7 Ways to Make Your Teeth Straight
Do you want straight teeth? You can get them! There are 7 ways to fix teeth that are not straight. This guide will show you all the ways to make your teeth look good.
Table of Contents
Why Do People Want Straight Teeth?
People want straight teeth because:
- Straight teeth look nice
- Straight teeth are easier to clean
- Straight teeth help you talk better
- Straight teeth make you smile more
- Straight teeth can help stop teeth grinding
Let’s look at all the ways to make your teeth straight!
1. Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common way to fix teeth. They use small metal parts that stick to your teeth. A wire connects them all.
Good Things About Metal Braces:
- They work well for big teeth problems
- They cost less than other options
- They can fix very crooked teeth
- Good for kids and teens
Not-So-Good Things:
- You can see them when you smile
- They can hurt a bit
- You need to be careful what you eat
- You have to visit the dentist often for tightening
How Much Do Metal Braces Cost?
Metal braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000. Some dental plans may pay for part of this cost.
2. Clear Aligners (Invisalign®)
Clear aligners are see-through plastic trays that fit over your teeth. You can take them out to eat and brush.
Good Things About Clear Aligners:
- They are hard to see on your teeth
- You can take them out to eat
- They hurt less than metal braces
- Good for adults who don’t want metal in their mouth
Not-So-Good Things:
- They cost more than metal braces
- They don’t work for very crooked teeth
- You have to wear them 22 hours each day
- You might lose them
Invisalign® is the most known brand of clear aligners. Over 4 million people in the U.S. use clear aligners like Invisalign®.
“Clear aligners are perfect for people who want to fix their teeth without metal showing.” – American Association of Orthodontists
You can learn more about custom clear aligners here.
3. Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are like metal braces, but they go on the back of your teeth. No one can see them from the front!
Good Things About Lingual Braces:
- No one can see them when you smile
- They fix teeth just as well as metal braces
- Good for people in photos or who talk to others a lot
Not-So-Good Things:
- They cost a lot ($8,000-$10,000)
- They can make it hard to talk at first
- They can hurt your tongue
- Hard to clean
Lingual braces work well for 78% of complex cases where the brackets need to be hidden.
4. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work like metal braces but they are white or clear so they don’t show as much.
Good Things About Ceramic Braces:
- Less visible than metal braces
- Work just as well as metal braces
- Good for teens and adults
Not-So-Good Things:
- Cost more than metal braces ($4,000-$8,000)
- Can stain if you drink coffee or tea
- Break more easily than metal
- Take longer than metal braces
Ceramic braces have a 25% higher risk of staining compared to metal braces.
5. Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces use a special clip instead of rubber bands to hold the wire. This means less pressure on your teeth.
Good Things About Self-Ligating Braces:
- Less pain than regular braces
- Fewer visits to the dentist
- Easier to keep clean
- Faster results in some cases
Not-So-Good Things:
- Cost more than regular braces ($3,500-$7,500)
- Still visible like metal braces
- Not good for all types of teeth problems
Self-ligating braces can make treatment 30% faster due to reduced friction.
If you want to learn about maintaining your straight teeth after treatment, check out our guide on custom night guards for teeth grinding.
6. At-Home Aligners
At-home aligners are clear trays that you order without seeing a dentist in person. Companies like SmileDirectClub and Byte® make them.
Good Things About At-Home Aligners:
- Much cheaper than other options ($1,500-$2,500)
- You don’t have to go to a dentist’s office
- Still take them out to eat like regular aligners
- Can be faster for small fixes
Not-So-Good Things:
- No dentist checks your teeth in person
- Only work for small problems
- Can cause issues if used wrong
- Success rate is lower (70%) compared to dentist-supervised treatments
“At-home aligners should only be used for minor alignment issues.” – American Dental Association
7. Accelerated Orthodontics
Accelerated orthodontics uses special tools or small cuts in your gums to help teeth move faster with regular braces or aligners.
Good Things About Accelerated Orthodontics:
- Makes treatment 30-50% faster
- Works with other braces or aligners
- Good for people who want results quickly
Not-So-Good Things:
- Costs extra ($1,000-$2,500 on top of regular treatment)
- Can cause more pain
- Not offered by all dentists
- Not good for all people
Propel® devices have been shown to cut treatment time by up to 50% in some cases.
Which Option Is Best For You?
This table will help you pick the best way to make your teeth straight:
| Type | Cost | How Long It Takes | How Much It Shows | Pain Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | $3,000-$7,000 | 18-24 months | Very visible | Medium | Big teeth problems |
| Clear Aligners | $3,500-$8,000 | 12-18 months | Almost invisible | Low | Adults, small-medium problems |
| Lingual Braces | $8,000-$10,000 | 24-36 months | Invisible | High | People who can’t show braces |
| Ceramic Braces | $4,000-$8,000 | 18-30 months | Somewhat visible | Medium | Teens and adults |
| Self-Ligating | $3,500-$7,500 | 12-20 months | Visible | Low-Medium | People who want fewer visits |
| At-Home Aligners | $1,500-$2,500 | 4-8 months | Almost invisible | Varies | Small fixes, budget-minded |
| Accelerated | +$1,000-$2,500 | 6-12 months | Depends on braces | Higher | People in a hurry |
How to Choose the Right Option
When picking how to make your teeth straight, think about:
- How much money you can spend
- How crooked your teeth are
- If you want people to see your braces
- How fast you want straight teeth
- If your dental insurance will help pay
For more information on dental financing options, check out our comprehensive guide on dental payment plans.
Questions People Ask A Lot
What is the cheapest way to straighten teeth?
At-home aligners are cheapest ($1,500-$2,500), but they only fix small problems. Metal braces are the most affordable option for bigger problems.
Can I straighten teeth without braces?
Yes! Clear aligners like Invisalign® can straighten teeth without metal braces. For very small gaps, veneers might work too.
Do at-home aligners really work?
They work for minor issues only. They have a 70% success rate for small gaps and slightly crooked teeth.[^6] Big problems need real braces or dentist-supervised aligners.
Do teeth move back after treatment?
Yes, teeth can move back! That’s why you need to wear a retainer after treatment. You might need to wear it at night for many years or even forever.
Keeping Your Teeth Straight After Treatment
After you get straight teeth, you need to:
- Wear your retainer as your dentist tells you
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups
- Brush and floss every day
- Be careful with hard foods that might break retainers
- Get a new retainer if yours gets lost or broken
Final Words
Getting straight teeth can make your smile look better and keep your mouth healthier. There are many ways to fix crooked teeth, from metal braces to clear aligners to at-home treatments.
The best choice depends on how crooked your teeth are, how much money you can spend, and what looks good to you. Talk to a dentist or orthodontist to find out what’s best for you.
Remember, straight teeth need care to stay straight! Always follow your dentist’s advice about retainers after treatment.
Ready to start your journey to straight teeth? Most orthodontists offer free consultations to help you choose the right option.
See our complete guide on maintaining your new smile with custom dental appliances.
