Generally Straighter Teeth

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.

Can Invisalign aligners straighten teeth?

As millions of satisfied smiles will affirm, the Invisalign system could be the best and fastest way to straighten teeth without braces. Start by finding a qualified Invisalign doctor who can assess your teeth straightening case and any underlying cause.

How Invisalign clear aligners straighten teeth

Invisalign aligners users a series of customized clear, removable plastic aligners to straighten teeth into the desired position over time. The aligners fit comfortably over the teeth and are changed approximately every one to two weeks.

How long does Invisalign treatment take to straighten teeth?

Since everyone’s case is different, the length of Invisalign teeth straightening treatment varies from person to person. The average teeth straightening treatment time for an adult is 12 to 18 months as opposed to around two years for traditional braces. Results with the Invisalign system usually start showing a few months after starting treatment.

The top benefits of straightening teeth with Invisalign treatment

Virtually invisible – Invisalign aligners are clear so you can smile with confidence, even during treatment.
Comfortable – there are no metal brackets to irritate your gums or the inside of your mouth.
Easy teeth brushing and flossing – removable aligners make it easier to maintain oral health during teeth straightening treatment.
Fewer doctor visits than teeth straightening with traditional braces.¹
Eat your favorite foods – unlike traditional braces, there are no restrictions as you remove your aligners to eat and drink.
Invisalign treatment cost is comparable to braces

Start your journey to straighter teeth today

Take the Invisalign Smile Quiz to find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. Then, use our easy search tool to find a qualified Invisalign doctor near you and request an appointment with our Invisalign Smile Concierge team.

Why Our Patients Love Us

Dr. Patel is amazing. She saved one of my molars when I was told somewhere else it had to be pulled. She did a crown which fit perfectly. I haven’t had any issues with my crown. I often forget I had one done. She is thorough, and makes you feel so comfortable. I never liked going to the dentist but Dr. Patel makes me look forward to seeing her. I live in the south suburbs and she is worth the drive.

Emma Martinez

I had my dental appointment yesterday and it was my first most extensive consultation of my teeth ever. Yes, it’s uncomfortable meanwhile interesting to know the condition of my oral health. Dentist Reshma explained thoroughly how concerning the issue I have and the gravity of it. On the other hand, the staffs were doing great in welcoming and accommodating customers. Samantha and the other staff displays their job expertise very well.

Desiree Coyoca

Everyone that works in this office is very friendly and professional. I first came in after not having dental insurance for a while, and it had been years since my last dentist visit, and they did a consultation visit to see what needed to be done. They made what is normally an unpleasant experience (cavities and crowns) quick and painless.

Melissa Malec

Forever Dental on Archer is awesome! I’ve had nothing but great encounters with Dr. Patel and all support staff. I recently started treatment with Invisalign braces and the process has been very comfortable and straightforward. If you are looking for a great Dental office, I’d highly recommend Forever Dental.

Nadia Barrera

Very Good service every time I take my kids. Always greeted politely at the front desk. Dr.Reshma Dhake is the best dentist I’ve encountered. It’s always a pleasure going to dentist and greeting Dr. Dhake. Very good service. Very pleased and satisfied. Would highly recommend.

Jessica Argueta

They made me very comfortable and calm before and during my procedure. They work very well together. All my procedures are clearly explained and printed out with costs and co-pays. I am very happy to have found this group of women dedicated to oral health.

Virginia Bentley

Excellent care and service. Dentist is awesome. Staff was great and everyone was really proficient at their responsibilities. Was also in and out for a follow up cbtc scan for future implant surgery. Highly recommend.

Chino Otero

They are a great team. Always taking good care of me. My dental health has improved and I don’t mind going to the dentist at all.

Jeanne Cuff

Dr. Garrison and her entire team are extremely welcoming and helpful!! They do amazing work and take care of you immediately. Everyone is so friendly! My entire family sees Dr. Garrison and we will all continue to do so!

Marissa Arrez

My mother has been treated with so much respect here, I had to try them out. Mom was right! I love going to the dentist now, they service on time and with the upmost priority to help and care for you. Every one is friendly, patient, and helpful in terms of communicating the in’s and out’s of the insurance offering, etc. I highly recommend. They have an excellent staff. Thank you Forever Dental ?

Maria Lopez

This location is probably the best dentist I have been to in a long time! Everyone is friendly, professional, considerate, and well educated. I feel safe and welcome every time! Thank you for easing my anxiety at each visit.

Melanie Thurman

Definitely recommend this place for your dental needs. Staff is super friendly, thank you Dr. Upwards and Mayra for explaining all the questions my daughter had on Invisalign!! My daughter is excited to start her Invisalign journey!

Patty Raygoza

I recently visited Forever Dental for my first appointment at the facility , and I couldn’t be more impressed! From the moment I walked in, the office staff, Yessenia and Karla were welcoming and professional, making the check-in process smooth and stress-free, which immediately put me at ease.
Dr. Dhake and the hygienist, Karla, took the time to explain everything in detail, from the x rays, exam process to the treatment plan. They were gentle, thorough, and made sure I was comfortable the entire time. I even was offered essential oils -lavender- to help calm my nerves, it helped to relax me and I will use it again next time I visit, I also appreciated how they answered all my questions without making me feel rushed. They were accommodating to my schedule and were able to fit in an X-rays, exam, cleaning and dental work-cavity treatments all in one visit.
This team made the experience of going to the dentist a pleasant one and I feel confident that I’m in great hands here (which hasn’t always been the case at other dentist offices). Now it’s time to make an appointment for my husband, he is long overdue.
If you’re looking for a skilled, caring, and professional dental team, I highly recommend Forever Dental!

Lisa Marie Zuniga

This was my first time here, I had a great experience, everyone here is welcoming and help you with a smile on their face . The environment and staff make you feel comfortable and take the nerves away. They do a great job at explaining the procedure and making sure you’re okay. 12/10 recommend!

April Marquez

Our family loves forever dental! It has been our dental home for more than a decade, serving my whole family from cleanings, whitening, and braces. The whole experience, from phone calls to check ins and the work in the back, is easy, friendly, and quick. ALL the staff are pleasant and easy to work with.
I appreciate the knowledgeable professionals that help keep our teeth healthy. Thank you so much!

Heather

Archer Ave. Office Reviews

Belmont Ave. Office Reviews

Berwyn Office Reviews