Dealing with wonky teeth or a misaligned bite? Crooked teeth are one of the most common orthodontic concerns in the world. Over 56% of people find that their adult teeth don’t grow in straight—sometimes as a result of external factors, and sometimes because of unavoidable genetic traits. As a result, these patients will be presented with a number of options to straighten teeth, from braces to clear aligners and expanders.
If this is you, you might be wondering what your orthodontist is likely to recommend and how you’ll make your decision.
From underbites to overbites, there are thousands of ways for teeth to be crooked, and no two bites are the same. Your Sydney orthodontist will recommend a personalised treatment plan that is specific to your concerns, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a say.
So, let’s take a look at what your teeth straightening options are in Australia, how these solutions differ for teens vs adults, and how the decision will be made.
Why consider teeth straightening options?
Many assume that teeth straightening is purely cosmetic, but there are a host of issues that can come with a misaligned bite, including:
· Poor oral health from an inability to brush properly, resulting in gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss over time.
· Poor bite function, leading to difficulty with chewing and speaking, discomfort or even jaw pain.
· Excessive wear on your enamel, which might lead to dental issues down the line.
· Jaw strain, contributing to headaches or temporomandibular joint disorders.
What are the best teeth straightening options?
At first glance it might seem like there are an overwhelming number of options, but there are really only two: glued on braces or removable clear aligners, which is one of your only options to straighten teeth without braces. Within each of these options, you’ll find different types of braces, and different brands of clear aligners. Each have benefits and drawbacks, but the end result in all cases should be a beautiful, straightened smile. As a leading Parramatta orthodontist, Ortho Co. can advise you on which route will be right for you.
Let’s have a look at the different options to straighten teeth:
| Treatment Type | Best For | Visibility | Treatment Duration | Average Cost (AUD) | Pros | Cons |
| Metal Braces | Severe misalignments, complex bite issues | Highly visible | 12–24 months | $6,000–$12,000 | Effective for all cases, fixed appliance requires no patient compliance | Visible, may cause discomfort, dietary restrictions |
| Ceramic Braces | Mild to severemisalignments, adults seeking discretion | Less visible than metal braces | 12–24 months | $6,800–$12,800 | Less noticeable, effective for all cases | Higher cost than metal braces |
| Lingual Braces | Adults seeking invisible treatment | Hidden behind teeth | 12–24 months | $9,000–$15,000 | Virtually invisible | Higher cost, may cause tongue discomfort |
| Invisalign® | Mild to moderate misalignments, adults, teens | Almost invisible | 6–18 months | $3,500–$9,000 | Removable, comfortable, discreet | Requires discipline to wear 20–22 hours/day, not suitable for complex cases |
| At-Home Clear Aligners (e.g., Smile Direct Club) | Very minor misalignments, budget-conscious individuals | Nearly invisible | 4–12 months | $3000-4000 | Convenient, lower cost | Limited professional oversight, may not be suitable for complex cases |
| Veneers | Cosmetic enhancement, minor alignment issues | Visible | Instant | $250–$3,000 per tooth | Instant results, improves appearance | Does not correct alignment, irreversible |
| Retainers | Post-treatment maintenance, minor corrections | Visible or clear options | Ongoing (as prescribed) | Varies | Maintains teeth position, affordable | Only maintains alignment, does not correct misalignment |
Teeth straightening for adults vs. teen:
There are some key differences in dental teeth straightening options for adults and teens due to factors like growth and bone density. Teens, whose bones are still developing, tend to experience quicker results as their jaw and teeth are more adaptable to movement. This often leads to shorter treatment times. On the other hand, adults have fully developed bones, usually making treatment slightly slower and sometimes more complex. Adults may require additional procedures like tooth extractions or even surgery for more significant issues.
That being said, treatment options are similar, and you’ll likely be choosing between braces and clear aligners in either case. While there is no ‘best’ teeth straightening options for adults, many adults often prefer less noticeable solutions like aligners or lingual braces. Additionally, adults are generally more compliant with their treatment plan and could see better results as a consequence.
Finally, teeth straightening options for adults can mean a higher price tag due to the complexity of the case, with adults often requiring longer treatment times. If the cost of teeth straightening options is important to you, then this is worth considering.
How to choose the right teeth straightening option:
Choosing the best option to straighten teeth depends on your lifestyle, goals, and budget. If you’re an adult looking for a more discreet solution, invisible teeth straightening options like clear aligners might be the way to go. However, for some people, more traditional methods like metal or ceramic braces might still be the best option, especially when dealing with severe misalignments or not wanting to always take the aligners out when eating or drinking.
Cost of teeth straightening options:
Traditional braces, especially metal ones, tend to be the most affordable option. However, for those looking for invisible teeth straightening options like clear aligners, the price can be a slightly higher due to their aesthetic appeal and convenience.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as ‘cheap’ teeth straightening options. At the end of the day, this is an investment in your smile, and in your oral health. The good news is that many orthodontists also offer interest free payment plans or financing options to make treatment more manageable.
Teeth straightening treatment duration:
Traditional braces typically require about 1.5-2 years to achieve optimal results, while invisible teeth straightening options like aligners may take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. The duration can also depend on the severity of the misalignment and how closely you follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
Caring for teeth during orthodontic treatment:
Caring for your teeth during orthodontic treatment is crucial to ensure you get the best results and keep your teeth and gums healthy. For braces, this means being extra diligent about brushing and flossing to avoid plaque buildup around the brackets and wires.
Invisible teeth straightening options like aligners make it easier to maintain good oral health since you can remove them while eating and brushing. However, you still need to clean the aligners thoroughly to prevent buildup.
For both options, it’s important to avoid sugary and sticky foods that can get trapped in your braces or aligners, causing tooth decay. Regular check-ins with your orthodontist will help ensure your teeth are moving as they should, so you can achieve the optimal cosmetic teeth straightening result. Six-monthly check-ups are essential with your general dentist to ensure your teeth remain clean and healthy throughout treatment.
How Ortho Co. can help:
The first step to figuring out what the right treatment is for you is to see one of our specialist orthodontists at Ortho Co. We can walk you through your options and help you figure out the right treatment plan.
As experienced Orthodontists Canterbury, we understand that fixing your teeth isn’t just about looks—it can also improve your speech, jaw pain, chewing, dental health, and overall confidence.
If you’ve been putting off starting your orthodontics journey, now is the perfect time to take that first step.
Call and book an appointment today. Whether you’re in Parramatta, Canterbury, or wider Sydney, we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted..
