How to Straighten Your Teeth - A Dentist's Guide

Straight teeth contribute to better oral health, making it easier to clean your teeth and avoid dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw issues. With modern dental treatments, there are many ways to straighten teeth, no matter your age or the condition of your teeth. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, this guide will help you understand your options, answer common questions, and give you a comprehensive overview of teeth straightening treatments available in the UK.

Teeth straightening can be achieved through various treatments, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are the most common methods:

• Braces: Traditional braces, also known as train tracks consist of two parts: the brackets and the wire. The brackets are usually made of metal or ceramic, and can be attached to the outer surfaces of your teeth (and so being visible) or to the inward facing surfaces of your teeth, also known as lingual brace. The wire can also be made of ceramic or metal. These braces gradually move your teeth into the planned positions. These are fixed braces - they only come out when the dentist removes them.
• Invisalign or Clear Aligners: A series of clear aligners that you wear over your teeth, designed to move them step by step. These are planned digitally, with the aligners typically produced by stereolithography, a type of 3D printing. Each aligner moves the teeth a small amount. Small, removable blocks added to the teeth may be needed to help push the teeth in the right direction. The aligners are usually worn all day and all night save when eating or drinking, for 10-14 days at a time. These are removable braces - you can take them in and out yourself.
• Other Removable Appliances: There are a number of different types of removable appliances used to move teeth or change the shape or position of the jaws, often simply referred to upper removable appliances, if they are in the upper jaw, or lower removable appliances, if they are in the lower jaw.
• Crowns or Veneers: For people looking for a cosmetic fix, crowns or veneers can cover up minor misalignments, though they don't actually move your teeth. The end result depends on the starting position of the teeth, and there can be quite severe limitations to the outcomes if the starting position of the teeth is poor.

The word ‘orthodontics’ comes from two Greek words meaning straight (orthos) and teeth (odons).

What does tooth straightening actually mean, and why would you do it? At the end of the day, tooth straightening is a misnomer. What we mean really is tooth aligning or repositioning, but I guess it is easier to understand straightening.

Orthodontic appliances can be used to reposition teeth. Teeth may be crowded - i.e. bunched together. Teeth may be proclined - ie sticking out. Teeth may be retroclined - ie leaning inwards. Teeth may be spaced. Teeth may be crossed over - usually the upper teeth lie just a little outside the lower teeth, but this relationship may be partially reversed. Teeth may be in uneven planes - the lower teeth or upper teeth may appear uneven in length, and this may be an aesthetic issue or a functional issue, causing difficulties in eating, or annoying clashes of the teeth when eating or talking. Teeth may be skewed to one side, and this may affect just the upper teeth, or just the lower or both, and can be easy to spot, or rather easy to spot that something doesn’t appear correct, without really understanding what that is.

The list goes on, but teeth straightening, or the process of orthodontics, is about moving teeth into planned positions - this may be to have a symmetrical, well balanced appearance or to address other issues.

As with any dental treatment, the process begins with a consultation. Many practices these days offer a consultation service with a Treatment Coordinator or someone in a similar role, and this is often a free, general discussion.

The next step is to have a consultation with the orthodontist, who will carefully listen to you concerns and assess your teeth, gums and jaws, usually take x-rays, and set out your options to achieve your goals, or perhaps to discuss if those goals are realistic, and what a reasonable alternative may be.

All underlying dental disease needs to be treated first: the mouth should be free of infection, gum disease and dental decay before any form of orthodontic treatment starts and you should be able to show that your mouth is in a stable condition.

During orthodontic treatment, the risk of gum disease and tooth decay increases, therefore it is essential that these are not factors during the treatment either - frequent attendance to the hygienist, and dentist are required, and excellent home care must be applied on a consistent basis.

Once a treatment plan is agreed, the orthodontist will take records of your teeth - these days usually a simple scan with a digital light scanner. Two to three weeks later the orthodontic appliance (or appliances) is delivered and fitted, and the treatment starts. Regular adjustment appointments will be required with the orthodontist, and the treatment will be reviewed and either adapted, extended or reduced, as required.

Yes, adults can absolutely get their teeth straightened! In fact, many adults in the UK are opting for orthodontic treatments to correct issues they may not have addressed in their teenage years, or to fix teeth that have shifted over time. Clear aligners like Invisalign and more discreet braces options, like ceramic braces, are particularly popular among adults because they offer a less visible alternative to traditional metal braces.

While there are DIY teeth-straightening kits and services that promise results at home, these are not recommended by dental professionals. Teeth straightening requires careful monitoring by a dentist or orthodontist to ensure that the teeth move properly without causing damage to your teeth, gums, bones, or bite. Misaligned treatment can lead to severe dental problems. Always consult with a qualified dental professional for teeth straightening.

The time required to straighten teeth depends on several factors, such as the severity of the misalignment, the treatment method, and how closely you follow your dentist’s advice.

• Fixed Braces typically take between 12 to 24 months, though complex cases may require more time, and simple cases less time. Fixed braces are usually the quickest way to move teeth
• Invisalign can straighten teeth in as little as 6 months, but most cases take between 12 to 18 months, and sometimes take several years.
• Minor adjustments might take as little as 6 months.
• Other removable braces may only be needed for months or longer, but they are usually used as part of a larger plan, moving onto Invisalign or Fixed Braces

Your dentist or orthodontist will provide a specific treatment timeline after assessing your teeth.

No, braces are not the only way to straighten teeth. Other options include:

• Invisalign or other clear aligners: These are nearly invisible and removable aligners that gently move your teeth.
• Lingual braces: These braces are fitted to the back of your teeth, making them less visible from the front.
• Other removable appliances: often used as adjuncts to other planned treatments.
• Cosmetic options like crowns and veneers can give the appearance of straight teeth but don’t actually correct the alignment.

Each method has its advantages, and the best option for you will depend on your unique dental needs and preferences.

Teeth straightening can cause mild discomfort, especially in the first few days after your braces are tightened or you switch to a new Invisalign aligner. This discomfort is usually described as pressure or soreness, perhaps giving a bruised type feeling, and it should subside within a few days. Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage the discomfort. Severe or prolonged pain is not typical, and you should consult your dentist if this occurs.

Yes, a dentist can straighten one tooth. Treatments like Invisalign or fixed braces can be designed to move just one misaligned tooth. For a quick cosmetic fix, a crown or veneer could be applied to the misaligned tooth, though this won’t actually change the tooth’s position, and it is always better to retain your teeth as is.

It’s a common question, but, yes, Invisalign is an excellent option for straightening teeth and is solely designed for that purpose. Invisalign is a simple a clear removable orthodontic appliance or series of appliances. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners that fit over your teeth and gradually shift them into place. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks, and they are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who want a discreet option.

Invisalign treatment typically takes between 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case. For minor corrections, treatment can be completed in as little as 6 months, while more extensive misalignments may take closer to 18 months. You will need to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to achieve the best results within the expected timeframe. Some types of movements, such as bigger rotations, or bodily shifting back teeth, will take longer with Invisalign than with Fixed braces.

Depending on the area of concern, the approach to straightening teeth may vary slightly:

• Front Teeth: Crooked or misaligned front teeth can be straightened with braces or Invisalign. Veneers are also an option for a purely cosmetic fix, but where the presenting problem is severe, neither crowns or veneers may be a good or viable option, either in the short or long term.
• Lower Teeth: Crowded or crooked lower teeth can be treated with traditional braces, Invisalign.
• Overlapping Teeth: More severely crowded teeth can be corrected using braces, Invisalign, or clear aligners. In more severe cases, some teeth may need to be removed to make space for realignment.
• Spaced Teeth: Spaced teeth can be relatively easily moved together using fixed braces or Invisalign.

Your dentist will examine your teeth and recommend the best method for the specific teeth or area you want to straighten.

Leaving misaligned teeth untreated can lead to several long-term issues:

• Difficulty cleaning teeth, leading to increased plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.
• Jaw problems, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), causing pain and discomfort.
• Tooth wear: Misaligned teeth can cause uneven pressure when you bite, leading to premature tooth wear.
• Speech problems: Severe misalignments can cause difficulty speaking clearly.

Straightening your teeth can help avoid these issues and improve your overall dental health.

Once your teeth are straightened, maintaining the results is essential:

• Retainers: After braces or Invisalign, you will likely need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position.
• Regular Check-ups: Ongoing visits to your dentist or orthodontist will help monitor your teeth and ensure they stay in place.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good brushing and flossing habits will prevent decay and gum disease around your newly straightened teeth.

Straightening your teeth is an investment in both your appearance and your oral health. Whether you're a teenager or an adult, there are many effective and discreet ways to achieve a beautifully aligned smile. From traditional braces to clear aligners like Invisalign, there’s a solution for every patient. If you're considering teeth straightening, schedule a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist to explore your options and start your journey to a healthier, more confident smile!