Incognito braces, also known as lingual or hidden braces, offer an inconspicuous way to straighten your teeth, providing a fantastic option for those who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.
Designed for both comfort and effectiveness, these custom-fit braces are placed on the back side of your teeth, making them practically invisible when you smile. This innovative teeth-straightening solution has gained popularity among adult professionals and those who prefer a discreet orthodontic treatment.
In this article, we will dive into everything you need to know about Incognito braces, including their advantages and potential drawbacks. We’ll explore the unique technology and design of these invisible braces, as well as discuss the costs and what to expect during the treatment process. Whether you’re considering Incognito braces for yourself or a loved one, this comprehensive guide will provide all the essential information to help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic journey.
What Are Incognito Braces
Incognito braces are a type of orthodontic treatment, also known as lingual braces, designed to straighten teeth discreetly. Unlike traditional braces, Incognito braces are attached to the back of your teeth, making them virtually invisible when you smile. This teeth-straightening option is especially popular among adult professionals and individuals who prefer not to have visible braces.
These hidden braces are 100% customized for each individual, ensuring a perfect fit on your teeth. The Incognito brand utilizes advanced computer design technology to manufacture braces in Germany. Each bracket is molded to fit a specific tooth, and they are made as flat as possible. This design reduces the chances of the braces interfering with speech or causing inflammation in the mouth.
A variation of Incognito braces, called Incognito Lite braces, is available for those who need to correct only their front 6-8 teeth. This option is more affordable than the full treatment since it uses fewer materials and takes less time. Incognito Lite braces can be applied to one or both jaws, depending on your specific needs.
In summary, Incognito braces offer a discreet and highly customized orthodontic treatment for individuals who want to straighten their teeth without the visible appearance of traditional braces. With options like Incognito Lite, there is a solution available for various levels of dental correction.
How Do Incognito Braces Work
Incognito braces, also known as hidden braces or lingual braces, work by being discreetly attached to the back side of your teeth. This makes them practically invisible when you smile, providing an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces.
These braces are 100% customized to fit each patient’s teeth perfectly. The brackets are created using advanced technology, allowing for a comfortable and efficient orthodontic experience. Here are some key features of how Incognito braces work:
- Placement: During the procedure, your orthodontist will place the braces on the back side of your teeth, cementing the brackets at the same time. They may use a custom tray to hold the brackets in place, and a UV light to cure the adhesive and set the bonding. Wires are then inserted to complete the process.
- No white spots: Unlike traditional braces which may cause white spots on the front of your teeth, Incognito braces present a very low risk of this occurring.
- Comfort: Owing to their customized design, Incognito braces tend to be more comfortable for the wearer.
Incognito braces offer a subtle way to achieve a straighter smile, with the metal brackets and wires hidden behind your teeth, making them exceptionally difficult to notice. They are suitable for both adults and teens looking for an inconspicuous method of straightening their teeth. Bear in mind, however, that the cost of Incognito braces typically ranges from $5,500 to $10,000, depending on factors such as your orthodontist’s experience, location, and the number of brackets you require. Be sure to check whether your dental insurance covers any part of this orthodontic treatment.
Advantages of Incognito Braces
Aesthetics
One of the main advantages of Incognito braces is their aesthetics. Because they’re placed behind the teeth, they are almost completely invisible when you smile. This makes them a discreet way for adults and teens to straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious about their appearance.
Comfort
Incognito braces are made from a gold alloy which heavily reduces the chances of an allergic reaction. Additionally, each bracket is 100% customized for the patient, meaning they fit perfectly on each tooth. This customized fit ensures users experience a higher level of comfort compared to traditional braces.
Effectiveness
Incognito braces can effectively fix a wide range of dental issues, such as crossbites, overbites, underbites, gaps, and overcrowding. Furthermore, there’s a very low risk of white spots forming on the front of your teeth since the braces are attached to the back. With their custom-made design, treatment is often efficient, leading to a straighter smile without compromising your oral health.
Disadvantages of Incognito Braces
Cost
Incognito braces are custom-made, which generally makes them one of the most expensive types of orthodontic treatments. While their discreet design may be appealing, it’s important to consider the cost factor when deciding if hidden braces are the right choice for you. If the price seems prohibitive, you might want to explore alternative treatments like invisible aligners, such as NewSmile or SmileDirectClub.
Adjustment Period
After getting Incognito braces, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience a period of discomfort as they adjust to having the braces on the inside of their teeth. The proximity of the braces to the tongue can cause tongue ulcerations at first, which can be painful. Additionally, your tongue might hit the bottom of the braces, leading to ulcers, aches, and tiny cuts on the soft tissues of your mouth. Although most patients adjust to the braces eventually, this adjustment period can be challenging. Your dentist may suggest remedies to help alleviate the discomfort, such as rinsing your mouth with salt water.
Oral Hygiene Challenges
Maintaining proper oral hygiene with Incognito braces can be more difficult due to their positioning behind the teeth. This placement not only makes them less visible but also harder to clean. Properly maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial while wearing braces to avoid issues such as gum disease and cavities. You might need additional tools, like interdental brushes and a water flosser, to effectively clean around the brackets and wires.
In summary, while Incognito braces offer a discreet way to straighten teeth, they also come with their share of drawbacks, including higher cost, an initial adjustment period of discomfort, and potential oral hygiene challenges. It’s important to consider these factors when deciding if Incognito braces are the right choice for your orthodontic treatment.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate
Incognito braces are a popular option for those seeking discreet orthodontic treatment. These lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, making them practically invisible from the front. This teeth-straightening option is especially favored by adult professionals and others who don’t want their braces to be seen.
One of the key factors in determining if a person is a suitable candidate for Incognito braces is the complexity of their orthodontic issue. Incognito braces can treat a wide range of dental problems, including:
- Crowding
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
However, it’s important to note that certain cases may be too complex for Incognito braces to effectively treat. An orthodontist will be able to evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most suitable course of action.
Moreover, Incognito braces are a great option for those who want to avoid the potential discomfort and self-consciousness that may accompany traditional braces. That being said, there may be a brief adjustment period as the wearer gets used to the feel of the braces on the backs of their teeth.
Another aspect to consider when determining suitability for Incognito braces is cost. Due to the advanced technology and materials used, as well as the laboratory fees involved, Incognito braces tend to be more expensive than other orthodontic treatment options. It’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this treatment and consider your budget before committing to Incognito braces.
Finally, for those who may only need minor adjustments to their front teeth, Incognito Lite braces can be an attractive option. These are fitted on just the front 6-8 teeth of one or both jaws, which makes this treatment more affordable than the full Incognito braces. This could be a suitable choice if you’re mainly concerned about the appearance of your front teeth when you smile.
The Incognito Braces Process
Consultation
Before starting the Incognito braces process, you need to consult with your orthodontist to determine if you are a suitable candidate for this treatment. Incognito braces can be used to treat adults and teenagers and can handle most cases that can be resolved with traditional braces.
Customization
Incognito braces are highly customized for each patient. After your orthodontist has decided that Incognito is the right treatment for you, an impression or digital scan of your teeth will be taken. The brackets and wires for your braces will be created using computer-aided design, 3D printing technology, and robotics to ensure they fit your teeth perfectly.
Application
Once your custom Incognito braces are ready, your orthodontist will apply them to the back of your teeth. The placement is done by attaching customized brackets to each tooth, followed by threading the wires through them. Due to their custom nature, the braces are highly discreet and almost invisible.
Maintenance and Adjustments
While wearing Incognito braces, you must maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and visit your orthodontist for adjustments as required. These adjustments help to progressively straighten your teeth and ensure a perfect smile.
Completion and Aftercare
When your treatment is complete, your orthodontist will remove the Incognito braces, leaving you with a beautifully aligned smile. Post-treatment care usually involves wearing a retainer to maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from moving back to their previous positions. Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions for your aftercare to ensure the long-lasting results of your Incognito braces journey.
