Invisible braces are growing trend for adults

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A growing number of adults are heading to the orthodontist for straighter teeth because with the latest technology, no one knows they're wearing them.

A local orthodontist says more than half of his patients who want braces are adults. The idea of teenagers with a mouth full of metal is no more.

Kelly Mathena has incredibly crooked teeth and works in sales where a professional appearance is essential. As an adult, she didn't want to get braces.

"I didn't want to have people to see my braces instead of seeing me," Mathena said.

Then, bad news from her dentist sent her to the orthodontist anyway.

"Kelly came to us with a severe bite problem. Teeth highly damaged from grinding, and she was looking at losing teeth if she didn't seek treatment," Dr. Thomas Hall said.

Hall recommended Mathena try invisible or incognito braces.

"They are the most precise, predictable, efficient method of straightening teeth available," Hall said. "They're positioned on the back side of the tooth, and on the upper teeth they're positioned very high, so they're away from the tongue. On the lower teeth, they are positioned low, so they don't strike the tongue either."

While it sounds uncomfortable, Hall says the pain is minor.

"It was about a week or so, I think, I was pretty miserable just getting used to it," Mathena said.

Besides being hidden, Hall says the technology behind the braces makes tham more effective than traditional ones.

"Outside braces are standardized, one size fits everyone. Incognito is totally different. It's a custom bracket which will position the tooth exactly where we pre-determine it to be. Then the braces are made," Hall said.

For most patients, the braces are completely hidden. However, some of Mathena's braces are visible. Hall says even some of the smallest custom brackets wouldn't fit because of her teeth grinding.

In just four months, Mathena has seen dramatic results.

"So far I've been very happy. It definitely helps with first impressions," Mathena said.

Usually adults wear incognito braces for 12 to 24 months, and the cost ranges depending on the severity of the teeth. Expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. Some dental insurance plans will cover braces, even for adults.