Teeth Straightening Options

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Looking for the best teeth straightening options available? You are in the right place because we have all the details you need to make the best decision.

Depending on the severity of the problem you have and dentist or orthodontist recommendations you can choose the best treatment for straightening your teeth. When you have so many options on the market it might get overwhelming to pick the right one, but by the end of this blog post, you will be an expert on the subject.

So, without further ado let’s jump right in and find out all the treatment options available.

Types of Teeth Misalignment

Teeth misalignment or malocclusion is a common state in both adults and younger generations. Almost all people have some minor or bigger misalignment they are looking to fix.

Malocclusions are classified into three types:

  • Class I — When the molars are aligned but the front teeth are crowded;
  • Class II – When the upper teeth and jaw overlap the lower teeth and jaw;
  • Class III – When the lower jaw is pushed forward in front of the upper jaw.

In addition, there are a few types of misalignment like overbite, underbite, crowded teeth, and diastema or gaps.

The best way to know your problem for sure is to make an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist so they can assess the situation better and recommend the best treatment plan.

You might be a good candidate for aligners, or in some cases, you need to wear metal braces due to the complexity of your case. Choosing the best orthodontic treatment is not easy so we made sure to mention all the options on the market that can get you your perfect smile.

The Best Teeth Straightening Options Available

Once you know what your alignment issues are you can move on to choosing the best option for your crooked teeth. It’s a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist to make sure your teeth are healthy and ready for the alignment process.

Depending on your budget and the initial assessment made by your orthodontist you can choose one of the following options.

At-home Clear Aligners

There is an aligner treatment you are able to get from the comfort of your home. This is a great opportunity to get your straighter teeth without the numerous visits to the dentist’s office.

Companies like SmileDirectClub, Byte, Candid, and Aligner Co. offer various treatment options you can have from your home.

All you have to do is order the impressions kit and make the perfect impressions of your upper and lower jaw. This will allow the orthodontic professional team to decide if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Many people prefer this option simply because you don’t have to make office visits and you can save money and time while getting your orthodontic treatment.

Keep in mind that this option is custom made to fit every individual but not all patients are good candidates for the aligners.

Pros:

  • Affordable option;
  • Great to boost self-confidence;
  • Comfortable and easy to get;

Cons:

  • Not for all patients and bite problems;
  • Lack of medical supervision;

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Another great option on the market is clear aligners like Invisalign that you can get in selected dentistry. These clear braces are one of the most popular ways to get your misaligned teeth into the right position, but you need to make an appointment with your dentist first.

Many adults love the idea of clear aligners because they are comfortable and removable. This means you can wear them 22 hours per day and still maintain your oral hygiene and take them off while eating.

Unlike traditional braces, the treatment time is much shorter and you will have amazing results in a couple of months. However, this treatment option is not for every patient and budget, so you need to learn all the facts before choosing the right one for you.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Clear teeth aligners like Invisalign are not the most affordable option;
  • Not suited for all bite issues and misaligned teeth;

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional braces are one of the most well-known options to get your teeth straightening process done. Traditional metal braces have metal brackets and wires that apply pressure on the crooked teeth and align them into the right position over time.

This is an amazing option for patients that have bigger bite issues that need additional support like metal braces.

But, on the other hand, this treatment plan is not for adults who are self-conscious and don’t like bulky appearance.

In addition, maintaining oral health with traditional braces might be a challenge considering that the metal brackets retain food particles. This means you need to take special care of your braces and your teeth to avoid tooth decay and gum problems.

Pros:

  • Traditional braces are affordable with plenty of financing options;
  • Metal braces are effective with bigger bite issues and misalignments;

Cons:

  • Hard to take care of and maintain oral health;
  • Traditional braces can cause jaw pain and discomfort;
  • Not the preferred option if you are an adult with lower self-confidence;

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces work similarly to metal braces but they are almost completely invisible because the brackets are placed at the back of the teeth. This makes lingual braces a great option for an adult who wants the best straightening options but doesn’t want everyone to see them.

Keep in mind that the lingual braces are not easy to clean and you are not able to take them off like Invisalign or clear aligners. This can cause serious oral hygiene problems and tooth decay.

In addition, while this might be a great option for many adults it’s far from the most affordable treatment plan you can find.

Pros:

  • Lingual braces are not visible like metal braces;
  • A great plan for many adults who want invisible treatment plan;
  • Effective orthodontic treatment for bigger issues;

Cons:

  • Straightening your teeth with lingual braces is not cheap;
  • Unlike clear aligners they are not removable so cleaning can be challenging;
  • Not suitable treatment plan for all cases;

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are a newer version of traditional braces that use ceramic or porcelain shells instead of wires to straighten your teeth. These pricy brackets are less visible than metal braces but they are not easy to clean.

Food particles often get stuck between your tooth and the porcelain shells so you need to pay special attention to care and oral hygiene.

On the other hand, ceramic braces are known to cause less jaw pain and discomfort, so as long as you are comfortable with the payment options and the price this orthodontic treatment might be for you.

Pros:

  • Teeth straightening is faster and less painful compared to metal braces;
  • The materials used are less visible and effective;

Cons:

  • One of the priciest teeth straightening options on the market;
  • They stain easily and even cause tooth-colored changes;

Bonding

Some patients who need smaller cosmetic changes to their smile might benefit from a procedure called bonding. This technique uses a specialized resin material that is shaped by your dentist to make smaller changes to your teeth.

Bonding is a great solution for instant and small corrections you might need but it’s not the permanent solution you are looking for.

On the other hand, you need to know that the procedure is completely pain-free and rather affordable. So, bonding can be one of the teeth straightening options if you are in a hurry and need instant results.

Pros:

  • Affordable and fast;
  • Pain-free and comfortable;
  • Easy to apply;

Cons:

  • Not a permanent solution for your teeth;
  • The resin material stains easily ruining your smile;

Veneers

Veneers are thin covers that go over the tooth you are looking to improve. Unlike clear aligners, this treatment plan might be better for people who have damaged, chipped, or discolorated teeth.

It’s a more permanent solution than our previous suggestion, but at a cost. Veneers are placed on top of each tooth so having all your teeth covered can cost quite a bit.

In addition, unlike clear aligners that are completely safe, this treatment includes enamel removal to be completely adjusted to your teeth.

While your orthodontist knows how much of the teeth need to be removed, it’s still not the most comfortable procedure in the world.

Pros:

  • Fast results and a great smile;
  • Veneers are long-lasting if you maintain them;

Cons:

  • Veneers are one of the most expensive teeth straightening options on our list;
  • Enamel needs to be removed for a successful placement of the veneers;
  • Veneers need to be replaced after some time and in some cases;

Choose the Best Teeth Straightening Treatment – Be a Part of the Sucess Club

If you want to be a part of the success stories and have the best smile you need to choose the best treatment. The final decision depends on the severity of your case and the budget you have for the braces.

In general, people are most satisfied with clear aligners. Why?

  1. These invisible braces are the best choice for the majority of cases and one of the best ways to get your perfect smile. They are almost transparent and hard to spot, so you can confidently wear them all the time.
  2. Whether you go for Invisalign or at-home we mentioned earlier like Candid, Aligner Co., or SmileDirectClub you will get the best aligners and instructions on how to achieve that Hollywood smile.
  3. According to the American Association of orthodontists, this is the number one choice in the United States and worldwide. It’s not surprising considering you can get your teeth straight, gaps closed, and even correct crowded teeth.
  4. In addition, clear aligners are completely removable making them the best choice if you want to keep your teeth healthy and white. You can brush the aligners and your teeth a couple of times each day reducing plaque and bacteria build-up.

Keep in mind that clear aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours each day, and you need to wear the retainer once you are finished with the treatment plan. The alignment will take place in a couple of months and you need to wear the retainer always to maintain the results.

Prices for aligners also vary so make sure to contact your insurance company and ask your dentistry for more information on payment plans. Many offices now offer different payment methods that can help you have that beautiful smile at a reduced price.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best treatment for your teeth begins with the gathering of all available information and making an informed decision. Now that we are familiar with all alignment methods and results you can make the appropriate selection and make your crooked teeth the thing of the past.

Keep in mind that every treatment will depend on the severity of displacement of your teeth and available plans in dentistry. So, for the best outcome make sure to shop around for the best price and quality ratio.

In addition, be prepared that the new placement of each tooth will require you to wear the retainer to maintain the perfect smile you got. But, this is a small commitment considering most people are loving the outcome and added confidence.

Dr Febin Mary George - Editor

With more than 10 years as a dental surgeon, Dr Febin Mary George is passionate about educating consumers around the world to help look after their teeth.

She completed her Bachelor of Surgery at the Century Institute of Dental Science and Research Centre in 2010.

Alongside editing the International Journal of Dental Clinics she has also written for major publications including Thrive Global.