5 Benefits of Straightening Your Teeth

If a gap in your teeth has always bothered you, or your teeth have shifted since you wore braces as a teenager, it might be time to consider teeth straightening. Teeth straightening can improve your smile and help you feel more confident.

There can be practical benefits, too, from easier cleaning to a better bite. If you’re considering adult teeth straightening, here are five potential benefits and the questions to ask before treatment.

What is teeth straightening and how does it work?

Teeth straightening, also called orthodontic treatment, gradually moves teeth using controlled pressure. Fixed braces or clear aligners can address crowding, gaps, rotated or misaligned teeth and some bite problems, including overbite, underbite or crossbite.

Teeth straightening is a three-step process:

Step 1: Consultation

Your teeth straightening journey begins with a consultation, where your dentist assesses your teeth, gums and bite. You’ll discuss what you would like to change about your smile, and your dentist will explain which treatment options are suitable for you.

Digital scans, photographs and/or X-rays will be required to help plan your treatment. If you’re considering clear aligners, digital scanning technology may also allow you to see a preview of how your teeth could look after treatment.

Step 2: Treatment

Once your treatment plan is agreed, you’ll have your braces fitted or receive your custom-made clear aligners. Both approaches gradually move your teeth, but the process differs between clear aligners and fixed braces.

The length of treatment depends on the complexity of the changes needed and the treatment chosen. Your dentist will explain your expected timeline during your assessment.

Step 3: Aftercare

Once treatment finishes, retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions and maintain your results. Depending on your needs, you may receive a fixed retainer, a removable retainer or a combination of both.

What are five benefits of straightening your teeth?

Although there are many benefits of straightening your teeth, we’ve outlined the main five benefits below:

1. Feel more confident about your smile

If you cover your mouth when laughing or avoid smiling in photographs, the appearance of your teeth may be affecting your confidence. Addressing the things that bother you could help you feel more at ease.

Your goals are personal. You might want to close a noticeable gap or correct teeth that have moved since previous treatment. A consultation gives you space to explain what matters to you and understand what is achievable.

2. Make everyday cleaning easier

Crowded or overlapping teeth can be awkward to clean thoroughly. Improving their alignment may make it easier to reach tooth surfaces when brushing and clean between your teeth.

This can support your daily oral hygiene routine. Straightening alone does not prevent tooth decay or gum disease, so brushing, cleaning between your teeth, and regular dental appointments remain essential.

During treatment, your dental team will explain how to clean around braces or care for removable aligners.

3. Improve how your teeth bite together

Your bite describes how your upper and lower teeth meet. Some alignment problems can make biting or chewing difficult.

Orthodontic treatment can improve the way teeth fit together, which may help with these difficulties. Your dentist will assess your bite as well as the appearance of your front teeth. The changes needed will influence the treatment they recommend.

4. Create a more even smile

Teeth straightening can address visible gaps, crowding and teeth that sit at an angle. Moving teeth into better positions can create a more even appearance across your smile.

You don’t need to have had braces as a teenager to explore treatment now. Adult teeth straightening may be suitable if your teeth and gums are healthy enough. Your dentist will explain the options available to you.

5. Help protect prominent front teeth

Upper front teeth that stick out can be more vulnerable to accidental knocks. Where appropriate, orthodontic treatment can reduce their prominence and may lower the likelihood of damage.

This benefit depends on the starting position of your teeth. It will not apply to everyone, which is why an individual assessment is important when weighing up the reasons for treatment.

Common Questions Asked About Teeth Straightening

What is the best method of teeth straightening?

The most suitable method depends on your teeth, bite, oral health and daily routine. Your dentist will discuss the benefits and limitations of each suitable option.

Fixed braces

Fixed braces are one of the most effective and precise ways to straighten teeth. They use brackets attached to the teeth and a connecting wire to gently move teeth over time into their ideal position. The duration of the treatment depends on your individual needs, taking anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Because they are ‘fixed’, they stay in place throughout treatment and are adjusted at appointments with your dentist. It’s particularly useful for complex tooth movements, but it’s important to clean carefully around the brackets and wires.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment designed to gradually straighten teeth using a series of custom-made, clear, removable trays. These are designed to fit comfortably over the teeth and apply gentle pressure to move them into their desired position.

They are less noticeable than metal braces and can be removed for meals and cleaning. However, they must be worn for the prescribed hours each day to be effective.

Treatment typically takes between 6 and 18 months depending on your goals, with your trays changing as your treatment progresses.

For more in-depth information on clear aligners, take a look at a previous blog we wrote on how to straighten teeth without braces.

How much does teeth straightening cost?

The cost depends on the treatment chosen, the complexity of the tooth movements required and the length of treatment. You will need to organise a consultation to have an individual assessment of your needs and to obtain an accurate quote.

Before agreeing to treatment, it is worth ascertaining whether the price includes:

• The consultation, scans and treatment planning
• Braces or aligners, review appointments and any additional adjustments or aligners
• Retainers and follow-up care after treatment

At Clyde Munro, we partner with Tabeo to offer patients a simple and accessible way to spread the cost of dental treatment with interest-free payment plans. You can find more information about the patient financing we offer here.

How long does the treatment take?

Treatment time varies with the movements needed and the method used. Fixed braces and clear aligner treatment can take anywhere between 6 months and 2 years, depending on what is required. You’ll have a better understanding of your individual timeframe after your assessment with your dentist.

Keeping appointments and following instructions on aligner wear helps treatment stay on track. It’s important to remember that the treatment period is separate from the time needed for assessment, planning and preparing your braces or aligners before you start.

Explore teeth straightening with Clyde Munro

By arranging a consultation, you will learn exactly how teeth straightening can help you achieve your desired smile and be advised on which treatment plan is best for you.

Contact your local Clyde Munro practice to discuss your options, costs and next steps.