If you’ve been considering improving your smile with orthodontic treatment, you’re in luck! You have more choices than ever before to get a straighter smile, and we’re excited to offer everything from traditional metal braces to Invisalign clear aligners here at Levin Orthodontics. One option isn’t as well known as others, even though it’s effective, discreet, and innovative! That’s why we’ve got everything you need to know about lingual braces!
InBrace lingual braces use brackets on the backs of the teeth for a completely invisible treatment process and come with several benefits, including:
- digital diagnosis and bracket creation
- smartwire is programmed with the exact movements your teeth need to make
- slim brackets with a low profile
- Shaped wires that let you brush and floss like normal
If you’re unfamiliar with lingual braces, you may wonder 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 the same way as traditional braces—each appliance puts constant pressure on the teeth to move them into better positions over time. This happens using brackets and wires to apply the gentle force necessary to shift the teeth. With traditional braces, the brackets are affixed 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 really 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. Levin, 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. Next, he’ll recommend which treatment options will work best for you and your specific needs.
If Dr. Levin believes you’re a good candidate for InBrace and you decide to proceed with this treatment method, we’ll begin the process at that appointment. First, we’ll use a 3D scanner to create a digital replica of your bite. This will allow Dr. Levin to plan and design 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. Levin for placement. The brackets are customized to fit your teeth perfectly, then attached to the back of each tooth with the smartwire connecting them. These wires are customized according to your specific needs, so you’ll have regular follow-up visits with us to make sure things stay on track. However, the smartwire moves according to your treatment plan, so you may not need to come in for adjustments as often as someone in traditional braces!
When installing InBrace, we must have the perfect fit from the beginning since the brackets and wires are more challenging to place. To properly position the braces, we use a customized tray to simultaneously cement all the brackets to the teeth. In contrast, traditional braces use standardized brackets placed one at a time on each tooth.
Once Dr. Levin places InBrace lingual braces on your teeth, they’ll work the same way traditional braces do to give you a beautifully aligned smile.
What are the pros and cons of InBrace lingual braces?
What are the pros and cons of InBrace lingual braces?The most obvious benefit of InBrace is how subtle the braces are! Many teens and adults worry that traditional braces won’t fit their lifestyle well, 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 on the more visible outer surfaces. This can give you an added boost of 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. Levin will let you know if you’re a good fit for InBrace.
Having braces on the back of your teeth can take some getting used to, so you may experience minor speech difficulties, 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 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 Levin Orthodontics
Say hello to a straighter smile with InBrace and Levin 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. Levin. Your best smile is waiting for you here!