Teeth straightening and how to straighten teeth
Whether you're looking to improve aesthetics or fix your bite, teeth straightening can positively impact the way you talk, smile and eat while improving your overall health.
Teeth straightening has come a long way, and with a method such as Invisalign clear aligners, you can straighten your teeth without metal brackets and wires and keep your confidence and smile – even during treatment.
What is teeth straightening?
Teeth straightening is a general term used to describe an orthodontic process that corrects irregularities of the teeth. These irregularities tend to be caused by a malocclusion, which is a misalignment of your teeth and bite.
Types of malocclusions that may require bite and teeth straightening treatment include overbites, underbites, crossbites, gap teeth (diastema), crowded teeth, overlapping teeth and crooked teeth.
Why straighten teeth?
Most people seek teeth straightening treatment to improve one of their best assets – their smile. But did you know there are other important reasons to get your teeth straight? Check out why below.
Top six reasons why you should get teeth straightening treatment
Bite, chew and speak effectively
Permanent teeth straightening could improve crucial everyday functions such as chewing and speaking.Avoid malocclusion complications
If you have a bite problem, teeth straightening may help you avoid painful symptoms and long-term complications related to your condition, including more serious TMJ disorders.Easier teeth cleaning
Straightening crooked, crowded or overlapping teeth makes cleaning them easier, which can reduce the chances of tooth decay.Lower chances of gum disease
It's harder for food and bacteria to get trapped between straighter teeth, contributing to healthier gums.Improve teeth condition
Teeth straightening aligns your teeth, which means there can be less wear and tear due to teeth grinding and so on.Confidence boost
More than half of us feel self conscious about our teeth.
What's the best age for teeth straightening treatment?
Teeth straightening treatment is suitable for adults and children, depending on age and what's causing the teeth to need straightening. Most start getting their teeth straightened from around the age of twelve when all the adult teeth have come through.
Teeth straightening using Invisalign clear aligners is extremely popular with teenagers and adults of all ages. To see if you're a good candidate for Invisalign teeth straightening treatment, take the Invisalign Smile Quiz.
How to straighten teeth
Traditional braces are still used to straighten teeth, and while braces and Invisalign clear aligners may produce similar results, the aesthetics, treatment process, comfort and lifestyle benefits of the Invisalign system are quite different.
Check out the teeth straightening treatment options below. Then, head to our braces vs Invisalign treatment page to understand the pros and cons of each treatment.
Affordable teeth straightening options
The Invisalign system
Could be one of the best teeth straightening options for adults and children alike, depending on needs, due to the use of virtually invisible aligners.Ceramic braces
Are a little less obvious than metal braces as they bond tooth-coloured porcelain or clear brackets to the teeth and use either metal or tooth-coloured wire.Metal braces
Use fixed metal brackets, archwire and rubber bands to straighten teeth by exerting pressure to guide them into place over time.Lingual braces
Metal brackets and archwires bond to the inside of the teeth, making them less visible. They can be more complicated to make and adjust so their cost could be higher than other types of braces.
How to straighten teeth without braces
Is there a way to straighten teeth without braces? Yes, there are affordable teeth straightening options besides braces with the Invisalign system being the most popular alternative to traditional braces of the past. Other options include:
Teeth straightening removable plates
Using removable plates to straighten teeth can be useful for younger children who still have their baby teeth. However, further teeth straightening, such as Invisalign treatment, is usually needed once all the adult teeth have come through.
Cosmetic dentistry for teeth straightening
If your teeth are only slightly askew, a cosmetic dentist may offer other ways to get teeth straight without braces. A simple procedure to sculpt the tooth or teeth into shape could be your answer. Alternatively, tooth-coloured porcelain veneers or crowns may help in mild teeth straightening cases.
