4 Ways to Straighten Your Teeth and Transform Your Smile

About nine out of 10 people have teeth that are slightly misaligned. That’s only one of many orthodontic issues you might face, though. If you’re concerned about the state of your smile, consider looking into your teeth straightening options.

Here are four different ways you can straighten your teeth. By learning how to have a nice smile, you can renew your confidence and avoid potential oral health issues.

Ready to transform your smile? Here are the four ways you can learn how to improve your smile through orthodontic treatment.

1. Table of Contents

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   Aligners

Many adults are concerned that the teeth straightening options available will make it obvious they’re receiving treatment. If you don’t want to show off wires and brackets each time you smile, consider clear aligners.

Clear aligners are one of the more effective treatment options available. They’re made of a unique plastic created based on a scan of your teeth. In other words, the treatment is completely designed to fit your smile.

Over the course of your treatment, you’ll switch through different aligners. Each set is designed to bring your teeth closer together, closing any gaps.

You’ll need to wear your aligners for about 22 hours each day. You can remove the aligners when you need to eat or drink (anything other than water). On average, treatment lasts between 12 and 18 months.

Pros

One of the best advantages of using aligners to straighten your teeth is they’re inconspicuous. You can start treatment and people won’t even realize it! Since the aligners are clear, they’re far more discreet than other treatment options.

Remember, you can remove your aligners as needed. For some people, this is a pro and a con.

You can eat whatever you want, which is great, but you must remember to put your aligners back in. Otherwise, you could delay your treatment.

Aligners are very low maintenance, too. You can remove them to brush and floss as you normally would. You can give your aligners a quick brush and rinse to ensure they’re clean as well.

There are many different forms of clear aligner treatments available. While Invisalign is the most popular, you can also order aligners online.

If you don’t want to visit an orthodontist regularly, you can choose a company like SmileDirectClub or byte. These companies allow you to seek treatment from the comfort of your own home. At home-clear aligners are fast, easy, and affordable.

Here’s everything you need to know before getting Invisalign.

Cons

With aligners, you have a limited time to eat. You might have to limit how often you snack as well. If you’re a coffee drinker, you’ll need to brush your teeth and put your aligners back in after each cut.

Some people find the cost of in-office aligners a con as well. In some cases, insurance won’t cover the treatment.

Not every patient is ideal for at-home aligners. If you have a serious bite problem, make sure to visit an orthodontist. They can straighten your teeth with an effective, customized treatment.

2. Braces

If you want to learn how to get straight teeth, talk to your orthodontist about the different braces they offer. A few different types of materials used for braces include metal, ceramic, and lingual.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are an effective treatment option for a range of alignment and bite issues. These braces use metal wires and brackets to bring your teeth closer together.

Pros

Traditional braces are ideal if you have a complex case. Since you can’t remove your braces without an orthodontist, this is a consistent treatment option. With aligners, however, some patients forget to put them back in.

Braces are durable, too. You won’t have to worry about them cracking or getting chipped.

With most teeth straightening options, you don’t get to decide how they look. Traditional braces are entirely customizable, though. You can choose your favorite colors for a bright smile.

Cons

For many people, learning how to get straight teeth with braces is an uncomfortable process. The brackets can scratch your cheeks and gums. It can take time to get used to.

Traditional braces are very visible, too. If you feel self-conscious about the brackets and wires, you might want to consider another option.

With your braces in, you can’t eat certain foods. Sticky or crunchy foods might cause irritation.

Ceramic Braces

If you want a more discrete treatment option, consider ceramic braces. Ceramic braces use transparent brackets instead of metal brackets. You can also ask your orthodontist about an off-white hue instead.

Pros

Ceramic braces aren’t as obvious as traditional braces. For many people, they’re more comfortable as well. The material used with ceramic braces might cause less irritation than traditional metal brackets.

Cons

Unfortunately, ceramic braces are easily stained. You should consider avoiding stain-inducing foods and drinks during the course of your treatment. These can include coffee, teas, and wine.

Ceramic braces are also more expensive than traditional braces.

3. Veneers

As you learn how to get straight teeth, consider veneers. Veneers can correct discoloration, spacing, and crowding issues.

Pros

You can experience instant results with veneers. Your orthodontist will place them over your natural teeth to transform your smile. Veneers are stain-resistant and long-lasting, too.

Cons

Veneers are one of the more expensive teeth straightening options. Since the results aren’t permanent, you might have to pay twice.

Veneers won’t fix issues like an overbite, though. Instead, they’re used for making cosmetic changes.

4. Bonding

Bonding requires a resin material to make cosmetic changes. They’re used to remove spaces or repair chipped teeth. They can also correct an irregular smile.

Pros

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to straighten your teeth, bonding is an ideal treatment. You’ll only need one appointment, making it a quick option as well.

Cons

Durability is an issue with bonding. The results will only last a few years, so you’ll likely need them replacement. The discoloration is a common issue as well.

Get Rid of the Gap: 4 Ways to Straighten Your Teeth

Don’t let crooked teeth or a gap make you feel self-conscious. Instead, consider these four ways to straighten your teeth. By considering these teeth straightening options, you can smile with pride instead!

By learning how to have a nice smile, you can take on the world feeling confident and ready for anything.

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