Incognito braces are a type of lingual braces. Unlike traditional braces, they're attached to the back of your teeth, which is why they're called invisible braces.
This teeth-straightening option is favored by adult professionals, or others who don’t want their braces to be seen.
Incognito hidden braces are custom-fit to your mouth. Their brackets are cast in gold rather than stainless steel, which makes them more comfortable than traditional metal braces.
Pros
Cons
RealSelf Tip: The orthodontic and engineering teams at the University of Southern California recently developed a new type of lingual braces called InBrace, with slimmer brackets that reduce tongue irritation and discomfort. They also have a unique looping wire design that allows you to brush and floss normally.
The price you pay will depend on your orthodontist's level of experience, their office location, and your overall treatment time.
Most dental insurance plans will cover orthodontics for kids and teens, but you may need special coverage if you're an adult.
You'll start with an initial consult to determine whether you're a good candidate for this treatment option.Â
If you decide it's a go, your orthodontist will make an impression or digital scan of your teeth and take X-rays. They’ll virtually map the alignment of each tooth, collecting data through state-of-the-art technology, with 3D printing and robotics (accurate to within 1/10 of a millimeter) to custom-make the brackets and wires and determine your treatment plan.Â
After your braces system is custom-crafted for your mouth, you’ll come back for your bonding appointment, where your orthodontist will apply the brackets and wires.Â
The bonding session is relatively painless, but it does take about two hours.Â
First, they'll insert a device to keep your mouth dry and your tongue in place. Then they will dry your teeth and apply an etchant solution, to prepare the tooth surface for bonding.Â
Next, they will place your braces on the back side of your teeth, cementing the brackets on your teeth at the same time, using a customized tray to hold them in place. They may use a UV light to cure the adhesive and set the bonding. Then they'll insert the wires.
Once your braces are on, you’ll have a month or two to get used to them before your first follow-up appointment for routine adjustments.Â
As with clear or traditional braces, you may experience discomfort or soreness after each adjustment session. You can use rinses to help alleviate inflammation and dental wax to keep any sharp wires from poking you.Â
Your orthodontist will go over brushing and flossing with your new braces. You can use a “tree brush” to check behind your wires for any remaining food, and electric toothbrushes work wonders at hitting hard-to-reach spots.Â
Flossing may take a little longer than normal, and many people with braces use a Waterpik to get rid of food particles.
The treatment process for lingual braces usually takes just as much time as traditional braces. Dental issues range from mild to severe, so treatment time varies, but most people will wear braces between one and three years. More extreme cases can take longer.Â
The price of Incognito braces can exceed that of traditional braces by a significant amount because they use materials like gold and are custom-made for your mouth.Â
If you're concerned about cost and need only a minor correction for your front teeth, you could choose to get hidden braces only for those teeth.
You can also choose to go Incognito on the entire top row of teeth and then have traditional braces on the bottom, cutting the expense—as well as pain from the bottom row hitting your tongue—considerably.
Updated June 13, 2023