Introduction to 3M iBraces/Incognitoby B. Comella

Starting from the end point in mind; the final outcome positions are determined and this is what drives treatment from beginning to end. Unlike Invisalign, however, we have complete mechanical control. There are no limitations in types of cases. The more difficult situation, the more iBraces/Incognito are indicated.

Comfort; the biggest challenge with lingual braces of any sort is patient comfort. iBraces/Incognito uses metal casting techniques to ensure a .5mm thickness of the bonding area and smooth bracket features. This said, however, anything rubbing on mucosal tissue will cause a transient edema. On the labial side, the cheeks and lips will swell and then reduce in size over a short time. On the lingual side the tongue will swell slightly and will be completely normal again by 7-10 days. It does not ulcerate the tongue unless there is a wire that is poking, which is easily resolved.

Speech; this again is challenging at first, but the patients understand it is transient and many have little or no difficulty at all from day one. I wouldn’t be wearing them if speech was affected until we were complete, since I have to talk with the patients all day long. If you like to hear how I sound with them on, call me anytime

Control; this is the penultimate feature of the system. The final outcome is determined as the initial step in the process. Features of canine guidance, mutually protected occlusion and esthetics are achieved in a tooth set-up. From here the models get scanned into a computer. The technician generates the pad shape that custom fits each tooth and finally the bracket slot and any attachment I desire is placed on the pad.

The computer then determines the shape of the final wire that fits perfectly into the brackets. This is where it diverts significantly from conventional edgewise orthodontics. This is not a straight wire, but a completely custom wire that with no-doubt will produce the final outcome programmed in the beginning.

There are many mechanical advantages and details I am leaving out, but ask any of my patients if they like them and would recommend them. I have had more complaints over labial systems than with

iBraces. There are very few people who come in asking for braces on the labial surface and even fewer who want to finish all the details of orthodontic treatment because they get tired of seeing them and the social implications. 3M iBraces/Incognito are the most ideal option for, not only, invisible braces, but quality of outcome.

Adult Class II Deep Bite

FinalOucome: Class I canines and molars and deep bite correction

BEFORE

19 Months Later