Invisible Braces

A recent invention, invisible braces, are a godsend to millions of patients who don't like the idea of wearing the traditional metal kind. Invisible braces are becoming ever more popular with appearance-conscious teenagers. They are also enormously popular with older patients, especially working professionals who want to straighten their teeth, but don't want their braces to draw attention.

Unlike metal brackets, which are cemented onto each tooth and connected with wire, invisible braces are removable. Made of a strong, clear, plastic, they look like a semi-circular tray perfectly molded to fit your teeth. You wear them 24 hours a day, except when you are eating, drinking, or brushing.

The length of treatment for invisible braces is roughly equivalent to that of traditional ones, though it may run slightly longer. The process is simple: after taking a mold of your teeth, your dentist sends it to a specialized laboratory, which then creates a computer simulation of your treatment plan. If you and your dentist approve of the results, the lab then manufactures a specialized series of plastic trays, with each tray straightening your teeth slightly more.

You wear each plastic tray for approximately two weeks before advancing to the next. Don't discard your old ones, however--in certain cases, your dentist may recommend you back up a step, or ask you to wear a particular tray for longer than originally prescribed. The cost of invisible braces varies greatly according to the extent of the treatment, but tends to start at around $3500.