Why straight teeth matter
Straight teeth are not just about appearance: aligning the teeth and the bite also matters for long-term oral health.
Straight teeth are easier to clean, which lowers the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A balanced bite spreads chewing forces more evenly, reduces tooth wear and makes chewing more efficient.
What causes crooked teeth and bite problems?
Irregular teeth and bite problems (malocclusion) have several causes, some inherited and some environmental or behavioral. Inherited factors include a jaw structure that does not leave enough room for the teeth, the size of the teeth relative to the jaw, and the way the permanent teeth erupt. When bite problems run in the family, early detection is especially important.
Environmental and behavioral factors
These include prolonged thumb sucking in childhood, long use of a pacifier or bottle, mouth breathing, tongue thrust and early loss of baby teeth without appropriate treatment. Crooked teeth can also develop when teeth drift into the space left by missing teeth, or because of unhealthy oral habits. Trauma to the jaw or teeth can also disturb normal bite development.
Related problems
Bite problems are associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and headaches, less efficient chewing, speech difficulties, increased tooth wear, and gum disease and tooth decay because the teeth are harder to clean.
Detecting bite problems early allows more effective and often shorter treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7, when developmental problems can be identified and preventive treatment planned if needed.
How to get straight teeth: treatment options
Several straightening methods are available, matched to each patient's needs and lifestyle. In some cases of mild misalignment, dental veneers can be discussed as a purely cosmetic option; they mask the irregularity without moving the teeth.
Clear aligners (Invisalign)
Invisalign and other clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable clear trays that move the teeth gradually without fixed brackets or wires. Teeth are straightened almost invisibly, and the aligners are removed for eating and brushing, which makes oral hygiene easier. Dr Haim Aseriel has been a certified Invisalign provider since 2014 and is also certified in Spark aligners (Ormco).
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are bonded behind the teeth, so they cannot be seen from the outside. They require an adjustment period, but they can also treat complex cases. At the clinic, lingual and ceramic braces are fitted by an orthodontist.
Removable plates
A removable orthodontic plate can be effective for mild to moderate problems. Plates are custom-made and move the teeth gradually; they come out for eating and brushing, which makes hygiene easier during treatment.
How does teeth straightening work?
Treatment begins with a full consultation and a digital assessment of the teeth and bite. The Shining 3D Aoralscan 3 intraoral scanner creates a 3D model of the teeth, without impression paste, which is used to plan the treatment. At this visit the suitable options are explained, including the estimated length of treatment and the costs, so that you take an active part in the decision.
01
Preparation
With clear aligners (Invisalign or Spark), the scan is used for computer planning of the tooth movements, and you can see a 3D simulation of the plan before treatment starts; the simulation shows the goal of the plan, not a guaranteed result. When straightening is combined with cosmetic work such as veneers, the smile is planned with Digital Smile Design (DSD), and the restorations are made in the clinic's on-site dental lab. With braces, the appliances are fitted to the teeth and jaw.
02
Regular follow-up
During treatment, follow-up visits check that progress is on track and allow adjustments. Their frequency depends on the method, usually every few weeks.
03
Retention
Once active straightening is complete, a retainer suited to your treatment is fitted; see below how to keep the result.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
How to keep your teeth straight after treatment
The key to keeping teeth straight is wearing your retainer consistently, exactly as your dentist instructs.
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth that keeps them in place without depending on the patient. A removable retainer allows more thorough cleaning, but only works when worn as instructed. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), a retainer is typically needed for life, although it is worn less often over time.
Do not confuse retainers with orthodontic elastics: elastics (rubber bands) are used during active treatment to correct the bite and move teeth; they do not keep the result.
Careful oral hygiene also protects your result. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth daily. Regular visits to the dental hygienist help prevent tartar buildup; how often you need them depends on your oral health and individual risk (for many patients every six months), as advised by your dentist. Where teeth are significantly worn, restorations such as porcelain veneers may be considered to protect them; veneers do not move teeth.
Avoid harmful habits such as chewing hard objects, nail biting or clenching during sports, which can cause unwanted movement. For patients with bruxism (teeth grinding), a custom night guard protects the teeth and helps preserve the result. Spotting a small shift early and seeing your dentist promptly can avoid the need for more extensive treatment later.
How much does teeth straightening cost?
The cost of teeth straightening depends on the type of treatment, its complexity and its length. It covers not only the orthodontic appliances but also all follow-up visits, adjustments, retainers and post-treatment checks. After the consultation, examination and digital scan, you receive a written treatment plan and quote, and itemized receipts that you can submit to your insurer; whether orthodontic treatment is reimbursed depends on your policy.
To book a first consultation and get a full picture of your options and costs, contact the clinic at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem. Opening hours: Sun 8:00–19:00 · Mon 9:00–19:00 · Tue–Wed 9:00–21:00 · Thu 8:30–21:00 · Fri 8:00–14:00. Read what patients say on the reviews page.
Straight teeth: frequently asked questions
Straight teeth are achieved with orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligners (for example Invisalign), braces on the front of the teeth or lingual braces behind the teeth, and then kept straight with a retainer. The right method depends on the type and severity of the misalignment and is chosen after an examination. Veneers can hide a mild irregularity but do not move teeth.
Crooked teeth and bite problems (malocclusion) come from inherited factors, such as jaw structure, tooth size relative to the jaw and the way permanent teeth erupt, and from environmental and behavioral factors: prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrust and early loss of baby teeth.
How long it takes to get straight teeth depends on the severity of the problem and the straightening method. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, with follow-up visits every few weeks. Active straightening is followed by the retention phase, in which a retainer is worn to keep the result.
Keeping teeth straight after orthodontic treatment requires wearing a retainer consistently, as instructed by the dentist. A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth; a removable retainer requires discipline but makes cleaning easier. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), a retainer is typically needed for life, although it is worn less often over time.
The cost of teeth straightening varies with the type of treatment, its complexity and its length. It usually covers not only the orthodontic appliances themselves but also follow-up visits, adjustments, retainers and post-treatment checks. A detailed written quote is given after the examination.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists, Retainers – View source
- American Association of Orthodontists, Orthodontic Elastics – View source
- American Association of Orthodontists, When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist? – View source
- American Dental Association, Home Oral Care, 2024 – View source
- Fee PA et al., Recall intervals for oral health in primary care patients, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020 – View source
- American Association of Orthodontists, Braces – View source
