Invisible aligners have revolutionized the way we realign teeth and treat dental disorders. Years ago, the often painful and cumbersome wire-and-brackets style of braces were the only options available for straighter teeth. Nowadays, patients have a choice. But could those choices come at an unexpected cost?

For older generations, getting a mouthful of very obvious metal braces was somewhat of a rite of passage - bonus points if you had to wear headgear. But today’s teenagers have it comparatively easier. Sure, many teens still have to wear braces, but the braces of today aren’t like anything most adults had as teens.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, each year, Americans spend about $2.75 billion on cosmetic dentistry services. The kicker: Most of that cost is probably not covered by insurance, and even when plans do cover procedures such as veneers or braces, they may not cover all of the associated costs. With the average cost of braces hovering around $5,000 per person, but going as high as $7,500, and the average dental insurance policy only covering about $2,500 for a lifetime, that can equate to a significant out-of-pocket investment.