If you’ve been considering improving your smile with orthodontic treatment, you’re in luck! Today’s patients have more choices than ever, and we’re excited to offer everything from traditional metal braces to Invisalign clear aligners here at Elm Tree Orthodontics. One of those options isn’t as well known as others, even though it’s effective, discreet, and innovative!
InBrace lingual braces use brackets on the backs of your teeth for a completely invisible treatment process and provide several benefits, including:
- Digital diagnosis and bracket creation
- Nitinol smartwire programmed for the movements your teeth need
- Slim brackets with a low profile
- Shaped wires that let you brush and floss like normal
If you’re not familiar with lingual braces, you may be wondering how InBrace works and what you need to consider before choosing them. To learn everything you need to know about how this exciting treatment can give you a confident smile you’ll love, keep reading below!
What are InBrace lingual braces?
Lingual braces work like traditional braces—both appliances apply constant pressure on the teeth to move them into better positions over time. This is achieved using brackets and wires to apply the gentle force necessary to shift the teeth.
With traditional braces, Dr. Desai attaches the brackets to the front surface of the teeth, but with lingual braces, brackets go on the back side facing the tongue. This makes them almost entirely invisible, something our more image-conscious patients appreciate!
How do InBrace lingual braces work?
The first step in any orthodontic journey is a consultation with an orthodontist. When you schedule your initial visit with Dr. Desai, he’ll examine your teeth and bite to determine what issues are present and how severe they are. He’ll listen to your concerns and help you set a goal for your smile, so you’re on the same page about the final results. He’ll then recommend which treatment options will work best for you and your specific needs.
If Dr. Desai believes you’re a good candidate for InBrace and you decide to move ahead with this treatment method, we’ll begin the process at that same appointment. First, we’ll use a 3D scanner to create a digital replica of your bite. This will allow us to create a customized treatment plan for your unique smile!
The special InBrace software can tailor each tooth movement to your particular bite issues, which creates highly personalized results. This software also creates and sends pre-programmed smartwires to Dr. Desai for placement.
The brackets are customized to fit your teeth perfectly, then fixed to the back of each tooth with the smartwire connecting them. These wires are customized for your specific needs, so you’ll have regular follow-up visits at our Hamden office. However, the smartwire moves according to your treatment plan, so your adjustments aren’t as frequent as with traditional braces.
When installing InBrace, we must have the perfect fit since the brackets and wires are more challenging to place. To properly position the braces, we use a customized tray to cement all the brackets to the teeth simultaneously. In contrast, traditional braces use standardized brackets placed one at a time on each tooth.
Once InBrace lingual braces are placed on your teeth, they’ll work in much the same way as traditional braces do to give you a beautifully aligned smile.
What are the pros and cons of InBrace lingual braces?
The most obvious benefit of InBrace is how subtle the braces are! Many Hamden teens and adults worry that traditional braces won’t be a good fit for their lifestyle, especially in social or professional situations. InBrace offers all the benefits of traditional braces but moves your teeth almost imperceptibly!
Another appearance-based bonus is that any discoloration from wearing braces will be on the inside of your teeth instead of the more visible outer surfaces, giving you confidence in your smile. InBrace can also provide a more comfortable experience once you’re used to them because they provide a custom fit.
That being said, InBrace lingual braces are unique and not suited for every patient. Since they’re a bit more complicated to place (and maintain), we don’t tend to recommend them for patients who have certain more complex cases.
For example, patients with an extreme or deep overbite may find too much pressure is put on the brackets due to the bite, causing them to detach too easily. When you schedule a consultation with us, Dr. Desai will let you know if you’re a good fit for InBrace after examining your smile.
Having braces on the back of your teeth can take some getting used to, so you may experience some minor difficulties with speech, especially in the early days. This can result in a slight lisp due to the tongue’s contact with the back of the teeth when you’re speaking. This side effect will almost always disappear relatively quickly, however!
As with any orthodontic treatment, some temporary discomfort and soreness may occur. With lingual braces, this soreness is mostly felt on the tongue, and may be more noticeable when you’re eating or speaking. Don’t worry, though—this pain and irritation will subside in time.
Say hello to a straighter smile with InBrace and Elm Tree Orthodontics
Say hello to a straighter smile with InBrace and Elm Tree OrthodonticsIf you’re looking for the most subtle way to straighten your teeth, InBrace lingual braces can be an excellent alternative to traditional braces and clear aligners! If you’d like to learn more about this exciting option, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Desai in Hamden. Your best smile is waiting for you here!