$68 to file a provisional patent in US.  If you have a novel idea, you may want to get it done.  Ssshhhhh - keep it a secret - even from friends!  If you shared on here or with others and it's within 12 months, this article has some advice: https://www.ipwatchdog.com/2019/02/16/patenting-delicate-dance-between-confidentiality-investment/id=106405/   The laws vary different areas, but there is some money to be made.  I'm going to go out and make some.  In a few short years, I would love to be retired.  :-)  Not sure if it's the best or easiest way to make money... but I believe we have a once in a lifetime opportunity.  The mudslinging is at fever pitch in the orthodontic world.  Throw some patents in the mix... and that would be fun!  Keep me posted if you're trying this.  Would love to help and support anyone here by sharing what I know.  Unfortunately, I don't know much.... but I know I love you... and that may be all I need to know.

One tip is a company with a lot of buzz is going IPO.  It's Smile Direct.  At home aligners.  They don't do anything but the front teeth... unless you ask.  They start with the front then can widen the back if requested.  See how they did that???  They start with the front...then widen the back if requested.  Their model is NOT widening the back.  Otherwise, people may do it.  So...there you go. No $ is guaranteed.  Speak to your own professional advisor.  If that is you, just please don't speak to yourself about finances when other people are around.  Teeheehee.  Also, later this year Danaher is spinning off all their dental to IPO. 

Talk to your dentist, your shrink, your financial advisor, your trolls, your family... but only some of them are protected and if they share, well, then there's that.  Also!  I wonder about international patents.  That could be quite fun.