How to Straighten Teeth: 6 Options, Costs, and Timelines
Thinking about straightening your teeth but not sure where to start? Maybe you’re dealing with mild crowding, a gap you’d like to close, or a bite that affects how you chew and speak. You’ve probably seen everything from braces to clear aligners to “at‑home fixes,” and it’s tough to tell what works, how long it takes, and what it really costs. You also want something safe, effective, and realistic for your lifestyle—without guessing whether a retainer can help, if aligners are enough, or if braces are the better call.
This guide breaks down six proven options—custom clear retainers (including Remi for maintaining alignment and minor touch-ups at home), doctor‑supervised clear aligners, metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and cosmetic dentistry (veneers, bonding, contouring). For each, you’ll see how it works, who it’s best for, average US costs, typical timelines, pros and cons, and key considerations like aftercare, complexity, and the importance of professional oversight. You’ll also find practical tips to avoid risky shortcuts and understand what to expect after treatment (retainers matter). Up next: a closer look at custom clear retainers and when they make sense.
1. Custom clear retainers (Remi): maintain alignment and minor straightening at home
Clear retainers are designed first and foremost to hold teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. Because they fit snugly, they may also nudge very small shifts back into line. Remi offers custom, lab-made retainers you can order from home—ideal for maintaining alignment and addressing minor relapse without repeated office visits.
How it works
You take impressions at home; a dental lab fabricates thin, clear removable retainers to match your bite. Consistent wear helps maintain alignment; for slight relapse, steady, gentle pressure can improve positioning. Retainers are not the same as doctor‑planned clear aligners and aren’t meant to correct complex movement or bite issues.
Who it's best for
- Post‑orthodontic retention: Keep straight teeth in position long‑term.
- Minor relapse: Small gaps or mild crowding that recently shifted.
- Replacement retainers: Lost, cracked, or worn appliances.
- Budget‑minded adults: Prefer at‑home convenience and lower costs than in‑office.
Average costs (US)
Retainers typically run about $100–$500 in the U.S. In general, direct‑to‑consumer options like Remi are often priced below many in‑office replacements, while still being custom‑fit.
Typical timeline
- Maintenance: Ongoing—most people wear retainers indefinitely to prevent relapse.
- Minor touch‑ups: Subtle improvements may appear over weeks to a few months; larger movements require aligners or braces.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Affordable, convenient at‑home process, clear/low‑profile, removable for eating and brushing.
- Cons: Only suitable for minor movement, requires consistent wear, no bite or jaw correction, unsupervised use can misdirect teeth if overused.
Key considerations
- Scope: Retainers maintain position; planned tooth movement belongs under a dentist/orthodontist’s care.
- Safety: If you have pain, crowding, or bite problems, seek professional evaluation first.
- Fit & upkeep: Expect periodic replacements; clean daily to avoid warping and buildup.
- After any straightening: You’ll still need retainers to keep results stable.
2. Doctor-supervised clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign)
If you’re considering how to straighten teeth without braces, doctor‑supervised clear aligners are the most popular alternative. A trained provider plans each movement, then you wear a series of custom, removable trays that gradually shift teeth. They’re discreet, convenient, and typically involve fewer in‑office visits compared with traditional braces.
How it works
Your orthodontist or dentist evaluates your bite, maps tooth movements digitally, and provides a series of clear aligners you’ll switch out approximately every one to two weeks. Consistent, near‑full‑time wear applies gentle pressure that repositions teeth over time.
Who it's best for
- Mild to moderate cases: Crowded teeth, gaps, and many common bite issues.
- Teens and adults: Wanting a lower‑profile option than braces.
- Lifestyle flexibility: Prefer removing trays for meals and oral hygiene.
- Relapse cases: Prior braces/aligners with shifts that need re‑correction.
Average costs (US)
Clear aligners generally range from about $1,800 to $8,100, and total cost is often comparable to braces. Final pricing depends on case complexity and treatment length.
Typical timeline
Most adult treatments take about 12–18 months, with aligner changes every one to two weeks. Many people notice visible improvements within a few months; complex cases may take longer.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Virtually invisible, removable for eating and brushing, typically fewer office visits than braces, comfortable—no brackets or wires.
- Cons: Requires disciplined wear most of the day, trays can be lost or damaged, not ideal for certain complex bite/jaw corrections, costs can approach braces for comprehensive cases.
Key considerations
- Professional oversight matters: The American Dental Association discourages DIY aligners; choose a licensed provider.
- Compliance = results: Wearing trays as directed is critical to stay on schedule.
- Oral hygiene: Removability makes brushing/flossing easier; clean aligners daily.
- Retention: After finishing, you’ll need retainers to keep your new smile stable.
3. Metal braces (traditional)
Tried‑and‑true and highly precise, traditional metal braces remain a cornerstone for straightening teeth. They use brackets and wires to move teeth efficiently and are visible on the front of teeth, but they can handle a broad range of alignment needs when worn and maintained as directed.
How it works
Small stainless‑steel brackets are bonded to teeth and connected with metal archwires and elastic bands. Your orthodontic provider periodically adjusts the wire to apply controlled pressure that gradually repositions teeth and improves alignment and bite.
Who it's best for
- Wide range of cases: From mild crowding/gaps to certain bite corrections.
- Patients who want reliable control: Fixed appliances don’t rely on remembering to wear trays.
- Teens and adults: Comfortable with a visible option in exchange for comprehensive movement.
- Relapse corrections: Especially when planned by an orthodontist for predictable results.
Average costs (US)
Costs typically range about $2,500–$10,000, depending on complexity and treatment length. Overall, total cost is often comparable to clear aligners.
Typical timeline
Most people wear metal braces for about 18–24 months. Some see noticeable improvements within a few months; complex goals can take longer, while simpler needs may finish sooner.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Strong, efficient tooth control; not removable (no compliance issues); suitable across many case types; widely available.
- Cons: Most visible option; potential irritation from brackets/wires; typically more in‑office adjustments than aligners; food restrictions and extra hygiene effort.
Key considerations
- Oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing around brackets is critical to reduce plaque and decay risk.
- Diet: Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods to prevent broken brackets or bent wires.
- Comfort: Expect occasional soreness after adjustments; orthodontic wax can help with irritation.
- Retention: After braces, long‑term retainer wear is essential to keep teeth from shifting back.
4. Ceramic braces (tooth-colored brackets)
Ceramic braces straighten teeth like traditional metal braces, but with brackets made from tooth‑colored porcelain or clear material and a metal or tooth‑colored wire. They’re designed for people who want the control of fixed braces with a lower‑profile look in photos, meetings, and daily life.
How it works
Your provider bonds tooth‑colored brackets to teeth and connects them with an archwire. Planned adjustments apply gentle pressure over time to move teeth and improve the bite—mechanics comparable to metal braces.
Who it's best for
If you need comprehensive, fixed orthodontics but prefer a more discreet option, ceramic braces can fit well. They suit many case types and are helpful when aligner wear would be hard to keep consistent.
- Appearance‑conscious patients: Want less visible brackets on front teeth.
- Mild to complex cases: From crowding/gaps to many bite issues.
- Teens/adults who prefer fixed appliances: No “remember to wear it” factor.
Average costs (US)
Ceramic braces typically cost about $3,000–$10,000, often a bit higher than metal braces and broadly comparable to clear aligners, depending on complexity and length of treatment.
Typical timeline
Expect timelines similar to metal braces—often around 18–24 months—with visible improvements in the first few months and periodic in‑office adjustments.
Pros and cons
Ceramic braces balance aesthetics and control, offering broad treatment capability with a subtler look than metal.
- Pros: Tooth‑colored brackets are less noticeable; effective across many needs.
- Cons: Still visible due to the wire; costs are often higher than metal; similar food limits and hygiene demands; typically more office visits than aligners.
Key considerations
- Bracket and wire choices: Ask about clear/porcelain brackets and tooth‑colored wire options for maximum camouflage.
- Care and maintenance: Plan for meticulous brushing/flossing and avoiding very hard or sticky foods to protect brackets and keep gums healthy.
- Aftercare: Long‑term retainer wear is essential to maintain results.
5. Lingual braces (behind-the-teeth)
Lingual braces straighten teeth with the power of fixed appliances while staying out of sight. The brackets and wires are bonded to the back (tongue side) of your teeth, making them a discreet option if you want comprehensive control without the look of braces.
How it works
A clinician bonds custom brackets to the inside surfaces of your teeth and connects them with an archwire. Regular in‑office adjustments apply gentle, continuous pressure that gradually repositions teeth and refines your bite—mechanics comparable to other fixed braces.
Who it's best for
If you’re focused on how to straighten teeth as discreetly as possible but still want fixed, doctor‑controlled movement, lingual braces are a strong fit.
- Appearance‑first patients: Hidden from front view for work, events, or performance.
- Mild to complex needs: Suitable across a wide range of alignment goals.
- Those who prefer fixed appliances: No need to remember daily tray wear.
Average costs (US)
Expect about $5,000–$13,000. Lingual braces are customized and may be more expensive than traditional braces due to their design and fabrication.
Typical timeline
Treatment times are generally comparable to other fixed braces. Your provider will estimate duration based on case complexity and goals.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Behind‑the‑teeth and largely invisible; fixed and always working; comprehensive, doctor‑directed movement.
- Cons: Higher average cost; customized parts can be more complex to make and adjust; similar appointment cadence and care needs as other braces.
Key considerations
- Provider experience: Choose a clinician experienced with lingual systems; customization and adjustments are technique‑sensitive.
- Budget planning: Fees often exceed other braces—clarify total cost, visits, and any refinements.
- Aftercare: As with any orthodontic treatment, long‑term retainers are essential to maintain results.
6. Cosmetic dentistry (veneers, bonding, contouring)
Cosmetic treatments can make teeth look straighter by reshaping or covering them rather than moving them. If you want a fast, camera‑ready smile upgrade and your concerns are mostly aesthetic (small chips, uneven edges, minor spacing), these are worth exploring—just remember they don’t correct bite issues or change tooth positions.
How it works
Veneers place ultra‑thin, tooth‑colored shells over the front of teeth to mask imperfections and create a straighter appearance. Bonding uses tooth‑colored resin to fill gaps or build out edges for a more aligned look. Contouring (enamel shaping) polishes small areas to smooth unevenness. These options refine shape and symmetry; they don’t move teeth.
Who it's best for
- Mild cosmetic concerns: Small gaps, minor rotation appearance, uneven edges, chipped corners.
- Deadline‑driven makeovers: Events, photos, or professional needs.
- Patients not seeking orthodontics: When bite correction isn’t a goal.
Average costs (US)
- Veneers: National average about $1,765 per tooth.
- Bonding/contouring: Varies by tooth and scope; pricing depends on time, materials, and provider.
Typical timeline
Many cases finish relatively quickly—often in one or a few visits—depending on the number of teeth and whether lab‑made veneers are used.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Immediate cosmetic impact; customizable shape/color; no trays or brackets; great for chips and edge symmetry.
- Cons: Does not move teeth or fix bites; enamel removal may be irreversible (veneers/contouring); per‑tooth costs can add up; repairs or replacements may be needed over time.
Key considerations
- Function vs. form: If chewing, speech, or bite issues are involved, orthodontic treatment is typically needed.
- Tooth preparation: Understand permanence and maintenance before committing.
- Grinding/clenching: Ask your dentist about protection to reduce chipping risk.
- Long‑term plan: Cosmetic work won’t prevent future shifting; discuss stability and upkeep with your provider.
Make your plan for a straighter smile
You’ve now seen the six main paths to a straighter smile—from subtle touch‑ups to full bite correction—along with what they cost, how long they take, and what living with them feels like. The smartest next step is to clarify your goal (cosmetic vs. functional), get a professional assessment for any planned tooth movement, compare costs and timelines, and commit to retention. No matter which route you choose, long‑term retainer wear is what keeps your results locked in.
If your goal is maintenance, a replacement retainer, or very minor relapse control, custom clear retainers from Remi offer an affordable, at‑home way to protect your smile. You’ll take easy impressions, we craft your retainers in a professional lab, and ship them directly to your door—without office markups. If you suspect bite issues, pain, or more than minor shifting, see a licensed dentist or orthodontist first, then use retainers to preserve your finished results.
