Personal insecurity about appearance is a complicated and harsh reality. We often scrutinize ourselves in the mirror, fixating on imperfections that others likely don’t even notice. Watching movies, we see those flawless Hollywood smiles and think, “If only my smile looked like that.” During a job interview, the thought might cross your mind: “What if they notice my teeth and it affects my chances?” People will say, “It’s what’s inside that matters,” and while that’s true, some things just feel unchangeable.
Balding? Sorry, pal. Freckles? Embrace them! Birthmark? It’s part of you. But … what if there was something that bugged you that was easy to change. Something that you can do that you’d wish you’d done years earlier? Something like closing that gap in your teeth that has affected your self esteem for so long? You might see gap-toothed celebs Jack Black, or Madonna, or Woody Harrelson and it makes you obsess over your own tooth gap, wondering “how do people see me?” In France, teeth with gaps are called “lucky teeth” or “happy teeth.” But cultures differ, and for some Americans, having a gap between their teeth makes them anything but happy. In the majority of cases, taking action to close a tooth gap is well worth it, if it improves a patient’s confidence. These days, having a gap-free smile is easily, painlessly and affordably done, without any health risks. Here, we explore the pros and cons of each type of “gap-closing” alternative.
If you see your reflection and that gap between your teeth bothers you every time, placing a negative effect on your self confidence, it makes sense to assess your options for fixing it. Moving on with your life in this way may be more realistic than you think. Assessment starts with knowing what teeth gaps are, and why they form.
The formal name for a gap between two teeth is a diastema, and in humans, this term is most commonly used to describe a space between the two front incisors. Diastema can happen in children and adults, and sometimes the gap can close by itself as a child grows older. There are a few factors that can cause this gap to form, and sometimes a person’s diastema can be caused by more than one condition. Heredity does play a role too, so perhaps you can thank your parents for the gap that has drawn you to this blog post.
First, gaps may form between teeth due to the teeth being too small for the jawbone. That means the teeth have room to space out. Second, there is the tissue that borders your gum line and front teeth. This labial frenulum can overgrow between the teeth, causing a gap to form. Third, teeth gaps can happen because of habits. Thumb-sucking in children pressurizes the front teeth, pushing them outward and apart; and in children and adults, tongue-thrusting can be the cause of a gap between teeth. Tongue thrusting is associated with the swallowing reflex. Some people, when swallowing, press their tongue against the front teeth rather than the roof of the mouth. Finally, gum disease can be a cause for diastema. This is where inflammation affects the gums and tissue that support the teeth.
If your gap is caused by gum disease, the cause should most certainly should not be left untreated. Only once gum disease is remedied — bacteria eliminated and bone health addressed — should action be taken to reduce the gap between your teeth. Most often though, a tooth gap is merely a cosmetic issue that does not pose any health concerns. Your toothbrush can access the gap, food doesn’t get caught as easily, tartar buildup is reduced. It can be ok.
But there is always the question of self esteem. Everyone should feel completely confident in flashing a broad, beaming smile. If the gap between your teeth brings you down and inhibits your ability to communicate, smile, interact and feel confident — considering ways to fix your gap is advised.
Technology has come a long way. Absolutely, you can fix a gap in your teeth without using braces. Zac Efron did it. These days, there are multiple ways to fix your tooth gap. They are:
Some procedures and solutions are more invasive, painful, or expensive than others. Some are completely painless. Here is what you need to know about how each of these dental options can fix the gap between your teeth.
Braces used to be the go-to for straightening and shifting teeth, but now they are something of a last resort. Braces apply pressure over a long period of time, to draw teeth in the desired direction and align the jawbones. It’s an extremely effective method of fixing your gap but it hurts! And it’s expensive. There are better options because this is a little more than what most people with a simple diastema need.
Similarly, implants are used to fill in a single-tooth size gap. An enamel tooth is inserted into the bone or attached to surrounding teeth. An implant is the highest-cost procedure in our list of gap-fixes, and is not something most people with a small gap need to worry about.
Here we have a procedure normally reserved for repairing chipped or broken teeth. It’s effective, and affordable, but these days, not really common for fixing a gap between the front teeth. The problem with bonding is that the bonding agent is not entirely stain-proof.
A crown is a porcelain shell that serves a cosmetic purpose, as well as being a way to repair a cracked tooth. They can also be added to teeth to create an even bite, and being porcelain, it will last a lifetime. A veneer, on the other hand, is a thin shell of porcelain that is bonded to the teeth after a little bit of enamel is removed. These are expensive but popular, especially now that the veneer quality is high. Customer satisfaction is usually a given, but one issue with veneers is that it requires a professional, reputable dentist to carry out the dental work.
These are bands placed around two teeth, which draw the teeth together when worn in bed each night. And they do work, and don’t cost much once an initial check for suitability is done by the dentist. There are limitations, however. The gap cannot be too big, and your other teeth must be straight, or dental issues could happen when the bands start to take effect. Larger gaps can take up to six months to close.
Clear retainers are the best way to affordably and safely fix a gap between the teeth. There is really no downside to an Invisalign style retainer. These are a relatively new alternative to braces but their popularity is surging because the product gets great results. With a high-quality provider such as NewSmile®, an impression kit is sent to a customer’s home, and once the impression of the teeth is made, sent back to the retainer provider. NewSmile® specialists then assess whether the Invisalign product is suitable for each unique customer, and if so, plastic molds are sent and worn by the customer. The customer changes out the retainer as teeth move and the gap closes, for however long is necessary. Kids — and adults who have put up with a gapped smile for far longer than they care to think about — love clear aligners because they are invisible, removable at meal times, and work fast. Clear aligners are a low-cost fix, and in almost all cases, highly successful.
If you have been withholding your smile for years because of a gap between your teeth and are curious about what you’d look like with a gleaming, gap-free smile, there is no reason not to try Invisalign style retainers from a provider such as NewSmile®. You don’t need to wonder about how to fix a gap in your front teeth without braces. Clear aligners are affordable, effective, and no-one will even know you are wearing one — the first they’ll know of it is when you reveal a Hollywood smile you finally feel confident in wearing.
Ready to start wearing a new, happy smile you will love? Why wait? Order an Impression Kit, or see if you're a fit with our NewSmile® smile assessment now to find out if clear aligners will work for you.
Resources
https://www.healthline.com/health/diastema#diastema
https://www.ranker.com/list/celebrities-with-gap-teeth/celebrity-lists
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is whether NewSmile® aligners are painful. While traditional metal braces can cause discomfort and pain, NewSmile® aligners are designed to be much more comfortable. Although you might experience some discomfort, it is generally much less than the pain associated with metal braces.
But that doesn’t mean that NewSmile® doesn’t hurt. When moving teeth and straightening the bite, there's bound to be some pain. How much does NewSmile® hurt? And what are some ways to relieve that pain? Here’s what you need to know about NewSmile®, the pain level, and how to alleviate any pain you might feel during your treatment:
Do NewSmile® Clear Aligners Hurt?
NewSmile® clear aligners will cause some discomfort. While everyone is different and will feel varying amounts of pain (some will feel more pain than others), they are less painful than traditional metal braces. The good news is that the pain fades once your teeth adjust to wearing the aligners. Some of the sources of pain are from the soreness that comes from the aligners pressing against the teeth, and the pain that comes with having the aligners in your mouth.
With traditional metal braces, some of the pain you feel comes from brackets rubbing against the interior of the mouth, and placement of the wire. Especially during the first few weeks of treatment, before the mouth has developed callouses to combat sensitivity, the pressing, rubbing, and scratching of the metal components against your mouth can be very uncomfortable. The same can be said for NewSmile® aligners, but on a smaller scale. The edges of the aligners, while not sharp, can be irritating to your gums and the insides of your lips as your mouth gets used to wearing them. After starting your treatment, the first couple of weeks will allow your mouth to adjust to the feeling of wearing your aligners and will develop the necessary callouses to prevent irritation. By the time you need to switch out your first set of aligners for the next stage, your mouth is likely to be fully adjusted and you won’t experience any peripheral pain.
This doesn’t mean, of course, that your NewSmile® will be completely pain free. Because the whole point of NewSmile® is to shift your teeth into a straighter, healthier smile, the aligners apply pressure on the teeth so they move into their new places. The soreness from moving your teeth may feel extreme during the first few days after putting on a new set of aligners, but the pain will decrease since your teeth have shifted accordingly, and the cycle will repeat when it’s time to put in the next set. Few NewSmile® wearers would describe this sensation as pain, per se. For most, it’s simply discomfort you get used with a few weeks of adjustment.
For pain that feel like a poking sensation from your aligners, this is pain caused by rough or sharp edges on your aligners. If you run your tongue along the edge of the aligner and you get cut, ensure you file that area by rounding any thin and sharp areas. Pain caused by improper finishing of the aligners are completely avoidable and can be easily fixed by using the nail file we provide with your aligners.
For some wearers, going through the pain for the few days each month is the best way to handle the discomfort. Again, most find they only experience minor to mild discomfort for the first few days after changing to a new set of aligners, and if the discomfort is concerning to you, we recommend speaking with your dentist or doctor. For those that have more chronic discomfort, here are some methods that may help:
Pain killers are a good place to start. Most people have their preferred pain killer and know how much to take. Depending on the type of pain, some may work better than others. For example, if pain during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners are caused by inflammation and irritation from aligners being pressed against your teeth, a pain killer used to reduce inflammation would work best.
On the other hand, if you feel pain when tensing your jaw or grinding your teeth, a pain killer that relaxes muscles may be a better choice. Also, a little bit of pressure can help to relieve tension in your teeth, so don’t be afraid to chew on something. Cold or hot drinks may also help to soothe aches in the teeth.
Sure, your mother might have been urging you to smile throughout your life, but did you know that there are significant benefits to smiling? And these benefits aren't limited to those who see the world through rose-colored glasses.
Extensive scientific research supports the health benefits of smiling. It's quite remarkable! Studies conducted by experts in psychology, medicine, and science have consistently shown that smiling can strengthen relationships, boost your mood, and even contribute to a longer life.
If you’re still thinking the concept is too good to be true, check out our list of in-depth evidence that shows how smiling can actually improve your health.
If you experience high blood pressure, something as easy as smiling and laughing could help bring levels down. Who knew? A 2009 review shows how a few giggles will increase your heart rate and then cause a moment of muscle relaxation, which decreases heart rate and blood pressure. This reduces the risk of developing heart disease. So get to laughing!
Even if you have to fake a smile, your body will feel relief when you do so. In 2015, a psychology study showed that smiling can lower heart rate in a moment of stress. Therefore, if you smile while doing a stressful task, your body will maintain a lower heart rate and blood pressure.
The “fake it until you make it” idea really rings true here. No need to turn to expensive massages or comedy shows to improve your mood—just putting on a smile will give you an immediate boost. A study in 2010 found that smiling can increase positive thoughts and make you feel better about your situation.
The health benefits of smiling aren’t just about you—smiling can enhance relationships and therefore pass on the health benefits to those around you. In 2014, a study showed that people who smile are more likable than those who don’t smile. This helps improve relationships and increase positivity between couples.
If you’re smiling in the workplace, you’ll feel happier there too. That happiness will pay off too—studies show that happy employees are more productive, energetic, and more likely to be promoted. So if you’re looking for a raise, you just may be able to smile your way there.
Yes, the claims on this one are sound. Smiling can actually contribute to a longer life! Researchers who analyzed the smiles of Major League Baseball players from 1952 found that those who had even a partial smile in photos lived two years longer than players who didn’t smile. And those who had big smiles lived an average of seven years longer than those without smiles.
If you’re tired of popping the painkillers, give smiling a try. A 2012 study found social laughter to be powerful medicine, helping to increase pain thresholds and create a higher pain tolerance. Though the pain doesn’t technically go away, the body’s ability to feel the pain lowers. It’s like magic!
Along with the health benefit of reducing stress, smiling can send out signalling molecules to the brain that fights off illness. This means you’ll have a stronger immune system and get sick less often. So, start practicing your best smile when cold season comes around! A 2015 study even found that recent postpartum women had a stronger immune system when they participated in laughter therapy.
Whether you’re looking for love or just a friend to hang out with, try smiling to attract others. Smiling is contagious, and since it brings so many health benefits, those who see you smiling will start to smile and reap the benefits as well. Though the feelings may be subconscious, your companions will like you more when they see a smile on your face.
So now you know a variety of ways that smiling can benefit your health. But how exactly does smiling help you live longer and healthier? Assuming you’re not interested in reading the nitty gritty details of all these scientific studies, we’ll break things down for you in simpler terms.
Every time you smile, your brain receives neural messages. Neuropeptides are one of the helpful, minuscule molecules that send positive vibes to the brain. These molecules allow neurons to communicate and tell your body when the brain is feeling any emotion, from happiness to fear or excitement.
Smiling also releases neurotransmitters, including dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These are some of the chemicals released during exercise, sex, and breastfeeding, and they are a powerful way of bringing out positive emotions and creating human bonds.
Though forced and even fake smiles can amazingly provide similar health benefits to a real smile, studies show that authentic smiles are best. So what is a “real” smile? A true smile is scientifically known as a Duchenne smile and is constituted by a smile that causes the cheeks and eyes to raise. Smiling with just the mouth can bring benefits, but Duchenne smiles are more effective in bringing all the life-elongated benefits of smiling.
If you aren’t already a habitual smiler, it’s time to start practicing. Men are especially prone to smile less than women, and adults smile less than children. So there’s plenty of room to improve on the smiling habit, no matter who you are.
Straightening your teeth not only enhances your appearance but also improves your overall quality of life, making it a worthwhile decision. It's natural to feel hesitant about orthodontic treatment initially due to concerns about pain, discomfort, and the look of traditional braces. However, advancements in orthodontics have significantly improved the treatment process. Many people are now choosing modern orthodontic options because they offer greater convenience and efficiency than traditional methods.
Aim for undergoing orthodontic treatment:
There are two types of orthodontic treatments: traditional/conventional braces and clear aligners.
Whether your teeth are maligned, crowded or there are spaces between your teeth, one can always get a healthy, aesthetically pleasing smile with braces or clear aligner treatment. So, to ease the burden off your shoulder we are here to aid you to opt for the right orthodontic treatment for you, hence we have compared both the treatment options.
What are Clear Aligners?
It is a newer and modern version of orthodontic treatment, that aligns teeth with invisible braces comprising of plastic aligners to correct the misaligned teeth. They align teeth just as braces do, but using a transparent, removable aligner. There is no age restriction, and anyone can opt for it if you have good oral hygiene.
However, it requires most of the teeth to be erupted and it might not be suitable for all young children. Since patient compliance is integral for the success, they must be sincere, disciplined about wearing their aligners at all times to avoid delaying the treatment or compromising the results.
What are Conventional/Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces are the conventional treatment to treat misaligned teeth. Small metal or porcelain brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth and are interconnected by an arch wire, the tightness of which may vary, to gradually shift the teeth according to a predetermined plan. This puts very slight but stable pressure on the teeth to move them into their optimal position. Braces correct the position of the teeth both individually and simultaneously.
Metal or ceramic braces are attached to your teeth, and you cannot remove them. They are visible, and people find it unaesthetic in appearance. They are not comfortable and can be inconvenient while speaking and eating. It requires difficult manoeuvring techniques when it comes to brushing your teeth. The wire needs to be changes several times with a thicker wire to continue shifting the teeth until the desired results are obtained.
Once the braces have been installed, they have to be adjusted in order to maintain the correct degree of tension. Regular follow-up appointments (every 6-8 weeks on average) are necessary to permit the professional to monitor the treatment. Wearing braces requires excellent oral hygiene.
Clear Aligners Vs Braces- Which one is more elite?
There is no great difference in both the treatments when it comes to comparing the orthodontic principles applied to correct misaligned teeth and in both pressure is applied on the specific areas of your teeth. However, some factor distinguishes clear aligners different from traditional braces and have more added advantage.
Why Does a Patient choose Clear Aligners over the traditional braces?
Clear aligners are comfortable and convenient, blending well with your lifestyle. They can brush as they used to do without any complicated techniques that need to be used in case of braces.
Clear aligner is usually recommended to be worn for 22 hours/day for successful results, and if you choose night time aligners, those must be worn for 10 continuous hours/day (meaning you should not take them off during the 10 hours). Once you finish all your clear aligner steps, you wear your retainers as directed to prevent teeth shifting in the original position.
Summary
Overall, clear aligners are an easy way to get your confident smile back. They are invisible, comfortable, easy to use, and convenient while you do your routine daily tasks.
Straightening your teeth at home with clear orthodontic aligners is a breeze, which is why so many people are choosing this method. The practicality, comfort, and effectiveness of aligners make the process straightforward. While using aligners isn’t complicated, their lightweight and thin design means it’s important to care for them properly to maximize your investment. To help you achieve the best results with no unexpected issues or extra costs, we've put together a handy checklist of do’s and don’ts for maintaining your aligners.
Keep all of your aligners: remember to keep all of your aligners since you may need them later on during your treatment! and keep them safe from pets (since rover will likely chew them up!)
Refreshing rinse: One of the most important things people don’t always know is how to clean clear aligners. Aligners should be washed daily with warm water and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Don’t use toothpaste — that scratches aligners. Use an unscented, dye-free soap instead.
Just in case: Your aligners come with a case. Not using the case is one of the main reasons why clear aligners break. The case offers all the protection your aligners need.
Heat stress: Hot conditions are the enemy of clear aligners. Direct sunlight, being in a hot car, or contact with hot surfaces or water will warp or destroy your aligners.
Keep away from pets/children: Clear aligners present an intriguing chew toy for dogs and cats. Curious children are also fascinated by aligners. When you are not wearing your aligners, keep them somewhere safe.
Hygiene clean: Just before you put your aligners in, use NewSmile Tray Spray to make sure your teeth are being met with a hygienic surface. It’s mint-flavoured, doesn’t require rinsing, and naturally kills 99% of germs.
Sparkly teeth: To reduce the risk of plaque and cavities, brushing and flossing your teeth is a must before putting your aligners back in.
File it away: If part of your aligner’s edge feels sharp against your gums, the provided file is there to buff away the sharpness.
Most importantly, TRUST the process:
Each aligner is custom-designed to gradually move and straighten your teeth. They may not be a perfect fit at first, but after your teeth start to shift, your aligners should fit.
If your clear aligners break, rip, chip, etc. here are things you should NOT do.
Sharp Objects: Resist the urge to remove your aligner using a sharp object. We send you an Outie Tool for this purpose.
Dishwasher Disaster: It’s hot inside a dishwasher, and the temperature will ruin your clear aligners.
Don’t Rush The Process: While it may be tempting to move on to the next aligner set at times, especially if your current set starts to feel loose...it is crucial to wear each set of aligners for the recommended two full weeks. Fully transitioning teeth to their desired new positions takes time; by taking shortcuts one could damage the progress already made or even damage the aligners themselves.
Mouthwash Mayhem: Is it OK to use mouthwash or denture cleaner on clear orthodontic aligners? No. These liquids can discolour or damage your prized plastics.
Out For A Bite: Wearing aligners when eating is not necessary. Unless it’s cool water you’re taking in, whip your aligners out to eat or drink.
Do NOT Use Force: This can damage your aligners and the end results could be compromised. NewSmile® sends Chewies you can use to gently seat your aligners without breaking them.
Twisty Trouble: Twisting the aligner when putting them in or taking them out can cause them to break. When removing, make sure to use both hands and pull them away from the back teeth first.
By following these simple measures, your aligners will stay in great shape until the moment you take them off for the final time, with perfectly straight teeth as the result.
Braces can eliminate the embarrassment of crooked teeth by improving your appearance and boosting your self-esteem. However, they can be quite expensive, often costing thousands of dollars, with some options being pricier than others. It’s only natural to want to understand exactly what you’re paying for and to have questions about the process. Here’s what you need to know.
There are several different types of braces, and they come in different price brackets. Here are a few examples. (The pricing is a rough guide only).
It’s difficult to put a precise figure on the average cost of braces because estimates can vary a lot. The average price point of braces in Canada is probably somewhere between $5,000 and $6,000.
How much you’ll pay for your braces also depends on how long treatment takes. For instance, if you need to wear braces for two years, you may have to pay twice as much as someone whose treatment can be completed in one year.
While cost is a crucial consideration when considering getting braces, you’ll also want to know how long it will take to achieve that confidence-boosting smile.
No one wants to be wearing braces any longer than they have to, so, along with costs, treatment time is an important factor for new orthodontic patients, particularly adults, who often need to wear their braces longer than youngsters.
On average, it takes about two years to complete treatment with braces - depending on how complex the orthodontic problem is. For example, in some cases treatment may be completed in 12 months or less. In more difficult cases, treatment can take up to three years. Plastic Clear aligners boast provide faster treatment times – usually 12 to 18 months.
The reason orthodontic treatment is a lengthy process is that your teeth are connected to your jaw bone. This means that repositioning teeth requires a lot of pressure. However, if too much force was exerted to move teeth quickly, it could cause long-term damage to teeth and gums. Therefore, the only safe solution is to apply gentle, consistent pressure on teeth over time.
Besides the severity of the orthodontic issue, the fact that each individual’s mouth is unique also plays a part in how long braces treatment will take.
Two other considerations that influence the length of time you may need to wear braces are:
Orthodontic treatment can take a sizable bite out of your budget but there’s one way to significantly reduce the cost of straightening your teeth – finding a safe, effective alternative to traditional braces.
Clear plastic aligners have changed the landscape of orthodontics and offer multiple advantages over standard braces. There’s one problem, though. In-office aligner treatment from your dentist or orthodontist is typically even more expensive than getting braces.
The solution: home teeth straightening with the help of dental experts such as NewSmile®, whose invisible aligners cost thousands less than in-office aligner treatment (about 75 percent less cost than braces). You also get free retainers and whitening foam, and have the option of night aligners that are worn only during evenings to straighten your teeth while you’re asleep.
Apart from financial considerations, at-home teeth straightening with clear plastic aligners offers other advantages, including:
Orthodontic treatment isn’t covered by Provincial Healthcare in Canada, so you’ll pay out-of-pocket if you don’t have another type of plan.
According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontics (CAO), coverage for braces treatment – generally at 50 percent – is typically separate from a dental insurance contract.
Orthodontic coverage varies between providers and plans. If you have health or dental insurance, ask your plan administrator about coverage.
If you have an HSA (Health Spending Account) plus insurance coverage through work, you can claim the eligible amount for your braces and then use your HSA to pay for the balance as a pre-tax expense.
There are a few payment options with braces, including paying for the whole treatment up front, which should get you a discount.
If you do get a loan or payment plan from a bank, you should be able to spread the cost over a longer period, but bear in mind the interest charges that will add to the overall cost.
As with traditional braces, you can pay up front for plastic aligners or find a provider who offers monthly payment options with no interest.
Braces used to be the only solution for crooked teeth until aligners came along. These removable trays are made from medical-grade plastic that’s virtually invisible when worn, so no one will know you’re straightening your teeth, although they’ll certainly notice the end result – your newly straightened, winning smile.
Besides discretion, clear aligners hold many other advantages over conventional metal braces, such as:
Attempting to straighten your teeth yourself can result in irreversible damage. Don’t be tempted by DIY teeth straightening so-called “easy fixes” you may come across online. Trying to use objects such as paper clips, string and elastic bands to straighten your teeth is never a good idea.
If you want to straighten your teeth at home safely, you should get plastic aligners licensed by Health Canada and provided by a professional company with dental expertise.
If you have protruding front teeth, you need professional help to rectify the problem – you can’t simply push them back yourself.
Repositioning teeth is a biological process requiring gentle, constant pressure as bone in the jaw dissolves and rebuilds. This is why you need traditional braces or plastic aligners to address problems such as protruding front teeth.
The Best Alternative to Traditional Clear Braces
In the past, metal braces were the only option for achieving a straighter smile. Later, clear braces were introduced as a less noticeable alternative. However, the most significant advancement in orthodontics came with the development of clear plastic aligners, which are now widely regarded as the top alternative to traditional clear braces.
Metal Braces, Clear Braces and Invisible Aligners
Clear braces are similar in shape and size to their metal counterparts, but have clear or tooth-coloured brackets typically made from ceramic, which makes them more discreet.
Like metal braces, clear braces are fixed appliances – they stay in your mouth all the time during treatment.
This makes brushing and flossing difficult, which can result in oral health issues such as tooth decay. Another problem is the inconvenience of being unable to remove your braces, including a long list of foods that have to be avoided to protect the braces from damage.
To address issues like these, removable aligners were developed with no wires or brackets, and made from medical-grade polyurethane resin (clear plastic) that’s almost invisible in the mouth.
What is the Best Age for Braces?
You may associate orthodontic treatment with youngsters but it’s never too late to get your teeth straightened or rectify bite problems – as Harvard Medical School points out – and many adults seek orthodontic treatment to boost self-confidence by enhancing their appearance.
Dental experts recommend that children should get their first orthodontic check-up by the age of seven, when the jaw and teeth are still growing, which usually makes treatment easier.
However, many orthodontic problems respond better to treatment after all the permanent teeth have emerged, and studies indicate that adults are just as likely to need braces as children and teens – teeth can shift out of position as you get older, due to natural changes in the mouth, injury, or a medical condition.
In general, people are living longer and keeping their teeth for life, which makes it advisable for adults to get crooked teeth fixed.
What Can You Use Instead of Braces?
When invisible aligners made their debut in 1999, traditional metal and clear braces were suddenly no longer the only options for straightening teeth. And Aligners soon became a popular alternative, particularly among adults who discovered they could get their dream smile without lengthy treatment with old-style braces.
Advantages of clear aligners include:
What is a Cheaper Alternative to Braces?
The most affordable discreet alternative to braces or in-office aligners is at-home teeth straightening.
Many individuals used to endure the embarrassment of crooked teeth because they found the cost of braces prohibitive and didn’t like the look of them. In-office invisible aligner treatment solved the latter problem but were even more costly than braces.
Then along came an affordable solution, home teeth straightening. For example, clear aligners from NewSmile® cost 75 percent less than braces and thousands less than in-office invisible aligner treatment. For a one-off payment of $1,799 or 24 monthly instalments of $92/month with $0 down, you get:
Besides financial benefits, at-home aligner teeth straightening has many other advantages, such as:
Do Clear Braces Cost More than Metal?
If you’re looking for a more discreet option to straighten your teeth, you’ll find that aligners from your dentist or orthodontist tend to cost more than standard metal braces, and that clear braces are more expensive than metal ones.
Getting invisible aligners via mail can save you thousands of dollars compared with both braces and in-office aligner treatment.
How Long do Braces Take to Straighten Teeth?
Average treatment time with braces is about two years, depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem.
For most people who want to fix their crooked teeth, in-office invisible aligners offer a shorter treatment time – typically 12 to 18 months.
Clear aligners from a good at-home teeth straightening company can give you your perfect smile in six months or even less.
How Can I Straighten My Teeth Without Braces?
Invisible aligners can’t exert the same force as braces. This means that conventional braces are sometimes the only solution – if you have severely crooked or misaligned teeth, for example, or need complex orthodontic treatment.
However, clear invisible aligners can work effectively to fix mild to moderate cases of gapped teeth or crowded teeth, and less severe cases of:
While straightening your teeth at home is both safe and effective under professional supervision, it can be downright dangerous if you should be tempted by any of the DIY “orthodontic easy fixes” you may come across on social media.
A 2017 survey by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) found that spurious online “how to” guides on teeth straightening were on the rise. The AAO warned that trying to fix crooked teeth with household objects such as string, paper clips, rubber bands, pencils and dental floss could cause irreversible damage and lead to oral infections.
With the help of a trustworthy home teeth straightening company, you can straighten your teeth in the comfort of your own home without traditional braces, monthly visits to the dental office – or paper clips or string!
How Professional Home Teeth Straightening Works
When straightening your teeth at home with the help of dental professionals, you get everything you need to start and complete your treatment safely – delivered to your door.
You’ll be mailed an easy-to-use impression kit to create molds of your teeth, which are used to fabricate a series of customized aligners to gradually move your teeth into their correct position.
Is At-Home Teeth Straightening Safe?
Reputable home teeth straightening companies prioritize patient safety.
For instance, NewSmile® has dental professionals on hand to answer any questions or concerns. They also assess individual cases to determine whether at-home teeth straightening is suitable for each customer.
Furthermore, their aligners are licensed by Health Canada and FDA Approved in the United States.
Is Home Teeth Straightening Right for Me?
You may have heard about home teeth straightening but are unsure whether it’s the best alternative to traditional clear braces for you.
If you have a complex orthodontic problem, conventional braces are likely to provide a more effective solution. However, most people want to straighten their teeth mainly for cosmetic reasons, and at-home aligner treatment offers a faster, more convenient and affordable means to get the smile you’ve always wanted.
The easiest way to determine whether home teeth straightening is right for you is to get a free NewSmile® smile assessment.
It might seem like getting your teeth straightened is only for teenagers or pre-teens, but the fact of the matter is, more and more adults are getting their smiles fixed, too. From 1994 to 2010 the number of adults who got braces increased by 58% and it has kept increasing since then. That means more and more adults are choosing to straighten their teeth and get the best smile possible.
This is wonderful news because it is one of the main missions of NewSmile®. We want everyone to have the best smile that they can. And with the increasing number of adults getting braces and choosing to straighten their smiles we want you to find the best cost possible for braces, clear braces, or invisible teeth aligners. In this post, we will examine the average cost of braces and invisible teeth aligners and then look at ways to help you pay for them. At NewSmile®, we want you to find the cheapest way to straighten teeth.
When answering the question of how much braces cost, this article on Angie’s List gives an important list of the different factors that may determine how much straightening your teeth will actually cost:
As all of these are important to know and to keep in mind when deciding to straighten your teeth, we will do our best to be fair to offer you all of the information you need to make a decision. There can be a lot of decision making that goes into correcting your teeth, and you might find yourself asking the following questions:
We will seek to answer all of these questions and concerns as well as take into consideration the different factors listed above that determine the cost. However, you will not completely know the exact amount it will take to straighten your teeth until you contact a dentist who will be able to help you determine what you’ll need. As you make your decision and look over all of the prices listed here, use them as the average cost of braces to help you determine what is best for you and to get a sense of what to expect.
How much do braces cost? Here we have compiled some of the average cost of braces and clear braces to help you see what to expect from the industry and to help you make an informed decision.
According to the manufacturer of Invisalign brand teeth aligners, the average cost is anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000.
This number can vary widely depending on the orthodontist and the other factors listed above, but the average cost lands anywhere between $2,500 to $6,000 with another source saying that the average can be as high as $5,000 to $6,000, with some patients paying only $3,000 and others $10,000.
Ceramic braces, another option for traditional bracket braces can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000.
At NewSmile® we charge $200 for an Impression Kit (this is a DIY mold-making kit that helps us to make custom aligners that will best benefit you) and then $1, 799 for your aligners, or monthly starting at $92/month.
NewSmile® requires that you complete an Impression Kit first because it helps us determine exactly what you will need and it is a good way for our doctors to see if our invisible teeth aligners are the right procedure for you. Remember how we talked about those other factors that determine cost? Well, NewSmile®'s Impression Kit helps determine that, and if we can’t help, you're entitled to a full refund with our NewSmile® guarantee.
Compared to the other ways to ways to straighten your smile,NewSmile® is by far the cheapest way to straighten your teeth. Click here to learn more about how NewSmile® works.
When determining the cost of braces and the cost of clear braces it is important to do your due diligence and look at all of your options. Our list determines that we, NewSmile®, are the cheapest way to straighten teeth, but you need to take the time to check with local orthodontists and see what they offer. Don’t forget there are several factors that determine how much braces cost.
It is important to note again that the price is still determined by the individual’s specific need, but these are good numbers to help you answer the question how much do braces cost and to help you get a sense of what is out there for you to make a decision.
One of the most important things to consider when determining the average cost of braces and clear braces is insurance and different government savings accounts. Your insurance may be able to help pay some of the cost of your braces, even if you are unable to get the type of braces you want, for some reason. Also, orthodontist offices and teeth aligner providers (like NewSmile®) often offer special payment plans to help you afford your braces. Be sure to check with each of the orthodontists or invisible teeth aligner providers for their list of insurance companies they accept.
You can also use an HSA (Health Savings Account) or an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to help pay for dental expenses including braces and teeth aligners. The average cost of braces, even if it is high, can be subsidized by these methods. These programs are a great way to provide you or a family member with the smile that they deserve.
NewSmile® really does want you to have the best smile that you possibly can. We know that there is a lot to decide and a lot to answer when you are trying to find the cheapest way to straighten your teeth and to find the cheapest cost for clear braces (or any other type of braces, for that matter) that are out there. Use what we’ve compiled to be a source on your journey to find the cheapest way to straighten teeth.
Are you looking for a clean, straight smile without the cost, inconvenience, or look of metal braces? Invisible aligners from NewSmile® offer a solution to achieve straight teeth without the time and expense of traditional braces. Approved by Health Canada and the U.S. FDA, NewSmile® Aligners are 75% more affordable than other similar treatments. Discover how NewSmile’s invisible aligners can make achieving your perfect smile both quick and easy before you place your order.
As an effective braces alternative for getting a straight smile, invisible aligners and retainers are a series of dental devices that fit tightly over the teeth to encourage the teeth to move into alignment by putting slight pressure on the teeth. Because of their low-profile, affordability, and effectiveness, invisible aligners are often a recommended solution for teenage and adult patients looking to improve the straightness of their teeth. After determining you want to invest in invisible aligners, order an impression kit from NewSmile® to make your first mold of your teeth.
The NewSmile® Impression Kit includes all the materials to make the perfect mold of your teeth. Once returned to NewSmile®, we create a treatment preview which shows how their teeth will look when they’re done, then experts create in invisible aligner that fits snugly over your teeth that, thanks to a series of aligners, slowly, yet effectively begins to move your teeth into alignment.
Despite the fact that invisible aligners work in stages and require a commitment on your part, they are remarkably easy to use. The process is simple; after ordering the NewSmile® Impression Kit, you’ll follow the easy-to-understand directions to complete molds of teeth and send the kit back using the included, prepaid shipping label. Once the kit arrives at NewSmile, alignment experts scan your mold to create a preview of what you can expect your teeth to look like when the process is complete. Upon your approval, NewSmile produces your aligners and mails them back directly to you.
From this point forward, you’ll wear your NewSmile® aligners continuously until your teeth have reached optimal straightness. In total, you’ll create four different molds at the beginning of the process and we averaged 15-20 different aligners and wearing each aligner for two weeks as needed. As our promise to you, NewSmile guarantees:
COVID-19 has led to reductions in many operations, particularly in the dental field. However, your oral health should remain a priority. Maintaining excellent overall health is crucial for staying resilient against the virus.
The COVID-19 virus has affected many industries drastically, from retail to hospitality services and health-care-related practices. Many have had to adjust to the regulations set by authorities, from washing hands regularly, the social distancing of 6 feet minimum, and wearing a mask at all times.
The field of dentistry and oral health care is no exception, especially with the nature of its procedures. Unfortunately, this pandemic has led to many missed or canceled dental appointments in fear of contracting the virus. Most dentists only take emergency cases at the moment, so it is up to the patient to observe proper oral health care at home.
How COVID-19 impacted the field of dentistry
COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols, which are commonly produced in most dental procedures like dental cleaning and restorations. There are also no known dental procedures that allow the dentist to not be in close proximity to the patient.
Dental professionals already practice infection control to a degree in typical dental setups even before the pandemic hit. Many exercise personal protective equipment (PPE) and contamination control in their everyday practice. However, dentists have had to reinforce their infection control and prevention protocols to minimize risk for both patients and professionals with the pandemic.
With new variants of the virus coming to surface and the number of cases rising, it is almost undetectable how fast it can spread. Therefore, most dentists limit their patients to severe cases that need to be overlooked as soon as possible, like knocked-out teeth, chipped or broken teeth or prosthesis, and even extreme tooth sensitivity.
Due to the limitations set to keep infection at bay, people have to keep their teeth and gingiva healthy and clean at home as best they can until these restrictions are lifted.
Keeping good oral hygiene is important
Like any other area in your body, the mouth has an ecosystem of microorganisms thriving on its surfaces. It is home to both good and bad bacteria that can grab the opportunity to cause disease when it sees the chance to do so. We keep the bacteria from doing harm by doing hygienic practices like brushing and flossing.
Without these practices, these harmful bacteria take over and cause tooth decay and periodontal diseases.
A simple tooth cavity can affect all age groups and develop into more significant, severe problems like gum diseases or even lead to unwanted tooth removals. It may even affect your overall health and overlap with other health problems like diabetes, pregnancy complications, bacterial infections, and heart disease.
This is why it is essential to exercise good oral care every day. When you keep your oral health in top shape, you avoid diseases that can affect your daily life in the long run.
Take care of your teeth and gingiva at home
The first step to taking care of your oral health care journey is to eat a balanced diet and to avoid sugary or starchy food. The diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.
Sugary and starchy foods stick to the surface of your teeth more. This makes for great food for bacteria to feast on, creating a layer of bacteria on your teeth. If you can’t avoid these foods in your diet, you must always have your toothbrush and dental floss ready to clean them away.
Be aware of habits like biting hard objects or crunching on hard snacks and ice, as this can chip or even break a tooth. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open bottles or even packages. You can avoid emergency visits to the dentist or even the hospital by minimizing possible trauma to the face and jaw.
It is also vital to brush your teeth with the correct technique at least two times a day. It is commended to use a soft-bristled brush to not wear away at the tooth. It is also good to use toothpaste with fluoride since this is a substance that can put minerals back into your teeth, as the bacteria has mineral-depleting capabilities, which lead to tooth cavities.
Brushing your teeth could not be enough to reach the small crevices between teeth. Use dental floss at least once a day to remove any debris stuck between your teeth. This technique prevents the formation of dental plaque and calculus, which may need a dental cleaning session with the dentist to remove.
If you’re going for extra protection, opt to use an antimicrobial mouthwash. It can help fight bad breath, dry mouth, and even intraoral infections like thrush. Some may even contain fluoride; an ingredient discussed earlier which makes the teeth stronger. It should be noted that mouthwash can also cause irritation due to the alcohol in some mouth rinses.
Conclusion
Dentists help minimize the spread of the virus by only accepting emergency visits, so it is the patient’s responsibility to keep their gums and teeth clean and healthy at home. If you think the situation cannot be handled at home, feel free to contact your dentist to work out an appointment.
Maintaining optimum oral health and hygiene at home can be quickly done in different ways. The main takeaways on how to keep good oral care at home are:
When patients take great care of their oral health, there’s less chance of scheduling a dental appointment, especially when staying safe at home is a top priority—limiting exposure limits the possibility of contracting the virus. When we all do our part, we can see the horizon over these trying times sooner.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33973202/
https://www.westenddental.com/blog/home-oral-care-habits-dental-health/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
https://www.milltowndental.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-mouthwash/
https://www.bloorwestsmiles.com/blog/the-7-most-common-dental-emergencies-and-how-to-prevent-them/
Several factors can contribute to having crooked teeth. It might be due to a small mouth, leading to crowding and overlapping teeth. Misaligned upper and lower jaws can result in an overbite, underbite, or jaw protrusion. Genetics can also play a role, as crooked teeth can be inherited from one’s parents.
Regardless of the reason for crooked teeth, it’s important to know how crooked teeth affect health. When teeth are crowded, spaced out, or misaligned, it can become very difficult to clean adequately between them, causing a buildup of plaque and an increased risk of gum disease. These issues can be alleviated by regular dental appointments, but as long as teeth are crooked, oral health problems such as cavities and plaque buildup will continue to crop up.
While crooked teeth are often as healthy as straight teeth, the issues lie between the teeth. When teeth are straight, they are usually evenly spaced out, leaving enough room in between for effective flossing, brushing, and mouth rinsing. But when teeth are crooked, some teeth may be uncomfortably close to others, making it difficult to floss or brush between them. This creates an environment where bacteria thrive.
While it’s important for everyone to feel comfortable with their appearance, crooked teeth can affect more than just self-esteem — they can lead to some serious health problems. When left untreated, crooked teeth can lead to the following:
Cavities: Straight teeth are often easier to clean than crooked teeth, as crooked teeth make it more difficult to reach all of the nooks and crannies of your mouth with a toothbrush and floss. When plaque builds up, it can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and more.
Gingivitis: Gum disease, or gingivitis, can often be caused by crooked teeth. Gingivitis develops when excess bacteria build between the teeth and near the gums, turning into harmful plaque. Gingivitis can be painful, and can accelerate tooth decay and lead to more serious health conditions.
Chewing difficulties: If teeth are severely crooked they can impact the way you bite, chew, and move your jaw. This unnatural jaw movement can put stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which are involved with opening and closing your mouth. TMJ disorders cause pain in your jaw joints and muscles, and can be difficult and costly to treat.
Enamel damage: When teeth are overcrowded or protruding, they can wear down in places straight teeth would not. This can damage and erode the enamel that protects your teeth. And when enamel is gone, tooth decay can happen quickly and frequently. 
Bad breath: As mentioned above, crooked teeth make it easier for bacteria and plaque to build up between teeth, making it harder to properly clean every inch of your mouth. When these bacteria linger in the mouth, they can cause chronic bad breath, no matter how often you brush and floss your teeth or chew gum.
Self-consciousness: Beautiful, healthy smiles naturally make people feel more confident about their looks. When people are proud of their smiles, they want to show them off — not hide them by smiling with their mouths closed. If a person is embarrassed or self-conscious of their crooked teeth, they may feel awkward in social situations and withdraw from other people.
Overall health risks: Crooked teeth can affect so much more than your breath, self-esteem, or chewing. Dental issues caused by plaque buildup can lead to harmful oral infections, which may lead to serious illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and pneumonia. It’s important to catch issues like plaque buildup, tooth decay, and cavities before they develop into something more severe.
Having straight teeth is about a lot more than having a beautiful smile and feeling confident. Straight teeth can also mean less negative health effects, as crooked teeth health problems can be common. Besides looking beautiful and boosting confidence, straight teeth allow for better oral hygiene, which can reduce bacteria and plaque buildup, meaning less cavities.
If you’re taking the time to read this blog post, you’re probably already thinking about how to straighten your crooked teeth. The good news is that today’s technology and dental advancements have made it possible for anyone to get the smile they love in a way that feels comfortable.
Metal braces are well-known as the customary solution to crooked teeth, but they’re not the only option anymore. People wanting straighter teeth don’t have to suffer through painful metal brackets, awkward smiles, and frequent orthodontist appointments. Instead, adults and teens alike can use clear aligners, which are virtually invisible and offer the same benefits of traditional metal braces.
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to metal braces. They gradually straighten crooked teeth over time, and can even be taken out when you eat, drink, and brush your teeth. Clear aligners are a great solution for those who want to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile without committing to the time and expense of traditional braces.
One of the greatest things about modern technology is that you have more options than ever before with your dental care. Now, you can customize your orthodontic treatment to better fit your lifestyle and schedule. With NewSmile®, you don’t even have to leave your house to fix your crooked teeth. You won’t have any trips to the orthodontist’s office, and you won’t have to pay nearly as much as you would for traditional braces.
If you are feeling less than confident about your crooked teeth, NewSmile® is here to help. Our at-home teeth straightening allows people to fix crooked teeth, gaps, overcrowding, and more in a matter of months.
If you’re ready to fix your crooked teeth, improve your oral health, and boost your confidence, get started with your NewSmile® Smile Assessment. Your beautiful smile is just a few steps away.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/crooked-teeth-misaligned-bites#1
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