When it comes to straightening teeth discreetly, two of the most popular choices are Invisalign and lingual braces. Both treatments offer a way to correct misaligned teeth without the noticeable metal brackets and wires of traditional braces.
But which one is the better option for you? Should you choose Invisalign’s clear aligners or lingual braces that sit behind your teeth?

- In this guide, we’ll compare:
- How Invisalign and lingual braces work
- Which is more invisible and comfortable
- Cost, treatment time, and effectiveness
- The best Invisalign provider in Hyderabad
If you’re considering a discreet orthodontic treatment, keep reading to find out which option suits you best!
What Are Invisalign and Lingual Braces?
Before comparing them, let’s understand how each treatment works:
Invisalign (Clear Aligners)
- Invisalign uses custom-made, removable clear plastic aligners to gradually shift teeth into position.
- The aligners must be worn for 20–22 hours a day and changed every 1–2 weeks.
- Invisalign is virtually invisible and allows easy removal for eating and cleaning.
Lingual Braces (Braces Behind Teeth)
- Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces but are placed on the inner surface of your teeth (towards the tongue), making them invisible from the front.
- They work by using metal brackets and wires, just like regular braces, but they are hidden behind your teeth.
- Since they are fixed, they provide continuous pressure for effective tooth movement.
Both options are great for patients who want aesthetic orthodontic treatment, but which one is more discreet and comfortable? Let’s compare.
Invisalign vs. Lingual Braces: Which Is More Discreet?
Feature | Invisalign (Clear Aligners) | Lingual Braces |
Visibility | Completely clear and almost invisible | Hidden behind teeth but may cause speech changes initially |
Comfort | Smooth, no wires or brackets | Can cause tongue irritation and soreness |
Removability | Removable for eating and brushing | Fixed, cannot be removed until treatment ends |
Treatment Duration | 6 to 24 months, depending on complexity | 12 to 30 months, may take longer for complex cases |
Maintenance | Easy to clean since they are removable | Harder to clean due to bracket placement |
Eating Restrictions | No food restrictions (since they are removed while eating) | Avoid hard/sticky foods that may damage brackets |
Speech Impact | Minimal impact | May affect speech in the initial weeks |
Effectiveness | Best for mild to moderate alignment issues | More effective for severe misalignment cases |
Cost | ₹80,000 – ₹3,50,000 | ₹1,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
Key Differences Between Invisalign and Lingual Braces
1. Visibility & Aesthetics
- Invisalign aligners are almost invisible unless someone looks very closely.
- Lingual braces are completely hidden from the front, but can sometimes be noticed when speaking or laughing.
Winner: Invisalign (More discreet in everyday situations)
2. Comfort & Convenience
- Invisalign is smooth and comfortable—no wires or brackets to irritate the mouth.
- Lingual braces may cause tongue discomfort in the first few weeks.
Winner: Invisalign (Less discomfort and irritation)
3. Eating & Oral Hygiene
- Invisalign aligners are removed while eating, allowing you to enjoy all foods.
- Lingual braces require avoiding hard/sticky foods, making them harder to maintain.
Winner: Invisalign (Easier maintenance and no food restrictions)
4. Effectiveness for Complex Cases
- Lingual braces are better for severe misalignment, bite correction, and rotations.
- Invisalign is ideal for mild to moderate misalignment cases but may not work for extreme conditions.
Winner: Lingual Braces (More powerful for severe orthodontic problems)
5. Treatment Time
- Invisalign treatment can be completed in as little as 6–24 months, depending on the case.
- Lingual braces typically take longer (12–30 months) for complex cases.
Winner: Invisalign (Faster for most cases)
Cost Comparison: Invisalign vs. Lingual Braces in Hyderabad
- Invisalign Cost in Hyderabad: ₹80,000 – ₹3,50,000
- Lingual Braces Cost in Hyderabad: ₹1,50,000 – ₹5,00,000
Why is Invisalign more affordable?
- Invisalign requires fewer clinic visits.
- Lingual braces are customized and require specialized orthodontists, increasing the cost.
- Invisalign offers flexible payment options and EMI plans.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose Invisalign If:
- You want the most discreet and comfortable option.
- You need a treatment that is removable for eating and cleaning.
- You have mild to moderate misalignment.
Choose Lingual Braces If:
- You have severe misalignment, overbite, or underbite.
- You want a fully hidden option with fixed brackets.
- You don’t mind speech changes and some discomfort initially.
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for discreet, comfortable, and removable orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is the better option.
Best Invisalign Provider in Hyderabad – Best Smiles Dental
If you’re considering Invisalign in Hyderabad, it’s important to choose an experienced provider to ensure the best results.
Why Choose Best Smiles Dentalfor Invisalign?
- Certified Invisalign Provider with years of experience
- Uses advanced 3D scanning technology for precise aligner fitting
- Offers flexible payment plans and EMI options
- Provides personalized treatment plans for best results
- Excellent patient reviews and success stories
Both Invisalign and lingual braces offer discreet orthodontic solutions, but Invisalign wins in terms of comfort, convenience, and aesthetics.
- Want an almost invisible, comfortable, and removable solution? → Invisalign is your best bet!
- Need to correct severe misalignment? → Lingual braces may be a better choice.
If you’re looking for the best Invisalign provider in Hyderabad, Best Smiles Dental offers top-tier Invisalign treatment to help you achieve the perfect smile with ease.
Book a consultation today and start your Invisalign journey with confidence!
FAQs
Yes! Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic, making them almost completely invisible unless someone looks very closely.
Yes, lingual braces are attached behind the teeth, making them invisible from the front. However, they may cause speech difficulties in the first few weeks.
Invisalign is more comfortable since it has no wires or brackets. Lingual braces may cause tongue irritation in the beginning.
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate cases, including crowding, spacing, and minor bite issues. However, for severe misalignment or jaw issues, lingual braces may be more effective.
Invisalign: ₹80,000 – ₹3,50,000
Lingual Braces: ₹1,50,000 – ₹5,00,000