Aligners & Braces

Invisible Braces - Types, Cost & How They Work

By Dr. Anvitha · 8 March 2026

7 min read
Invisible Braces - Types, Cost & How They Work

Key Takeaways

  • Three types of invisible braces: clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces
  • Ceramic braces start from INR 40,000; lingual from INR 80,000; aligners from INR 1,00,000
  • Clear aligners are the most discreet and comfortable option for mild-to-moderate cases
  • Lingual braces are completely hidden but cause initial tongue discomfort
  • All three types are available at Samhita Dental under one roof

Invisible braces have transformed orthodontic treatment. No longer do you need to wear visible metal brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. Today, several discreet options let you achieve a perfect smile without anyone noticing you are undergoing treatment.

This guide covers every type of invisible braces available in Bangalore, how they work, what they cost, and how to choose the right option. Reviewed by Dr. Anvitha at Samhita Dental, Basaveshwaranagar, Bangalore.

What Are Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces is a broad term for orthodontic treatments that straighten teeth discreetly — either by being transparent, tooth-coloured, or hidden behind the teeth. The three main types are clear aligners (transparent removable trays), ceramic braces (tooth-coloured fixed brackets), and lingual braces (brackets placed behind the teeth). Each type works differently, costs differently, and suits different cases. Understanding the differences helps you make the right choice for your smile and your budget.

Types of Invisible Braces

1. Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are custom-made transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray moves your teeth incrementally by approximately 0.25 to 0.3mm. You switch to a new tray every 1-2 weeks and wear them 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating and brushing. Treatment duration ranges from 6 to 18 months depending on complexity.

Clear aligners are the most popular invisible braces option for adults because they are nearly undetectable, removable, and comfortable. At Samhita Dental, aligners are fabricated in-house using a digital scanner and specialised milling machine — eliminating external lab costs and reducing turnaround time. Cost: INR 1,00,000 – 4,00,000 depending on case complexity.

2. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work exactly like metal braces — brackets bonded to teeth connected by an archwire — but the brackets are made from tooth-coloured or clear ceramic material. They are significantly less visible than metal braces, especially from a distance, though the wire may still be noticeable up close. Some orthodontists use tooth-coloured wires for an even more discreet look.

Ceramic braces are a good middle ground between the affordability of metal braces and the aesthetics of clear aligners. They can treat all the same cases as metal braces, including severe crowding and complex bite issues. They are fixed (non-removable) and require the same food restrictions as metal braces. Cost: INR 40,000 – 80,000.

3. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are metal brackets placed on the back (tongue side) of the teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They are custom-made for each patient and adjusted regularly like traditional braces. Lingual braces can treat most orthodontic cases and are the only truly invisible fixed option.

However, lingual braces have drawbacks. They can cause significant tongue irritation initially, may affect speech for the first few weeks, are harder to clean, and require a highly skilled orthodontist for placement and adjustment. They are also the most expensive braces option. Cost: INR 80,000 – 2,00,000.

How Do Invisible Braces Work?

All orthodontic treatments work on the same fundamental principle: applying controlled, sustained pressure to teeth to move them into the desired position. The jawbone remodels around the tooth roots as they shift, making the new position permanent over time.

Clear aligners apply pressure through the fit of the plastic tray. Each new tray is slightly different, progressing your teeth toward the final position. Ceramic and lingual braces apply pressure through an archwire connected to the brackets. The wire is adjusted periodically to increase force and guide teeth into alignment. While the mechanism differs, all three methods achieve the same goal — straight, properly aligned teeth.

Invisible Braces Cost Comparison in Bangalore

Clear Aligners (In-House, Samhita Dental): INR 1,00,000 – 4,00,000 | Nearly invisible, removable | Best for mild to moderate cases
Clear Aligners (Invisalign): INR 2,50,000 – 5,00,000 | Brand premium, SmartTrack material | Mild to moderate cases
Ceramic Braces: INR 40,000 – 80,000 | Semi-visible, fixed | All cases including severe
Lingual Braces: INR 80,000 – 2,00,000 | Completely hidden, fixed | Most cases

For comparison, traditional metal braces cost INR 25,000 – 60,000 but are fully visible. The premium you pay for invisible options reflects the aesthetic advantage and, in the case of aligners, the comfort and convenience benefits.

Which Invisible Braces Option Is Right for You?

Choose Clear Aligners If:

Your case is mild to moderate (minor crowding, spacing, slight bite issues). You want maximum discretion — aligners are the least visible option. You want to eat without restrictions by removing the trays. You are disciplined enough to wear them 20-22 hours daily. You are an adult seeking the most comfortable treatment experience. You value the ability to see your predicted results before treatment begins through digital planning.

Choose Ceramic Braces If:

Your case is moderate to severe and requires fixed brackets. You want something less visible than metal braces but more affordable than aligners. You prefer a fixed treatment that does not require daily compliance decisions. You want a proven treatment that handles complex tooth movements. Cost is a significant factor but you still want aesthetics.

Choose Lingual Braces If:

You want braces that are truly invisible — zero visibility from the front. Your case requires fixed orthodontic treatment for complex movements. You are willing to accept initial tongue discomfort and the higher cost. You want the effectiveness of traditional braces with no visible hardware. Your budget can accommodate the premium pricing.

The Treatment Process at Samhita Dental

Regardless of which invisible braces option you choose, treatment at Samhita Dental follows a structured process. First, a comprehensive consultation where Dr. Anvitha examines your teeth, takes digital scans and an OPG X-ray (all available in-house), and discusses your goals. Second, a customised treatment plan is created — for aligners, this includes a digital simulation showing how your teeth will move at each stage. Third, your braces are placed or your first set of aligner trays are provided. Fourth, regular follow-up visits monitor progress and make adjustments. Finally, once treatment is complete, retainers are provided to maintain your results.

Average treatment duration at Samhita Dental is approximately 10 months for clear aligners and 12-18 months for ceramic or lingual braces, though this varies based on individual cases.

Why Choose Samhita Dental for Invisible Braces?

Samhita Dental offers all three types of invisible braces under one roof, allowing for an unbiased recommendation based solely on your clinical needs. Our in-house aligner fabrication with digital scanning and on-site milling reduces costs and turnaround time — a rare capability among Bangalore dental clinics. The team is led by qualified MDS professionals with combined expertise in oral surgery and orthodontics.

We offer transparent pricing with no hidden charges, EMI payment plans for all treatment options, and convenient hours from 9 AM to 9 PM, Monday to Saturday. Our clinic in Basaveshwaranagar is easily accessible from Rajajinagar, Vijayanagar, and Mahalakshmi Layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

For mild to moderate cases, yes — clear aligners achieve comparable results. For complex cases, ceramic and lingual braces (which use the same mechanism as metal braces) are equally effective. Only severe cases may specifically require metal braces.
Ceramic braces start from INR 40,000. Lingual braces from INR 80,000. Clear aligners from INR 1,00,000. The exact cost depends on case complexity and the type chosen.
Not necessarily. Clear aligners are often faster for mild cases (6-10 months vs 12-24 months). Ceramic and lingual braces take about the same time as metal braces.
Absolutely. Invisible braces are especially popular among adults who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of traditional braces. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment.
You will feel mild pressure and tightness when you start a new tray, lasting 1-2 days. This is significantly less uncomfortable than the soreness from braces wire adjustments. Most patients adapt quickly.
With clear aligners, yes — simply remove them before eating. With ceramic and lingual braces, you need to avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods, just like with metal braces.
Dr. Anvitha

Dr. Anvitha

Cosmetic & Restorative Dentist

Dr. Anvitha specialises in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles with modern techniques.

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