Practicing good oral hygiene daily and eating nutritiously is essential in keeping our teeth in healthy shape. Having a fresh, clean, straight pair of teeth is the goal. It’s also important to note that crooked teeth may be bad for one’s health as well, causing bad breath, jaw strain, headaches, and difficulties chewing. 
Brushing crooked teeth is harder as well, which can ultimately lead to bacteria and plaque build up, which can cause tooth decay or gum disease. Also, crooked teeth can affect speech sound and articulation. So, as you can see, straightening teeth is not only about aesthetics, it’s a health priority. Most people assume you need to visit an orthodontist to get typical metal braces. However, there are a few more interesting options out there

1. Clear teeth aligners
These are clear, high-tech plastic or acrylic type material liners that fit over your teeth. These are very popular because they are less expensive than regular prescribed braces and are easier to wear. Plus, unlike traditional braces, these clear aligners are removed when eating, brushing, and flossing teeth. There are a variety of companies to choose from that provide this teeth straightening option. One provider, Smile Direct Club, offers their customers made to order invisible aligners that boast of a very smooth, easy to wear, BPA-free plastic construction. You have the option of all-day clear teeth aligners or Nighttime aligners, both which cost $1950/$89 a month. Traditional metal braces can cost over $5,000. And they accept HSA/FSA credit cards and some dental plans will cover costs. Smile Direct provides their own convenient payment plan too. Like every dental treatment, there are pros and cons to this type of teeth straightening method. Although, invisible aligners are an easy to wear, affordable option choice, there are a few things to consider. Customers run the risk of having teeth shift either too fast or slower than anticipated. And you’re not getting in person treatment from an orthodontist or dentist with mail in teeth aligners

2. Lingual braces
These typically metal braces are placed on the back side of one’s teeth. This is a highly popular method in straightening teeth because they are virtually unseen. Although, these braces are harder for your Orthodontist to apply and work with because they are fixated on the back of teeth, it’s a favored method by most teens and adults because of the discrete nature of the teeth straightening technique. The brackets are fixed at the same time on the back of teeth using a customized tray rather than placing one bracket at a time as with traditional front style braces. However, there are some concerns about lingual braces to consider. Placing braces on the back of teeth can make it harder to eat, cause unsightly soreness in one’s mouth and tongue, and can affect the way you speak

3. Dental surgery
Dental surgery is another desired teeth straightening option. Your Orthodontist may suggest minor surgery in order to align teeth instead of applying braces. It can be helpful in lessening the time you’d need to straighten teeth. An oral surgeon typically will reposition your teeth and gums in a minor surgery in order to straighten crooked teeth. Typically dental surgery is a good option when a patient’s jaw and crooked teeth are causing pain when eating or gum irritation. Oral surgery is one of the best proven and effective ways to straighten teeth but it’s also an expensive option as well

4. Retainers
Retainers are another popular option that straightens teeth. Depending on the type of alignment issue, your Orthodontist may suggest wearing a metal retainer only at night to straighten your teeth. This treatment plan offers more flexibility as wearing typical 24/7 braces. However, it may take longer to see teeth align straight and oftentimes people forget to wear them or even misplace them at home because of a retainer’s tactile mobility

5. Ceramic braces 
Also known as  ‘clear braces’, these are a trendy option. They are typically tooth colored brackets and usually a favored teeth straightening method with teens and adults alike because they are aesthetically better looking than typical old school metal braces. These clear braces are made of polycrystalline alumina and generally more comfortable to wear. However the out of the pocket cost is more than regular braces and clear braces to stain over time. And they are consequently less durable than traditional braces because metal braces are made of high-quality stainless steel or titanium alloys which makes them the sturdier option