Straighten Teeth Without Braces (Lowest to Highest $)

I often hear patients wanting to straighten teeth without braces.

Patients tell me that they usually put off teeth straightening treatment because braces will make them look ugly. While braces are an efficient way of correcting crooked teeth, it is not the only teeth straightening solution. 

The good thing is that there are many different treatment alternatives if you are looking to improve the appearance of your smile without braces. 

This article will provide you with some insights over what teeth alignment treatment options are available if braces are simply not your cup of tea, as well as how much it costs for each treatment. 

Key Takeaways

• Braces are a tried-and-tested teeth straightening treatment option. They are efficient and cost-effective. The downside to braces is that they do not look aesthetically pleasing as treatment options like clear aligners. 
• Some common alternatives to braces are dental veneers, clear aligners (invisible braces) like Invisalign, Zenyum and Angel Aligner, dental bonding and dental crowns. 
• The type of teeth straightening treatment that is available to you is dependent on your current dental alignment severity, and oral health history. 
• If cost is the biggest concern to you when it comes to straightening your teeth, you should visit a cosmetic dentist to assess your current oral health and dental condition and obtain a step-by-step treatment plan. Your dentist can help split your treatment plan into multiple stages. 

Find out how much Invisalign truly costs.

TDLR: What are braces?

Braces are the most conventional way of straightening teeth. They make use of wires, brackets and elastics to align your teeth into the desired position. 

The drawback to braces are: 

• Does not look aesthetically pleasing.
• Can cause abrasion ulcers and cuts on lips, gums and side of inner cheek. 
• Needs time to get used to braces.
• Hard to clean and maintain. 
• Requires dietary changes. 

How much do braces cost in Singapore? 

The average cost of braces in Singapore is from $3,500.

At my practice, it usually costs about $3,500 – $7,500 depending on the type of braces you choose. 

The cost of braces is usually lower than the cost of other teeth straightening procedures like clear aligners or dental veneers. 

To view an average of how much braces cost in Singapore, please refer to the table below: 

Treatment	Treatment Cost
Traditional Metal Braces (1st Generation)	$3,500 – $4,500
Traditional Ceramic Braces (1st Generation)	$4,500 – $5,500
Self-Ligating Metal Braces (2nd Generation)	$5,500 – $6,500
Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces (2nd Generation)	$6,500 – $7,500

Is it possible to straighten teeth without braces? 

Yes! It is definitely possible to straighten your teeth without braces. 

While braces have a long track record of aligning teeth efficiently, it is possible to achieve similar results with more discreet treatment solutions like clear aligners, dental bonding, dental crowns or dental veneers. 

Depending on how complex your dental alignment condition is, it is also possible for a combination of different treatments to be used to straighten your teeth without braces. For example, if you have a single-crooked tooth that is overlapping another, it is possible to use porcelain dental veneers to correct the appearance of mild crookedness. Your dentist might also recommend removable retainers to be placed over your new smile to retain its appearance. 

If you have a history of bruxism, your dentist might also recommend an occlusal night guard after your dental veneers have been placed. This orthodontic device holds your teeth in place and protects your veneers from teeth grinding. 

This is just one of many examples of treatment solutions you can expect should you wish to straighten your teeth without braces. 

Book an appointment with me to straighten your teeth without braces.

How much does it cost to straighten teeth without braces?

If you are exploring straightening teeth without braces and wondering how much it would potentially cost, it would highly depend on the following factors: 

• How complex your dental alignment issues are;
• What dental treatments you are suitable for and are considering; 
• Your oral history and current dental hygiene; 
• The total duration of your treatment. 

If your dental alignment issues are not complicated, your dentist might inform you that you might not require braces. In these instances, it might be possible to opt for treatment alternatives like dental veneers instead. 

View a full list of treatment costs.

What are the alternatives to straighten teeth without braces?

One of my favourite alternatives to braces are clear aligners like Invisalign and Angel Aligner. 

To help you have a clearer idea of what teeth straightening options you have besides braces, the following list of alternatives has been arranged from lowest to highest cost: 

Retainers 

Average cost of retainers: $250 – $500

Retainers are normally used to retain your new smile from your braces or clear aligners treatment. However, they can also be used to correct mild teeth alignment problems if you have recently completed your orthodontic treatment or if there is a mild relapse. 

Retainers apply gentle pressure on your teeth in the same way that clear aligners do. With consistent daily use, they can maintain the position of your teeth without braces. 

This particular form of treatment is effective for adults, who are generally more likely than children to adhere to this treatment. 

There are numerous types of retainers available, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your teeth and desired outcome. 

Dental bonding 

Average cost of dental bonding: $300 – $600 per tooth 

Dental bonding closely resembles dental veneers. 

Dentists apply a tooth-coloured resin to the surface of a chipped or otherwise imperfect tooth, which is then hardened with a UV light in just a few minutes.

Dental bonding is commonly used to address:

• Stains or discoloration
• Cracks or chips
• Gaps between teeth
• Exposed roots

The average of dental bonding ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth, making it less suitable for full-mouth corrections. It is, however, an excellent solution for small, specific issues. 

Palatal expanders 

Average cost of dental crowns: $1,000 – $2,000 

Your palate, the hard bone at the roof of your mouth, supports your upper teeth. If it is too small or angled sharply, it can cause teeth to crowd.

A palatal expander applies gentle pressure to this bone, gradually reshaping it to create enough space for your teeth. Dentists adjust the expander over a series of appointments.

Palatal expanders are most effective in children with still-growing jaws. When used at the right time, they can prevent crooked teeth issues before they develop.

Dental crowns 

Average cost of dental crowns: $1,200 – $2,500 per tooth 

If only a few of your teeth are misaligned, you can achieve a perfect smile by addressing those specific teeth with dental crowns. 

One major cause of misalignment is gaps between teeth due to missing, crooked, or broken teeth. When one or two teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth can shift into the gap, causing misalignment.

Using crowns is an excellent solution for such cases. Dental crowns, made from materials like porcelain, gold, or silver, can fill the gaps. Once the gaps are filled, the surrounding teeth remain in place, effectively correcting the overall alignment.

The drawback to using dental crowns to correct your alignment is the relatively higher cost of making the crowns. It might only be suitable if you wish to correct one or two teeth, and not a full-mouth. 

Dental veneers

Average cost of dental veneers: $1500 – $2,500 per tooth

Veneers are thin, shell-like pieces that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth as your dentist is able to match the colour of your dental veneers to the colour of your natural teeth. It is not necessary to apply dental veneers to every single tooth. 

For those with one or two twisted or uneven teeth, veneers can be a great alternative to braces. They are typically applied in just one to three visits.

Veneers are also beneficial for individuals with minor imperfections, such as chipped or discoloured teeth, as they add strength and improve the appearance of those teeth.

However, veneers are unsuitable for more significant issues like severely misaligned teeth or jaw alignment problems. They are not designed for such structural corrections. 

In addition, the cost of treatment can be quite expensive – about $1,500 – $2,500 per tooth – making it rather prohibitive for full-mouth restorations. 

Clear aligners 

Average cost of clear aligners: $3,800 – $5,800 

Clear aligners like Invisalign, Angel Aligner or Zenyum, are crafted from high-quality polymers and personalised to the shape of your teeth. 

They offer an effective and discreet solution for straightening your teeth. To achieve the best results, you will be required to wear the aligner trays for at least 20-22 hours each day. The trays are changed every 1-2 weeks as your teeth gradually shift into place.

Clear aligners have the advantage of being removable, allowing you to brush and floss with ease, unlike traditional braces. Their discreet appearance ensures that few people will notice you are undergoing treatment.

If you are looking for a treatment that allows you to straighten teeth without braces and retain most of your lifestyle habits, clear aligners can help with that.

However, success with aligners requires commitment and discipline. Consistently wearing your trays is essential for their effectiveness. They are suitable for addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues only if you stay compliant to your aligner schedule. 

What makes a good Invisalign dentist?

Lingual Braces 

Average cost of lingual braces: $6,500 – $7,500 

Lingual braces are a versatile and effective orthodontic solution. They are similar to traditional metal braces but are virtually invisible as they are fitted on the inner side of the teeth. 

This makes them an ideal choice for those who require braces for complex orthodontic procedures but prefer a discreet option.

Lingual braces are suitable for patients who wish to stay away from visible braces or are not certain that they can stay disciplined enough for clear aligner treatment. However, they can be very uncomfortable and quite expensive. They are sometimes more expensive than clear aligner treatment.

What is the best way to straighten crooked teeth without braces? 

While dentists usually prefer using braces or clear aligners to correct teeth alignment, there is honestly no singular best way. 

You can choose the best way for you to straighten crooked teeth without braces based on the following factors: 

• How much teeth movement is required based on the complexity of your teeth alignment issues; 
• What the budget you have allocated for your teeth straightening treatment is; 
• What your treatment priorities are;
• How disciplined you are in maintaining your treatment;
• What your dentist or orthodontist recommends based on your teeth condition. 

Read a patient review about a more affordable teeth straightening alternative.

What is the cheapest way to straighten teeth without braces?

The cheapest way to straighten teeth without braces is dependent on your teeth alignment condition and how severe it is. There is really no single solution to this question as every set of teeth is unique and different.

In milder cases, the cheapest way to straighten teeth without braces might be to use retainers or clear aligners. If the cost of Invisalign is prohibitive to you, there is a wide range of cost-friendly clear aligners in Singapore that are reliable and as good as Invisalign.

Should cost be a major concern to proceeding with treatment, you should speak to your dentist or orthodontist about your concern. Most dental clinics offer payment plans that allow you to pay for treatment in instalments. Informing your dentist or orthodontist about your budget can also help them tweak the treatment plan to match your budget more closely.

Can I straighten my teeth naturally?

It is understandable that braces, clear aligners or any other dental orthodontic procedure can make some people feel uncomfortable. 

If you fall under this group of people, you might be wondering whether it is possible to DIY at home, instead of heading to a dental clinic. 

Some DIY teeth-straightening methods that I have seen online include: 

• Using rubber bands or fishing line to push teeth with gaps together;
• Forcing sticks to push teeth into place;
• Jamming fingers to force and move jaws into new positions;
• Biting on pencils to force teeth together;
• Creating fake retainers;
• Mewing 

Unfortunately, teeth straightening done at home is usually not effective or safe. It can even lead to devastating consequences such as the following: 

• Infections that can cause loss of tooth;
• Teeth cracking; 
• Prolonged pain;
• Toxin exposure;
• Tooth fractures. 

I would not recommend trying to straighten your teeth naturally at home. 

Can orthodontic treatment improve oral health?

Whether you use traditional braces or clear aligners, you should remember that straightening teeth is not just about improving your appearance. 

Crooked or misaligned teeth can be harder to brush and floss, increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Protruding teeth may also be more susceptible to injury.

Patients who have gone through orthodontic treatment also reduce their risk of gum disease. They often find it easier to clean their teeth better when their teeth are straighter.

Who needs to have their teeth straightened?

If crooked teeth have been affecting your daily life, it might be worth considering treatment. 

Patients usually seek treatment from me when they experience the following: 

• Trouble chewing or biting food 
• Impacted speech from teeth alignment 
• Low self-esteem and confidence because of appearance 

The following are some signs that you might require teeth straightening: 

• Crowded or misaligned teeth
• Jaws that shift or click
• A history of thumb-sucking or prominent front teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Jaws that don’t close neatly or create a seal when at rest
• Difficulty speaking certain words or sounds
• Mouth breathing

There are many teeth straightening alternatives if you wish to straighten your teeth without braces.

If you are looking to avoid braces because of their chunky appearance, it is possible to consider other teeth straightening alternatives like clear aligners, dental veneers, dental bonding or lingual braces. 

If cost is a concern for you, you can discuss treatment options with your dentist or orthodontist. You should not have to resort to DIY home teeth straightening methods as these are dangerous and can cause permanent damage to your oral health. 

The best teeth straightening treatment for you is dependent on your current dental alignment complexity, what your desired outcome is, your budget and the recommendations of your dentist or orthodontist. 

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