Health care costs in the United States have been rising at a rapid rate for more than a decade now. Dentistry is no exception. While the reasons for cost increases are multi-fold, unquestionably a significant factor is the increased costs associated with advancements in technology. Every doctor and dentist will tell you that they greatly appreciate the diagnostic and treatment enhancements afforded to us by modern technology, but all this comes with a cost. In orthodontics, the progress in the last 25 years has been outstanding and mind-boggling! {Hey, the PC was just coming of age when I graduated from orthodontic school in 1988}! To list just some of the more significant technological advancements: Digital photography Digital radiography 3-D radiograph Custom-made computer-generated braces and arch wires Custom computer-generated clear aligners (Invisalign Treatment) The computer age has enabled us to provide quality treatment in ways never foreseen before the turn of the last century. It has enabled orthodontists to treat faster, more efficiently and with less discomfort than ever before. Gone are the ugly and painful braces that had to be worn in the 70’s! {I still remember those painful bands and spacers}! : [...]