
Our pick for 0% intro APR
Chase Freedom Flexâ„
Finder rating: 4.7/5
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated
If you’re looking to make your teeth straighter, there may be a few different treatments at your disposal to help you get the smile you crave.
Most teeth straightening treatments use some kind of pressure to slowly pull or push your teeth into proper alignment.
Braces use wires to pull your teeth straight. Braces tend to be made from metal, ceramic, resin or composite material. They use brackets that are cemented to your teeth and tied together with rubber bands.
Aligners use a series of clear plastic shells that are worn over your teeth, and these can be removed as necessary. They’re made using a modeling process that includes X-rays and impression casts of your teeth.
For this treatment, you receive an initial set of aligners custom-fit to your mouth. Aligners work like thin, clear mouthguards and are typically used for mild to moderate dental treatment. You’ll get a new set every few weeks until the end of your treatment.
Ultimately, everyone’s teeth are different and so it’s best to speak with an orthodontist regarding any plans you may have regarding teeth straightening.
Both options have pros and cons. Generally speaking, metal braces are seen as a trustworthy and affordable option to tackle dental alignment issues. Braces tend to be better at reworking teeth that have more complex alignment concerns. Unlike aligners, braces are fixed to your teeth so you won’t struggle with removing them unnecessarily and prolonging your treatment time.
Aligner treatments may offer a smooth and pain-free treatment process. The average overall treatment time with aligners is typically six months, making them competitive with most conventional braces.
Aesthetically, patients are more likely to prefer the invisibility of aligners. And most aligner companies claim their treatment costs are comparable to that of braces.
There are numerous choices for invisible aligner teeth straightening systems, the following included:
The typical length for wearing braces is between 16 and 18 months. However, this will depend on how complex your dental needs are. Most patients will use aligner treatments for between six and 18 months. Once again, this varies if a certain condition requires less or more time to correct.
Aligner brands like SmileDirectClub and Alignerco claim to straighten your teeth in as little as six months, depending on the state of your teeth at the beginning of treatment. But this could take longer, depending on your particular situation.
Typically, you can expect a moderate teeth straightening treatment plan to last anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
Numerous factors affect the cost of aligner trays. The complexity and length of your treatment are only two examples. You also might have to meet the cost of extra consultations with a dentist or dental professional, or any additional supplementary treatments.
Cost | |
---|---|
Alignerco | $1,145 |
ClearCorrect | $2,500 to $3,500 |
Invisalign | $3,000 to $7,000, with $5,000 being the average treatment cost |
Smile Direct Club | $1,950 |
Braces | On average $5,000 to $6,000 |
You may want to check to see if your orthodontist offers payment plans for braces, or see if your health insurance policy covers any treatments. Aligner companies might also offer similar financing options.
Our pick for 0% intro APR
Chase Freedom Flexâ„
Our pick to earn cashback
Citi® Double Cash Card
Our pick to get the lowest interest rate
Fiona personal loans
Our pick for bad credit
Monevo personal loans
See if your purchase is available for buy now, pay later (interest-free financing) or compare more 0% intro APR credit cards and the best personal loans currently on the market.
Yes. Some companies offer teeth straightening via aligners at home, including SmileDirectClub and Invisalign. Beginning your new smile journey usually involves the following steps:
If you followed your smile journey correctly but still need refinements, you may be eligible for additional aligners to correct any outstanding issues once your initial treatment ends.
It used to be that traditional braces were cheaper than clear aligner alternatives. But the cost for braces varies depending on what level of treatment you need and how long it will take as long as orthodontist visits are required.
If you’re looking for a deal, sites like Groupon work with accredited dentists and orthodontists and sell vouchers for discounted treatments from brands like Invisalign and SmileFast.
Almost anyone can have a straight smile without the clunkiness and inconvenience of braces. While braces are a more traditional option, clear teeth aligners give you the freedom of choice. No matter which system you’re interested in, conduct in-depth research to find the treatment that best meets your needs and budget.
Invisible teeth aligners are most suitable for adults who are looking to enhance their smile by fixing crowding, gaps and crooked teeth. At-home teeth straightening doesn’t fix tooth shape, tooth position, large gaps between teeth or large overbites that require extensive jaw work.
Also, aligners are not ideal for children who have growing teeth and for those who lack discipline sticking with a system when it feels painful or uncomfortable.
Yes. At-home clear teeth alignment systems and braces both allow almost anyone of any age to correct their smile. But again, be sure to get a professional opinion from your orthodontist about your suitability for any teeth straightening procedure you consider.
Get all the details on Target’s 14 Days of Beauty sale. And find some hacks on how to stretch your dollar and stack the savings.
ocDoc insurance
Replace your biannual checkup with a virtual appointment to save time and stay safe.
Get a new smile in as little as six months with SmileDirectClub. Learn about treatment, costs and whether it’s covered by health insurance.
Not all steam cleaners are the same. Learn what to look out for and how to compare services so you can be sure you’ve hired a professional.
Find out how this telemedicine app stacks up against its younger competitors.
100+ tips from pet experts for pet owners
While they’re virtually invisible compared to braces, you’ll need to have the discipline to wear them 22 hours per day.
Choose from accident-only to illness and routine care coverage, with value-added extras like vet direct pay.
Discover how this derivative of vitamin A affects your skin — and see our top picks.