How To Straighten Teeth Without Braces – A Handy Guide

Believe it or not, the history of tooth movement using applied force dates back to as early as 400 BC, when the Greek philosopher Hippocrates was the first to categorize bite alignments. Orthodontics, however, truly began in the 18th century when French dentist Pierre Fauchard used a horseshoe-shaped device made of metal known as a bandeau invention that helped expand the palate. This was the forerunner to the metal braces we know and still use today.Although metal braces remain the go-to option for teeth straightening, especially in severe bite cases, they aren’t always the most manageable appliances to live with. They also require much upkeep and care. So, is there an alternative solution? Can you straighten teeth without braces?

Clear Aligners — the clear alternative for teeth straightening at home

A brief history

Also called invisible aligners, clear aligners are the modern alternative to metal braces. Over the past hundred years, numerous attempts had been made to straighten teeth using rubberized mouthguard-like tooth appliances, but many remained primitive. As such, they weren’t always successful.

That all changed in 1997 when two Stanford graduates Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth, used computerized CAD/CAM technology to change the face of orthodontic treatment. Now, just two decades later, Invisalign has served over ten million customers.

In 2017, Invisalign’s tight network of IPs started to expire and paved the way for dozens of other clear aligner companies, and now, in 2021, patients seeking out teeth straightening options from home are spoiled for choice.

The future is clear

Removable aligners are made of transparent plastic, virtually invisible, and are a flexible alternative to fixed metal braces. For best results, aligners are designed to be worn for 22 hours a day, and treatment time depends on the severity of the problem, taking anywhere between six months and two years to complete.

Usually, aligners are an optimal solution for issues such as:

• Minor gaps between teeth
• Mild or moderately crowded teeth
• Mild to moderate underbites, overbites, and crossbites
• Mild cases of open bites where the upper and lower teeth slope outward and don’t make contact when the mouth is closed.
• Misaligned or rotated teeth.

Difference between metal braces and clear aligners at a glance

Whether you need clear aligners or metal braces depends on the complexity of your issue. Here are the key differences that you should be aware of before choosing between the two:

Fixed vs. Removable

Braces are permanently attached to your teeth. You cannot remove them to eat and clean your teeth.   You may need to restrict your diet as certain foods can cause breakages to the braces.   Cleaning teeth with braces is far more challenging as areas become difficult to reach.   Braces can cause general discomfort as the metal tends to irritate the cheeks and lips.

Aligners are removable and worn for 22 hours a day. You can and should remove them to eat and clean your teeth.   You can eat whatever you want as you remove your aligners for eating.   You can brush and floss your teeth normally as you remove your aligners to do so.   Clear aligners are generally more comfortable as there are no brackets and wires.

 

Visible vs. Invisible

Braces, even ceramic ones, are instantly noticeable and can be a cause of concern for most patients during treatment.

Aligners are clear and custom-made to fit your teeth and thus are less noticeable.

 

Metal vs. Plastic

Braces consist of metal or porcelain, which can take some getting used to.

Aligners are designed from BPA-Free plastic, which slips easily over the teeth – just like an invisible mouthguard.

 

More appointments vs. Fewer appointments

Appointments needed for braces tend to be more prolonged and frequent. They are more involved as well.

Appointments needed for aligners tend to be shorter and less frequent. They also happen to be simpler.

Are there other ways to straighten teeth without metal braces?

Yes. Their effectiveness, however, depends on the severity of your condition.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers, otherwise known as dental laminates or porcelain veneers, are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored material attached to the front of teeth. They make the teeth look straighter without needing to straighten them physically.

Porcelain veneers are made of dental porcelain and made to match or better the appearance of the teeth. They are great for mild cases but are purely cosmetic. They don’t provide the long-term benefits that braces do.

Other braces

If needs are more complex, other kinds of braces are available that are less noticeable, such as ceramic and lingual braces.

Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets and not metal ones. They are less conspicuous and expensive and can take longer than metal braces to move the teeth in the right direction.

Lingual braces are a kind of invisible braces. They are fixed to the back — the lingual side — of your teeth. This makes them invisible, but they are also expensive, take longer than metal braces to straighten the teeth, and may cause a lisp.

Is DIY teeth straightening at home possible?

You may find several blogs and videos instructing people to move teeth using do-it-yourself (DIY) methods such as applying pressure by your finger, tongue, dental floss, and rubber bands when looking for options online.

These methods are not advised. They can cause harm and using such methods without supervision is risky. Orthodontics Australia has written an in-depth article on the dangers of DIY teeth straightening.

In essence, dental professionals recommend avoiding all DIY methods and seeking professional help if you wish to straighten teeth properly.

What about other, safer options?

At-home aligners

At-home aligners are big business and provide alternative and convenient solutions for those who don’t want the inconvenience and, to a certain extent – the added cost of a complete in-clinic treatment.

At-Home aligners – otherwise known as direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligners – provide a practical solution allowing patients to straighten teeth using proven methods from the comfort of their own home. The process may differ slightly from company to company, but the steps are the same.

• Complete your online or in-store assessment
• Receive and complete your impressions
• Wait while your custom aligners are created and delivered
• Follow your treatment plan

How do they differ from in-office aligners?

They are very similar to in-office aligners and made of similar material, but the significant difference is that you don’t always have to visit an orthodontist for treatment. Instead, progress can be monitored remotely – therefore, patients need fewer dental visits.

Some companies require a session with you initially to help cut the trays to match your teeth. In contrast, others offer a combination of orthodontist-led and remote treatments.

Can orthodontic treatment improve oral health?

While a crooked smile doesn’t necessarily mean that you have poor oral health, a misaligned bite can be challenging to clean, and therefore it increases the risk of getting cavities and gum disease.

Also, when teeth are misaligned, they don’t meet together adequately when biting or chewing, causing excess wear and tear on opposing teeth. In turn, this places more significant strain on the jaw muscles, leading to jaw and joint problems – even headaches.

Not only can orthodontic treatment restore your smile, but it also allows teeth to be realigned to a better position enabling easier cleaning and less wear and tear on the jaw.

Both in-office and at-home aligners can straighten teeth and have proven to be competent alternatives for metal braces in mild to moderate cases and can help the patient as quickly and efficiently as traditional metal braces do.

In essence, clear aligner treatments are ideal if you need mild to moderate dental adjustments, are looking for a flexible alternative, and don’t want to wear fixed braces.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

Some of the benefits of clear aligners are as follows:

Gentler treatments	✓
No dietary restrictions	✓
Teeth are easier to clean	✓
Less chance of bacteria	✓
Discreet treatment	✓
Cost-effective option	✓
You remain in control	✓

 

Gentle treatments

Each aligner gradually shifts the teeth into the desired position using small incremental gentle shifts (usually 0.1- 0.3 mm per aligner.) Gradual movement makes the process comfortable for most people. In addition, because there are no brackets and wires to worry about, there is no chance of catching the aligner on the cheek or tongue.

No dietary restrictions

Unlike fixed braces where dietary restrictions may be advised, clear aligners are designed to be removed every time you eat or drink. As a result, clear aligner patients can enjoy the food they love while practicing teeth straightening at home.

Easy to clean teeth

As your teeth get straighter, they become easier to clean. However, unlike fixed braces, you can conveniently take your aligners out to brush your teeth every time. Do make sure to clean your aligners with a separate brush as well.

Less likely to accumulate bacteria

With metal braces, one of the biggest challenges comes with cleaning your teeth. Bacteria and plaque are more likely to accumulate between the brace and teeth, leading to tooth decay. With aligners, it is much easier to clean teeth and prevent the formation of any bacteria and plaque.

Discreet treatment

Perhaps the most significant advantage of clear aligner orthodontic treatment is that it’s very discreet. No one needs to know you are wearing invisible aligners unless you choose to tell them.

Cost-effective option

Opting for aligners can be a cost-saving solution, particularly when small cosmetic changes are required. In these cases, clear aligners offer just as good results as metal braces but are much more affordable.

If you opt for at-home aligners, you save even more with reduced or no visits to the orthodontist. It all depends on the treatment your teeth need. If your issue can be treated with an aligner, it may be a good option for you.

Remain in control

Because clear aligners are designed to be removed, you aren’t tied to them 24/7 like fixed braces. Although for best results, aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day depending upon the brand, you do have some say in where and when you wear them.

Frequently Asked Questions – What you need to know

Let us take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about DTC clear aligners and teeth straightening at home: