Are There Any Orthodontic Options That Are Truly Invisible?

Long Beach, CA – More adults than ever before are turning to orthodontic treatment to correct their smiles. Their reasons are as varied as their orthodontic issues, but many of these patients do have one thing in common – they want a discrete option for treatment. 

Luckily, there are many options for discrete treatment today. Clear braces and Invisalign are less visible treatment options for patients who don’t want their smiles to stand out during treatment. But, if you’re looking for a truly invisible option, Inbrace lingual braces may be for you.

Lingual braces are metal braces with an important twist. Rather than being placed on the front of your teeth for everyone to see, they are placed along the back, or lingual, side of your teeth. This renders them completely invisible to others. 

If you are interested in this option, consult your local orthodontist. Not every orthodontist can place these braces and not every patient may be an ideal candidate. Lingual braces also tend to cost more than other options because of the high degree of customization they require. Lingual braces aren’t just invisible – they are digitally designed custom to your smile, which makes them a bit more expensive than other braces.

So if you choose to move forward with lingual braces, what should you know?

1. You may have a lisp in the beginning. No matter what type of orthodontic treatment you choose, your speech may be affected in the beginning. With lingual braces, this is particularly true because of their placement on the back side of your teeth. Your tongue has to touch the back of your front teeth to make certain sounds, so with braces there, your speech may be affected initially. We recommend to practice speaking as much as possible to allow your tongue to acclimate to the braces. Inbrace includes the “Rainbow Passage” in their post-bonding instruction pamphlet, and we have found it very helpful to practice speaking this passage in front of a mirror to improve speech and enunciation. (include link to rainbow passage)
2. All braces are uncomfortable at times, but lingual braces may take a bit to get used to. Just as the brackets and wires of traditional braces can irritate the insides of your cheeks, those of lingual braces may irritate your tongue. It can feel strange having something touching your tongue all the time. Inbrace has made their second generation lingual brackets smaller and smoother to help with the transition. You can take over-the-counter pain reliever or apply topical pain relief gel to any sore areas. Orthodontic wax or gushy goo can also help cover any rough or sharp edges.
3. Most patients are candidates for lingual braces. Because lingual braces are metal braces, like traditional braces, they can help correct most bite problems. 
4. They are 100% customized to your mouth which maximizes efficiency, increases comfort levels, and decreases treatment time.

If you are looking for the most discrete way to correct your smile, ask your orthodontist if Inbrace lingual braces are a good option for you. After a consultation to determine your diagnosis, your orthodontist can discuss all treatment options with you, as well as the costs associated with them, so you can make the decision that is best for your lifestyle and smile. 

If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, call HD Orthodontics today at 562-283-6590. Initial consultations are always complimentary.