(NAPSA)—If you wear or have ever worn braces, you have plenty of company. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, nearly five million people in the U.S. and Canada wear braces. One in five is over age 18, and some are in their 40s, 50s and older.
Orthodontic treatment is important at any age because crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but eventual gum disease and tooth loss.
In addition, the value of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one's self confidence. As treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion, a person's self-esteem often improves. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve one's general attitude toward life.
In general, active treatment time with orthodontic appliances (braces) ranges from 6 to 24 months. Doctor-prescribed braces, like virtually invisible Interactive Mystique, are fitted and operated by an orthodontist according to the problem being treated. They may be removable or fixed (cemented or bonded to the teeth) and may be made of metal, ceramic or plastic.
Interestingly, many of today's braces like Interactive Mystique are far less noticeable than those of the past when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth.


The value of an attractive smile should not be underestimated.

Now the front teeth typically have only the bracket bonded directly to the tooth, minimizing the "tin grin." Brackets can be metal, clear (as in the case of Interactive Mystique) or even colored, depending on the patient's preference. Interactive Mystique, which uses the latest aesthetic ceramic technology, provides outstanding results and high translucency.





What about braces versus retainers?
Retainer-type appliances only treat a narrow range of patients. Also, they are subject to more restrictions, such as what you can and can not eat or drink! Interactive Mystique works with the reliability of metal and the attractive appearance of retainers, so now you get the best of both.

Do they cost as much as these new computer-designed retainers?
No. In fact. Interactive Mystique is much less expensive than retainer appliances, and you don't have to wait 30-60 days before getting started.

Better treatment than “Retainer Appliances”
While both virtually disappear in the mouth, Interactive Mystique is designed to successfully treat a wider range of malocclusions and therefore satisfies more patients' needs. Also, Interactive Mystique will not discolor like clear plastic trays and does not interfere with breathing.  Retainers are more easily lost, leading to replacement charges.   You can't lose bonded appliances like Interactive Mystique!