Incognito braces are sometimes called invisible or lingual braces because they straighten the teeth while being hidden. Unlike regular braces, incognito braces are attached to the back of the teeth. They are lighter than traditional braces and completely unnoticeable. The braces are custom fit and flat so that speech is not as affected as with conventional methods. The brackets are gold-plated instead of stainless steel, making them more comfortable to wear.
When getting the incognito braces, dentists first take a mold of the mouth together. They also take scans and X-rays to create a treatment plan and build custom brackets and wires. Once the appliances are ready, the orthodontist attaches them to the teeth during a bonding appointment. The process can take up to two hours, and a device is inserted into the mouth during this appointment to avoid saliva build-up and keep the tongue in place. Each tooth is prepped to get ready for the bonding application. The dentist inserts the brackets onto the teeth and bonds them on before attaching the wires. In some cases, practitioners use UV lights to activate the bonding agent.
Once the braces are on, patients only need to return for the next appointment 1-2 months later. The first few days may be the most uncomfortable. Patients may encounter some speech problems initially, but this should return to normal within 1-2 weeks. When visiting the orthodontist for tightening, they may feel soreness for a few days after each appointment. This is due to the brackets and wires moving the teeth into position. Orthodontists can provide patients with wax to apply onto sharp wires. They may offer a mouthwash as well that helps to prevent inflammation.
A typical incognito braces treatment will take 12-15 months to complete, a shorter period than the traditional treatment. However, more complex issues will take 20-24 months.
