You don’t feel comfortable with your crooked teeth? Do your misaligned teeth create significant limitations and make you afraid to smile widely? Looking for a permanent teeth straightening?
Reviewed by Dr. Mir
If you feel self-conscious about your smile and your crooked teeth even cause you to be prohibited from certain social events, it means that you should seek proper teeth alignment treatment.
We have good news: no matter the age, children, teens, and adults have options for teeth straightening. Even better news: thanks to our advancement in the orthodontic world, the treatments today include less invasive and shorter treatment times.
What’s Teeth Straightening?
Teeth straightening refers to the process of correcting misaligned teeth. This is achieved through a biological process where gentle, continuous pressure is applied to the teeth, stimulating bone remodeling. Over time, the bone surrounding the teeth gradually breaks down on the side where the tooth needs to move and rebuilds on the opposite side, allowing the tooth to shift into a more desired position.
Aligners are a popular option for teeth straightening and can be used to address common issues like crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and gaps between teeth. However, it’s important to note that not all bite issues are suitable for aligners. More complex cases may require traditional braces or other treatments to achieve proper alignment.
Understanding Teeth Misalignment
Teeth or bite misalignment, also known as malocclusion, can affect people in various ways. It’s possible individuals have more than one type of malocclusion at the same time. Here is a list of some types of malocclusions:
Crossbite:
A crossbite happens when some of your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth, instead of overlapping them normally. This can cause uneven wear and tear on your teeth and make chewing uncomfortable.
A crossbite can occur in the front of your mouth (affecting your incisors), the back of your mouth (affecting your molars and premolars), or it can involve both areas.
Diastema
A diastema is a gap between your teeth that can appear anywhere in your mouth, though it’s most noticeable between the front two upper teeth. These gaps can be caused by a few things, like a small jaw size compared to your teeth, a tongue thrust habit, or even missing teeth. While they’re usually harmless, some people choose to close them for cosmetic reasons through braces or dental bonding.
Open bite
An open bite occurs when your upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth. This can make it difficult to bite or tear food and even affect speech. There are a few reasons why someone might have an open bite, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or genetics. Orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners can usually correct an open bite.
Overbite
An overbite describes the vertical overlap of your upper front teeth over your lower front teeth when you close your mouth. A slight overbite is considered normal, but a significant overbite can cause problems with chewing, speech, and even contribute to jaw pain. Overbites can be caused by genetics, thumb sucking, or jaw development issues. Treatment options for excessive overbites may include braces, aligners, or even jaw surgery in severe cases.
Overjet
Overjet describes the horizontal protrusion of your upper front teeth in front of your lower front teeth. Imagine looking at your teeth from the side. An overjet means your upper front teeth stick out further than the lower ones.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between overbite and overjet:
| Feature | Overbite | Overjet |
| Direction of Misalignment | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Affected Teeth | Upper and lower front teeth | Upper front teeth only |
| Normal Degree | Slight overlap | No gap between teeth (may be slightly angled) |
| Problems Caused | Chewing, speech, jaw pain | Difficulty biting some foods |
In short, an overbite describes how much your upper teeth cover your lower teeth vertically, while an overjet describes how far your upper front teeth protrude horizontally.
While they are distinct, sometimes overbite and overjet can occur together. For example, someone might have both excessive vertical overlap and protruding upper front teeth.
Under bite
An underbite occurs when your lower jaw juts out further than your upper jaw, causing your lower front teeth to sit in front of your upper front teeth when your mouth is closed. This can make chewing and speaking difficult and may even affect facial appearance. Underbites can be caused by genetics, childhood habits like thumb sucking, or uneven jaw growth.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding happens when there’s simply not enough space in your jaw to accommodate all your teeth. This can cause them to appear crooked, misaligned, or even overlap. Overcrowding can be caused by a few things, like genetics, small jaw size, or even extra teeth. It can make it difficult to brush and floss properly, potentially leading to cavities and gum disease. Luckily, orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners can effectively address overcrowding and create a straighter, healthier smile.
Additionally, we have three levels (or classes) of teeth misalignments:
Class I:
- Description: This is considered a “normal” bite pattern, even though some minor misalignment might be present.
- Key Feature: When your mouth is closed, the cusp (pointed tip) of your upper front teeth fits slightly in front of the groove between your lower front teeth.
- Example: Imagine interlocking your fingers. A Class I bite is like having your fingers rest comfortably together.
Class II:
- Description: This is also known as an “overjet” or “buck teeth.”
- Key Feature: The upper front teeth protrude significantly in front of the lower front teeth, both vertically (overbite) and horizontally (overjet).
- Example: Imagine interlocking your fingers, but this time, your fingers don’t quite meet and your upper fingers rest noticeably in front of your lower fingers.
Class III:
- Description: This is also known as an “underbite.”
- Key Feature: The lower jaw juts out further than the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth when your mouth is closed.
- Example: Imagine pushing your lower jaw forward while interlocking your fingers. Your lower fingers will be noticeably in front of your upper fingers.
Teeth Straightening Options in York Orthodontics
Let’s delve into the options:
Metal Braces
Average Cost: Based on various sources, the average cost of orthodontic treatment in Toronto, whether Invisalign or metal braces, can range from $6,000 to $7,500. The cost of early or interceptive orthodontics for children in Toronto can range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on various issues, including the severity of the problem and the treatment plan recommended by your orthodontist.
Description: Traditional metal braces consist of fixed brackets bonded to the teeth, wires that connect the brackets, and elastic bands (elastics) used for targeted movements. All these components work together to gradually move teeth into the desired position. Brackets are typically made of stainless steel, and wires are composed of various metal alloys chosen for their strength and shape memory. Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology, today’s braces are generally smaller and lighter than older versions, making them less noticeable. Additionally, you may have the option to choose the color of your brackets and elastics for a more personalized look.
Ceramic Braces:
Average Cost: $4,000 to $8,000
Description: Ceramic braces function similarly to traditional metal braces, utilizing a system of fixed brackets, wires, and elastics to gradually move teeth. However, the key difference lies in the bracket material. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to metal. Despite the difference in material, the wires used with ceramic braces are still composed of metal alloys to provide the necessary force for tooth movement. While slightly more brittle than metal brackets, advancements have improved the durability of ceramic options. Like metal braces, ceramic braces rely on the biological process of bone remodeling to achieve tooth alignment. Gentle, continuous pressure from the braces stimulates bone resorption on the side where the tooth needs to move and bone deposition on the opposite side, allowing the tooth to shift into the desired position.
Straighten teeth without braces
Average Cost: Generally, Invisalign cost in Toronto ranges from $3,000 to $8,000.
Description: At York Orthodontics, if someone asks us for clear aligners for teeth, we offer Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are clear, removable, and custom-made aligners, wearing like retainers. They’re perfect for mild to moderate dental issues. Individuals should wear them for 20–22 hours per day and take them out only for eating, drinking (expect water), brushing, or flossing. Each set of aligners should be worn for two weeks, and after that, switch to the new set.
Retainers for permanent teeth straightening
Average Cost: Depending on the type, the new set of retainers can cost anywhere from $50 to $800. Typically, traditional Hawley retainers are cheaper than clear plastic retainers.
Description: Retainers are custom-made appliances worn after orthodontic treatment with braces or other types of aligners to maintain the achieved tooth alignment. They typically fit snugly around the teeth and gently apply pressure to hold them in their new positions. Scientifically, retainers work by influencing the periodontal tissues, which surround and support the teeth. These tissues have a natural “memory” and tend to pull the teeth back towards their original positions. By wearing retainers as directed by your dentist or orthodontist, you can help these tissues adapt to the new alignment and prevent unwanted tooth movement.
The Duration of Teeth Straightening Treatment
One of the most common questions we encounter is, “How long will crooked teeth treatment take?”
Generally speaking, teeth straightening treatment times vary depending on several individual factors. These factors primarily influence the biological process of bone remodeling, which allows teeth to move.
Key factor affecting teeth straightening treatment time
- Severity of Misalignment: More complex misalignment cases, involving crowded teeth, large gaps, or severe bite issues, typically require longer treatment times.
- Patient Age: Younger patients often have more adaptable bone and may experience faster tooth movement compared to adults.
- Compliance with Treatment: Following treatment instructions diligently, such as wearing aligners as prescribed, is crucial for optimal results and can significantly impact treatment duration.
- Type of Appliance: While both braces and clear aligners work by applying gentle pressure to move teeth, treatment times can differ slightly.
Treatment Time Estimates:
- Metal Braces: On average, metal braces are worn for 18 to 24 months.
- Invisalign: Invisalign treatment typically takes 12 to 18 months, assuming a two-week wear schedule for each aligner set.
Important Note:
While these estimates provide a general timeframe, your orthodontist is the only one who can accurately assess your individual needs and provide a specific treatment timeline. They will consider the factors mentioned above and create a personalized treatment plan to achieve optimal tooth alignment.
The Benefits of Teeth Straightening
- Better oral health
- Better overall health
- Decreased head and neck pain
- Clear speech
- Improved digestion
- Reduced risk of dental injury
- Improved appearance
The Cost of Orthodontic Services at York Orthodontics
York Orthodontics offers a variety of options for teeth straightening, including Invisalign for adults and teens, as well as braces for adults, teens, and children.
Worried about the cost? Rest assured; we provide numerous flexible payment plans to make your orthodontic journey more affordable. For more information, contact us now and book your FREE consultation appointment.
Expert Reviewer
Dr. Nima Mir is an accomplished dental professional with a strong educational background. He earned his B.Sc. from York University and pursued further education in the United States. Dr. Mir completed his D.D.S. at the University of Southern California and went on to earn his Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, as well as an M.Sc. in Oral Biology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. A Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, Dr. Mir is qualified to practice in both Canada and the United States.
He has received numerous accolades and scholarships, including induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society. In his free time, Dr. Mir enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending quality time with his family.
