Solana Orthodontics, a practice located at 2907 N Loop 1604 E, Suite 101 in San Antonio, is offering lingual braces for adults and teens who need fixed orthodontic correction without visible hardware. Dr. Sandra Nairooz, a board-certified orthodontist, provides the treatment, which uses custom-fabricated brackets and wires bonded to the back surfaces of the teeth rather than the front. The announcement matters because it expands the options available to patients who want the effectiveness of fixed braces without the aesthetic drawbacks of traditional metal brackets.
Lingual braces use brackets and arch wires that are bonded to the tongue-facing side of the teeth, keeping them entirely out of view when a patient speaks or smiles. Each bracket is custom-made to conform to the specific contour of the individual tooth it is attached to, which distinguishes this approach from standard front-facing brackets that are manufactured to a common shape. Because the hardware sits behind the teeth, the treatment produces the same biomechanical tooth movement as conventional braces while staying virtually invisible from the outside. This means patients can achieve orthodontic correction without the social and professional visibility that often deters adults from seeking treatment.
The system differs from clear aligners in a meaningful way: lingual braces are fixed appliances, meaning they are not removed for meals or cleaning. That characteristic makes them suitable for patients who prefer or require a treatment that does not depend on consistent wear compliance. Unlike removable aligners, which rely on the patient to keep them in for the recommended daily hours, lingual braces work continuously. For busy professionals or teens who might forget to wear aligners, this offers a more predictable path to results.
Two groups in particular tend to ask about lingual braces in San Antonio TX. The first is working adults in client-facing positions—such as sales professionals, attorneys, healthcare workers, and educators—who interact with patients, clients, or the public daily and prefer to keep their orthodontic treatment private. The second group is teens who want the predictability of fixed braces but are uncomfortable with the appearance of traditional metal brackets on the front of their teeth. Braces for adults in San Antonio TX are a frequent question from patients who want orthodontic care that fits within a professional setting. Lingual placement addresses that concern directly by eliminating the external visibility of the appliance entirely.
Front-facing metal or ceramic braces are placed on the outer surface of the teeth, making them visible during normal interaction. They are effective for a wide range of cases and remain one of the most commonly used fixed orthodontic systems. Clear aligners are removable trays molded to the teeth that are swapped out over the course of treatment; they are discreet but require disciplined daily wear to remain on schedule. Lingual braces occupy a distinct position among these options: they offer the continuous force application of fixed braces without any visible hardware. The trade-off is an adjustment period during which speech can be temporarily affected, as the tongue must adapt to the presence of brackets on the inner tooth surfaces. That adaptation period varies by individual and typically resolves as the tongue becomes accustomed to the new configuration.
Patients who schedule a consultation at Solana Orthodontics can expect a review of their current bite and alignment, a discussion of whether their specific orthodontic needs are suited to lingual placement, and a comparison of treatment options relevant to their case. Dr. Nairooz evaluates candidacy based on tooth anatomy, bite complexity, and the patient's treatment goals. Not every case is automatically suited to lingual braces, and the consultation is designed to determine fit before any commitment is made. The practice can be reached directly at (210) 905-9000 to schedule an evaluation. For more information, visit Solana Orthodontics.
