Hidden Braces – The Cost Of Fashion
Hidden Lingual and Incognito braces are an incredibly discreet form of orthodontic treatment. Also called lingual braces, the braces are placed on the back of your teeth. That means when you smile, the braces are totally hidden from view.
Even though this orthodontic treatment is highly effective and more discreet than other orthodontic treatment options, it’s not as widely known. That’s because not all orthodontists offer lingual braces since the treatment does require specialised training.
The good news is that the team here at Geoffrey Wexler Orthodontist do offer hidden braces! To help you get a better understanding of this orthodontic treatment, read on.
What You Need to Know About Hidden Braces
You’re probably already familiar with traditional metal braces that sit on the front of your teeth. What makes lingual braces different is that they’re placed behind your teeth, or tongue-side as we like to call it. Hidden braces are almost completely invisible, making them a popular choice amongst teenagers and adults.
Lingual braces are also an advantage if you play a sport or wind instrument, and they’re easier to get used to compared to traditional braces.
These braces are custom-made to correct your particular orthodontic problem. This means that you might pay a higher price for discretion, but the speed at which lingual braces work along with the fact that they’re almost completely invisible is well worth it for many patients.
The Benefits of Lingual Braces
Most patients choose hidden braces for aesthetic reasons. As we’ve mentioned, no one will know you’re wearing them, so you can straighten your teeth without anyone realising. That’s exactly why these braces are often called invisible or even incognito braces.
What’s more, this orthodontic treatment is a lot safer for athletes since having braces behind the teeth prevent impact injuries. Just imagine being hit in the mouth with any kind of ball. The damage could be a great deal worse with braces on the front of your teeth compared to on the back of the teeth. Lingual Hidden braces also help to protect your lips and mouth when you play sports.
Hidden Braces – is there a downside?
Like any orthodontic treatment, hidden braces have pros and cons. You’ll need a few weeks to get used to these braces, which means you can expect a few temporary problems with speaking. But after your adjustment period, about 2 weeks, you won’t even notice you have braces. Lingual braces are liked better than any other, including aligners.
You’ll need about 6-weekly check-ups to ensure your braces are working to their best. Keep in mind that we need to work behind your teeth (you lie on your back), which means some of the appointment times will be longer than normal braces.
You’ll need to be diligent with brushing and flossing to keep your braces clean.
These down sides are minimal and temporary though, so once you’re used to your hidden braces, you’re going to love achieving straight teeth without anyone even noticing.
Applying Lingual Braces
Invisible braces are designed specifically to fit each of your teeth. Once the brackets are made, we glue them into place, all in one go. Takes about one hour.
The first step, though, is to take accurate measurements. We do this by taking digital impressions of your teeth and sending them off to fabrication. We then create a mock-up of what your teeth will look like at the end of your treatment.
Lingual braces were first developed 40 years ago. However the technology we use is so hugely advanced on the original versions and even compared to recent other products. For instance, today’s brackets are 65% smaller, much less intrusive on the tongue, less affecting speech, easier to clean, stronger, more reliable, more accurate, the alignment wires are hugely more accurate and hugely more gentle, casuing less discomfort and irritation.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The good news is that having braces behind your teeth doesn’t make your treatment time longer. Treatment time depends on your particular orthodontic problem. You’ll need to be diligent about attending appointments, following instructions. It is quite ususal to complete moderate problems in one year or less when there is not a huge bite component to correct. This was previsously not possible.
Correction of severe upper-to-lower bite problems can take up to to 24 months.
How to Keep Your Teeth Clean with Lingual Hidden Braces
It doesn’t matter what type of orthodontic treatment you have, it’s important to keep your teeth clean. Food can easily get lodged in the wires and brackets, and this results in a build-up of plaque.
Make sure you brush after every meal, brushing every tooth at the gum line and also above and below the braces. Since hidden braces sit behind your teeth, you should pay attention to brushing that area. Often, a toothbrush with a narrower tip makes it easier to get to the back of your teeth.
The Cost of Fashion
The number one reasons patients choose Hidden Lingual and Incognito Braces are for their strong aesthetic appeal and social acceptability. Behind-the-teeth braces involve more time and resources at every step. So lingual hidden braces usually cost more than traditional braces, but the advantages and additional value are what brings people happliy chose them over all other methods.
Orthodontists who apply lingual hidden braces need a lot of additional training and in particular a lot of super-specialised experience, too. Usually involves over-seas training. The majority of orthodontists do not do this.
Overall, the cost of hidden braces depends on the length of the treatment. If your teeth need a lot of adjustments, the treatment will be longer and cost more. Smaller changes are quicker and cost less.
During your initial consultation, we’ll provide an estimate of how long treatment should take and the total cost. We also have flexible payment options to suit your budget.
Lingual Braces Are Comfortable
Similar to traditional braces, you will go through an adjustment period with your hidden braces. That’s simply because you’re not used to wearing them, especially next to your tongue. Don’t worry, though, you will quickly adapt. Most people say it takes about 1-2 weeks to become used to them.
On the bright side our lingual hidden braces and Incognito braces work very fast in the beginning, delivering much faster alignment than clear aligners, such as (but not limited to) Invisalign.
Once you get used to your Lingual Hidden Braces, you’ll realise they’re comfortable and you’ll forget they are there.
Are Hidden Braces for You?
Teenagers and adults whose permanent teeth have already grown in are good candidates for lingual hidden braces and Incognito.
The best way to find out if you’re a candidate for lingual hidden braces or Incognito is to book an appointment at Geoffrey Wexler Orthodontist today.
