Incognito Braces: What You Need to Know

Pros

• They can fix crossbites, overbites, underbites, gaps, and overcrowding, to give you a straighter smile.  
• They’re almost completely invisible because they’re behind the teeth. This makes them a discreet way for adults to get straighter teeth.
• Any discoloration left behind by the brackets will also be invisible. 
• Unlike clear aligners, such as Invisalign, Incognito braces are always working because they aren’t removable. You won’t need to take them out when you eat or drink. 
• Incognito lingual braces can be preferable to other types of braces if you play contact sports that require a mouth guard, or if you play wind instruments.
• Because they’re customized to the unique shape of your teeth and for your individual treatment needs, discomfort is minimal. 

Cons

• Practicing oral hygiene to keep them clean can take some extra effort, since it's not as easy to see any food that may be stuck. 
• If you have an extreme or very deep overbite, too much pressure may be exerted on the Incognito brackets, which can cause them to detach. Your orthodontist will let you know if this is a risk for you. 
• It's common to have some speech difficulty (lisping or not being able to crisply articulate) during the first few months of adjusting to lingual braces. 
• Because these are customized and perfectly fit to each tooth, they are usually more expensive than traditional braces (which have standardized sizes).
• As with all types of braces, they’re not always comfortable—and you can develop sores or irritation. With lingual orthodontic braces, soreness is mostly felt on the tongue, particularly when you're eating or speaking. Most RealSelf members who ranked the braces “Not Worth It” mention the pain as a big deterrent.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

The bonding session is relatively painless, but it does take about two hours. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.