The closure of InBrace in April 2025 left many patients mid-treatment without a clear path forward. If your lingual braces provider can no longer continue with that system, you are not starting over. Switching to clear aligners is one of the most practical options available.
Why Former InBrace Patients Are Switching
The team at John Redmond Orthodontics has spoken with patients in exactly this position. InBrace used a proprietary Smartwire system, meaning traditional orthodontic wires are not compatible with its brackets. Once the company ceased operations, orthodontists lost access to replacement parts, new wires, and the digital support needed to continue treatment. That left patients and providers in a difficult situation through no fault of their own.
For many of those patients, clear aligners have become the most straightforward next step. Aligner systems are widely supported, backed by established manufacturers, and capable of picking up where InBrace left off. The key is acting promptly rather than risking regression in the progress already made.
What the Transition Process Looks Like
Switching systems mid-treatment is not unusual. Orthodontists handle transfers regularly. The process follows a predictable sequence.
Your orthodontist removes the existing lingual brackets in a single appointment. From there, new diagnostic records are taken, including digital scans, X-rays, and updated photographs. Your new treatment plan is built around where your teeth are right now, not where they were when you started InBrace months ago. Custom aligner trays are fabricated from those updated scans, and you begin wearing them 20 to 22 hours per day.
A few factors influence how the transition affects your timeline:
- How far along you were in your original InBrace treatment
- The complexity of the remaining tooth movements
- Whether any teeth have shifted during the gap between systems
Expect an honest conversation about timing rather than a guaranteed date.
Financial and Insurance Considerations
Cost is one of the first questions patients ask, and it is a fair one. You already paid for a system that is no longer operational. The American Association of Orthodontists provides a standardized transfer form that documents your diagnosis, treatment history, and financial arrangements. If you are changing providers, ask your original orthodontist to complete this form before you leave.
Many dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment up to a lifetime maximum. If your plan was already applied to your InBrace treatment, the remaining benefit may be limited. Contact your insurer directly to understand what coverage is still available.
Protecting the Progress You Already Made
The work your lingual braces accomplished is not lost. Your teeth have moved. That progress is real. But teeth can shift backward if not held in position, which is why moving forward matters more than pausing indefinitely.
Patients exploring clear aligners after InBrace should know that a temporary retainer can hold teeth in place during the gap between systems. This prevents regression and gives you time to finalize your new plan without losing ground.
An unexpected disruption to your orthodontic care is stressful. But transitioning from lingual braces to clear aligners is a well-established process that orthodontists manage routinely. If you need guidance on the next steps after InBrace, reaching out to a provider who accepts transfer patients is the right place to start.