GAC In-ovation (L) Lingual Braces

[Dthorne1]

Has anyone used these? They are supposed to be a smaller bracket and a little more comfortable the the ibraces. I had a consultation yesterday and wondered if anyone has ever used these, and could give me their opinions. Thanks

[coconut]

I can't speak for either brand. I did have a small/low profile bracket (can't remember the brand, sorry) and my ortho commented at the time that these were intended to give greater comfort than older generation linguals that were bulkier (I'm not necessarily referring to ibraces, as I don't know anything about them). Unfortunately, as one can only speak directly from one's own experience, it's hard to know whether one type will be more comfortable than another, but logic seems to suggest that the lower the profile, the greater the potential for 'comfort', that's if you can call wearing braces comfortable in the first instance.

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

Innovation L are meant for correcting mild lower anterior crowding. They are not really meant for many other applications. In fact, GAC advises that only round wire should be used with them.

In terms of comfort, it isn't only the size/profile of them, but also the shape, and location. Incognito/iBraces are customized to the entire lingual surface of the tooth, blending in with it gradually.

The truth is, patients always get used to their braces. The comment is that appliances feel strange when they are first placed, but it also feels awkward when they have been removed.

Good luck!

[Rynne]

I don't know about the ibraces, but when i checked I have the In-ovation L linguals. I had ceramics as a child. You can see my pictures- my teeth aren't that bad, however I am torn about the linguals. If you care about image they are worth it. But if you don't I wouldnt' get them. They hurt my tongue still and I have had them 6 weeks today. they are difficult to clean on the inside. But they are pretty cool that no one can see them. I generally talk about them a lot when I'm at gatherings, however if I drink alcohol my slur gets real bad really quickly.

[Dthorne1]

Well I took the plunge and Got the GAC L Braces not the GAC L MTM (minor teeth movement) on the top and the GAC Ceramic ones on the bottom. I've experienced little to no pain with the linguals and my speech is almost perfect. I read a lot of the literature that was out on the GAC L brackets before I went in, and they are very small, they go on in about 15min, and there is little to no tounge discomfort or speech problems.

I would recommend these to anyone and all my fears of getting braces are gone now. I was scared you wouldn't be able to see the braces, but would not be able to talk normal and therefore would offset the benefit of not seeing the braces.

These braces offer self litigating wire instead of the plastic bands of traditional braces therefore its less tug and pull at the dentist office which leaves your teeth less tender the first few days after.

Ask any questions you have, i'd be happy to answer them.

[maxhammer]

Ask any questions you have, i'd be happy to answer them.

Great. I am scheduled to get a consult for these tomorrow, so I have many questions.

I guess the biggest concern is speech. You say there are no issues? Do you have a large arch with a lot of tongue space? (I have heavy crowding, so I am wondering if my experience would be different). How much of this do you attribute to having ceramics on the front and room for your tongue? Speaking of your tongue, does it get cut up at all?

How is hygiene, eating solid food, etc? Are there any issues?

I'm actually considering them on both top and bottom, but my mouth is relatively average (possibly even small) size, and I have crowding, so I am wondering how bad speech will be. They're also considering 4 bicuspid extractions, so if you have experience with that please share. If you could offer any more insight it would be greatly appreciated.

[Dthorne1]

Hey, sorry i've been away for a few days.

I would say that the hygiene is probably the hardest part just because you cant see if you have them totally clean or not. I've got a power toothbrush and i bought a little soft bristle one, so i give it a good go with the power brush then go in small fast circles with the smaller one after. A good swish of listerine is good to help flush them clean.

I didnt really have any discomfort after the first few days. The tongue was a little irritated just because its constantly touching them, but the GAC L brackets are the smallest available and are smoothed and rounded to help minimally bother the tounge and speech.

Talking was my biggest concern before i got them but after a few days i felt like i was talking normal. I would slip a few words here and there but no one has said anything.

I only had to have one tooth extracted and it was quick and painless.
Eating is a little different, i find myself cutting it up smaller and trying to chew with the back teeth as much as possible, then i brush as soon as i can after eating.

My arch wire is the normal size, and the back of the wire did snag my tongue one day but the ortho said just to take a pen and bend the wire away from the tongue and thats what i did. I havent really had any problems other then that one

Just have confidence and realize it wont be forever and you'll do fine. Anything else just ask.

[maxhammer]

Thanks, Thorne.
Tomorrow I take the plunge. I'm pretty nervous. Even tonight I'm still unsure about whether or not I want ceramic on the bottom or linguals on both top and bottom. Any suggestions?

[maxhammer]

So I went with linguals on top and ceramic on the bottom. These feel really comfortable. I am not sure why people complain. I have a very minor lisp, but I assume that will fade within a few weeks. This is going to be a piece of cake (I think)...crossing my fingers I don't have any weird hang ups with the treatment.

[coconut]

That's great.

I know that once I'd made my choice and started treatment, all the fear evaporated. Having a positive attitude also helps enormously.

Best of luck with your treatment.

[maxhammer]

Thanks.
The biggest issue I had today was by far eating dinner (my first meal after treatment). It was actually a nightmare--I kept biting my tongue, and chewing is a genuine problem. I'm hoping I get used to this over time.

[coconut]

Give it a few weeks. I'm sure you'll get used to it.

[Rynne]

I'm glad things are working out and continue that way! There are days I love these things... and days I don't ha ha ha.