Braces vs Hidden (Lingual) Braces — Pros & Cons for London Patients

Choice empowers great outcomes. At Aura Dental, two discreet options often spark interest: clear (ceramic) braces and lingual (hidden) braces. Both are effective; the best fit depends on your goals, lifestyle and preferences. Here’s a balanced overview to help you compare within orthodontics London.

Clear (ceramic) braces

Pros: Brackets blend with tooth shade, keeping treatment subtle. They’re visible up close but discreet in everyday conversation and photos. They allow precise control, which is helpful for rotations and detailed finishing. Appointments are efficient, and speech is unaffected.

Considerations: You’ll need to avoid biting very hard foods on front teeth to protect brackets. Staining is rarely an issue with modern materials, provided hygiene is good.

Lingual (hidden) braces

Pros: Brackets and wires are fitted to the inner surfaces, making them virtually invisible. They can offer superb control, particularly for complex tooth movements, while keeping the outer surfaces free for photos and events. 

Considerations: A short speech adaptation is common, and cleaning requires specific instruction. Appointments can be a little longer due to the custom nature of the appliance.

Which suits you best?

If absolute invisibility is your top priority and you’re happy to learn a brief care routine, lingual braces are excellent. If you prefer a balance of discretion, efficient visits and straightforward hygiene, clear braces are a wonderful choice. We also offer hybrid plans — for example, lingual braces on the top teeth and ceramic on the lower — to tailor both comfort and aesthetics.

Your consultation includes digital scans, a clear timeline and a written proposal with finance options. We’ll answer every question and provide practical tips for comfort, speech and cleaning, whichever path you choose.

Both systems pair beautifully with whitening and subtle bonding after alignment if you wish. Retention completes the picture with comfortable retainers to protect your result long term.

With expert planning and ongoing support, orthodontics London becomes a discreet, confidence‑building experience — whichever brace you select.

From the first fitting to the joyful reveal, our role is to keep orthodontics London precise, elegant and perfectly matched to your life.