You want to say goodbye to crooked teeth and hello to a perfect smile, but you’re not looking forward to having to wear braces as an adult for at least 18 months. I get it. According to studies, around 70% of the population in the United States requires some kind of orthodontic treatment, but braces can be expensive and make many adults feel self-conscious.

6 Ways To Get Perfect Teeth Without Braces

Luckily, there are a variety of solutions for young adults who are looking for an alternative to braces to turn their crooked smile into a straighter smile.

1. Incognito Hidden Braces

Isn’t that a great name? Although these are actually braces, no one will be able to know you have them in your mouth because they don’t look like traditional braces. This is because incognito braces are attached to the back of the teeth, not the front teeth with metal wires. 

When you’re smiling or talking to someone, they’re almost entirely hidden. If you ask an orthodontist, they might refer to these braces as lingual braces. An appointment with an orthodontist will be needed because lingual braces are made specifically for each patient’s mouth, so you need to make sure it’s a fit.

If the thought of wearing standard metal braces makes you feel self-conscious, these invisible braces with a thin wire are a viable option to consider. However, in certain areas, lingual braces are more expensive than standard metal braces, so do some research if budget is a concern. 

2. Retainers

After you’ve finished treatment with traditional metal braces, you’ll most likely be given a retainer. Adults who just require slight tooth correction may be able to get their desired smile using removable retainers.

An Essix retainer is translucent and fits across the entire arch of the mouth. Because it is translucent, it is difficult for other people to notice. Compared to braces, retainers are also less expensive.

Remember, this option would only work for you if you’re looking for a minor adjustment or correction to your healthy smile. 

3. Headgear

Traditionally, headgear was used to fix extreme bite issues. Because headgear can be removed, it is something you can wear when you’re home by yourself, but it must be worn for a set amount of time each day to see results. Your orthodontist would provide you with more information on this because everyone’s needs are different.

Although headgear may be a feasible option for straightening teeth, people don’t get excited about wearing headgear. Yes, it’s much more noticeable than braces, but again, can be removed.

4. Dental Veneers

Cosmetic dentistry also provides another option for straightening one’s teeth without the use of braces. Porcelain veneers are thin, durable porcelain shells that are permanently glued to the front of a tooth. Dental veneers are incredibly durable and stain-resistant.

Dental veneers are the most cosmetic option on this list. Many celebrities get veneers and that’s why one day their teeth suddenly look perfect. It can literally happen overnight.

Like dental bonding, veneers are permanent. In order to apply the veneer to the tooth, a dentist will remove the surface enamel, so say goodbye to showing your natural teeth again. 

If you want to really straighten your teeth without braces in a less permanent way, I recommend looking into other options, like this next popular way…

5. Invisalign

In the United States, this is one of the most trendy alternatives for people who want straight teeth without braces. Many will say this is the best option.

If you’re unfamiliar with Invisalign, they’re clear plastic retainers that straighten teeth without the use of braces. They are built specifically for the patient and work faster than other treatments. Invisalign is also virtually invisible, hence the name, so no one will know you’re using clear aligners.

During the first phase of your Invisalign treatment, your dentist or orthodontist will build a 3D mapping of your mouth. This mapping will then be used to construct a sequence of invisible aligners. Aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours each day and can be taken out to eat and brush your teeth. The next step? Every two weeks, your aligners will be replaced with the next series of aligners as your teeth shift slightly for best results. Eventually, you will have perfect pearly whites!

If you want to fix a crooked tooth without wearing braces, Invisalign will most likely give you desired results. They’re so discreet that your peers won’t even notice you’re wearing them while you’re speaking, laughing, or smiling. 

However, this treatment will still have you visiting your dentist for occasional checkups. Plus, Invisalign can be more expensive than traditional braces because it is a cosmetic dental treatment.

6. Surgery

In some cases, an oral surgeon may suggest a surgical procedure to change how your teeth are aligned. This is likely in the most extreme cases, but may be the best way for some.

If the position of your teeth and jaw cause significant pain or difficulty in your daily life, your dentist may suggest a procedure to change the position of your jaw. Recovery can take a couple of weeks with swelling may persisting for longer.

Because this is more of a medical issue than cosmetic, your dental insurance may cover this type of treatment plan. If you like in the United States, finding good dental insurance isn’t easy, so my comments are open with recommendations!

Smaller, but much more invasive forms of oral surgery can be costly. Unless you need surgery in order to correct a medical problem as a form of orthodontic treatment, your insurance will not cover your treatment because it’s considered cosmetic.

Costs vary widely and may depend on what your insurance will cover and where you are located. I always suggest people ask around and get recommendations.

Can I Straighten My Teeth Without Braces At Home?

Um, no. And please don’t try. I hate that I even have to write this section, but hey – people are searching this stuff online, so let me try to help and say again… NO!

Straightening your own teeth with a retainer, rubber bands, paper clips, earring backs, self-made equipment, or other DIY formulas mentioned online is extremely unlikely to work and also dangerous. You will most likely do more harm than good.

Although online tutorials done by so-called “experts” show people how to build their own braces, please remember there is a reason people go to medical school to do this properly. Call your local dentist for the best solutions and a treatment option catered to you.

Teeth have roots surrounded by ligaments that hold the teeth firmly to the gum line. If you try to straighten your own teeth, you can put too much pressure on these roots and ligaments. This can cause the roots to break or push too hard on the ligaments, possibly killing a tooth. Then, you have a new set of problems to deal with.

What are you doing to get a straight smile? Please find me on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay and let me know… with a look at your new smile.