Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission for qualifying purchases.
Last Updated on February 15, 2023
How to Straighten Your Teeth? – 7 Most Effective Teeth Straightening Options for Adults

A crooked smile can be a source of self-consciousness for many. And one that can’t be hidden too easily. Luckily, with the evolution of orthodontia over the past several decades, fixing the imperfections of your teeth has become easier and more affordable. In fact, it is now almost universally accessible for those who need it.
Modern technology has also created some incredibly attractive and obtainable options for those who are no longer covered by youth or parent dental insurance policies. In only the last ten years there has been such incredible advancement in orthodontics that now attaining an orderly and beautiful smile is easier than ever.
The most common traits to correct with current orthodontia include spacing or crowding issues. If you suffer with these, luckily they can be fixed with a number of modern options that range in function and price. You are just a few steps away from smiling with confidence.
Top 7 Teeth Straightening Options for Adults (2022 Update)
1. At Home Clear Aligners
One of the advents of orthodontic technology has been the proliferation of companies that provide at-home teeth aligners. These are a transparent alternative to metal braces. These aligners are similar in style, construction, and purpose to those offered by in-office brands like Invisalign and ClearCorrect. Try brands like:
- Candid Co.
- SmileDirectClub
- ALIGNERCO
Once you receive your order in the mail, you will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental technician who creates your aligners and treatment plan. They are the most popular option and for good reason. They cut out the huge expense and inconvenience of going to endless dentist appointments, usually costing a few thousand dollars.
They are an ideal option in a post-COVID healthcare landscape. You may need to do some virtual appointments to check your teeth are fixing correctly. You will need to wear each set for 22 hours a day to receive the full benefits. The only time they are recommended to be taken out is during eating, brushing, and flossing, even wearing them to bed.
They will often be able to complete treatment in about 6 months, sending new aligners when needed. To learn more about at-home teeth aligners, click here.
2. Orthodontist-Administered Clear Aligners
In-office clear aligners from manufacturers like ClearCorrect or Invisalign remain one of the most popular options for adults because they offer similar advantages to traditional orthodontics but without the increased visibility. They are made from a high-tech composite material that is customized to each individual’s specific dental needs.
They resemble retainers but are free of metal. Before getting clear aligners administered by your orthodontist, there are several steps and prerequisites that must be fulfilled. There must first be a full evaluation of both your teeth and gums. The dentist will take measurements of all kinds, including digital imagery, x-ray imaging, and impressions that will be used to create the aligners and plan for the alignment of the teeth.
With new aligners being needed approximately every other week, this method will obviously require an ongoing series of visits to the dentist’s office. They are able to make more gradual changes over longer periods than in-home aligners.
3. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces help hide braces feature tooth-colored or even transparent brackets, with the wires also being colored to blend in with the teeth. They operate the same way as traditional braces, though they are far more discreet.
The materials that are used to create the brackets and wires is also reportedly easier to deal with from the perspective of the wearer. Having braces adjusted can be incredibly uncomfortable, and if the braces are constructed to minimize that, it can be a boon. Ceramic braces will often cost between $5k and $10k, so they aren’t an option for everyone.
4. Traditional Braces
While they may not be cutting-edge technology, there is no reason to discount the effectiveness and versatility of traditional braces. They are one of the most comprehensive treatments available for a wide variety of tooth placement issues and are still considered a first-line treatment for more complex or severe misalignments.
Since they are so effective and easy to implement, they are also a great option for those who may have investigated other options for teeth straightening and subsequently found out they were not able to use those other options for whatever reason.
Traditional braces will not usually be the cheapest option, however, since they generally require many office hours to set up and maintain over the course of the treatment.
5. Lingual Braces
These are the most discrete method for having semi-traditional braces and are even more difficult to detect at a glance than ceramic braces. They use nearly the same hardware as traditional braces, though lingual braces are placed behind the teeth. This allows for the same ability to correct misalignments while giving the wearer nearly complete discretion.
As both the brackets and the wires are behind the teeth, they are nearly invisible and only discernible to those looking intently. This discretion comes at a serious premium, however, with the typical treatment with lingual braces running about $10k, with the price rising rapidly from there.
6. Dental Bonding
This is perhaps one of the oldest and most well-known to the older generations, and for good reason. Bonding remains a cheap way to fill gaps and correct smaller cosmetic imperfections in the smile. If your teeth are largely ok, but perhaps you have a few spaces showing, or maybe an irregularly shaped tooth, bonding may be the perfect method to fix your smile.
Your dentist will use a resin to fill any gaps, holes, cavities, or spaces that you agree on. It is fast and painless, with the wearer able to walk out of the dentist’s office after the appointment to show off their new smile. It is arguably one of the most affordable options as well, costing only an average of $250 per tooth for minor work.
7. Veneers
For those looking to completely transform their smiles, veneers are the top choice in dental makeovers. Veneers are used to fix numerous issues, including discoloration, crowding, and spacing. These porcelain shells are placed over your teeth, giving that brilliant Hollywood Smile so many people are looking for.
The process for putting on the veneers is permanent, so it’s important to be sure you’re ready for the commitment. Most likely, they will be made from porcelain, but composite resin is an option, as well. They are the most expensive option, with a cost of $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth.
Recommended Articles –