Teeth straightening planned around each patient
At Dr Haim Aseriel's dental clinic in Jerusalem, teeth straightening is planned digitally from the position of the teeth, the bite, the health of the gums and the patient's expectations, for a stable, functional result with the method that suits the case.
The process begins with a digital intraoral scan, which is used to plan tooth movement and to show the patient a 3D simulation of the expected result. Complex cases, for example when the jaws themselves are out of balance, sometimes call for the opinion of an orthodontist, a dentist who has completed specialty training in orthodontics. Consultations are held in English, and you leave with a written treatment plan.
Orthodontic treatment at the clinic
- Dr Haim Aseriel has been a certified Invisalign provider since 2014 and is also certified in Spark aligners (Ormco).
- Clear (ceramic) braces and lingual braces are placed at the clinic by an orthodontist.
What is teeth straightening, and what can it correct?
Teeth straightening (orthodontic treatment) moves the teeth into better alignment to correct crowding, gaps and bite problems, improving how the mouth works and how the smile looks.
It is used for the most common situations: crooked teeth, overlapping teeth, gaps between the teeth, protruding teeth, and bite problems such as a deep bite or a crossbite. Beyond appearance, well-aligned teeth are easier to clean, wear more evenly and are less prone to plaque buildup along the gumline, which plays a role in gum disease.
Patients often mention more confidence when they smile, easier chewing and simpler daily hygiene. At the dental clinic in Jerusalem, every teeth alignment plan is drawn up after a full examination of the jaws and teeth.
Before teeth straightening: examination and preparation
Teeth straightening starts with an accurate diagnosis, which may include a panoramic X-raywhen needed, a digital intraoral scan and an assessment of how the jaws fit together.
The digital scan creates a 3D map of the mouth without traditional impressions. The health of the gums and the condition of existing fillings are also checked, because orthodontic treatment does not start until the gums are healthy and stable.
Dr Haim Aseriel explains the treatment options, the expected length of treatment and realistic expectations, in English, before any decision is made.
Teeth straightening options: which methods exist?
There are five main ways to straighten teeth today, each suited to a different clinical profile.
- Metal braces: effective in complex cases too, and usually the least expensive option.
- Clear (ceramic) braces: tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable than metal ones.
- Clear aligners (such as Invisalign): removable and comfortable, mainly for mild to moderate cases.
- Lingual braces: brackets bonded to the inner side of the teeth, not visible from the outside.
- Removable plate: for minor corrections and for keeping the result after treatment.
The choice depends mainly on how complex the case is, the patient's age and his or her aesthetic priorities, not on a general preference.
The classic method: fixed braces
Fixed braces work for complex cases too, including severe crowding and significant bite problems.
Unlike removable clear aligners, braces work 24 hours a day and do not depend on how consistently the patient wears them. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months.
Invisalign and other clear aligners
In a retrospective study of teenagers, average treatment time was 18 months with clear aligners versus 24 months with fixed braces.
According to a review published in 2024, in a study comparing the two methods, treatment with clear aligners was completed 3 months sooner and required 8 fewer visits than fixed braces (Katib et al., Cureus, 2024).
Invisalign has become one of the most requested methods among adults because the aligners are comfortable and nearly invisible. Success, however, depends directly on the patient:
Clear aligners should be worn at least 22 hours a day (AAO), yet according to a study cited in a systematic review, only about one third of patients fully met this requirement (AlBaqshi et al., Cureus, 2025).
In practice, patients who wear their aligners less than prescribed make treatment last noticeably longer.
Clear braces: ceramic brackets
Not every patient is a candidate for clear aligners, and not every patient needs metal braces: the right choice takes an individual assessment.
Tooth-colored ceramic brackets are less noticeable, with clinical effectiveness similar to metal brackets. They are more brittle than metal brackets, so hard foods call for some care. Locally, Hebrew speakers often call them גשר שקוף ("clear bridge"): this is clear braces, not a dental bridge.
Lingual braces
With lingual braces, the brackets are bonded to the inner side of the teeth, so the treatment cannot be seen from the outside.
Lingual braces suit patients who want full orthodontic treatment with nothing visible. Compared with Invisalign, they do not depend on removing and wearing aligners consistently, but speech usually needs a short adjustment period. They are used for both teenagers and adults.
Removable plate
A removable dental plate is used mainly for minor corrections, for holding the result after treatment and for orthodontic treatment while the teeth are still erupting.
Plates are particularly suited to children whose teeth are still settling. Unlike fixed braces, a plate can be taken out for eating and cleaning, which makes hygiene easier. Its effect is limited to minor corrections, and it does not replace full orthodontic treatment in complex cases.
How to look after your teeth during treatment
A few rules directly affect the quality of the result and the length of treatment.
- Extra hygiene: daily cleaning between the teeth is essential to prevent tooth decayaround the brackets.
- Food precautions: avoid hard and sticky foods and hard candy with braces.
- Regular check-ups: usually every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the stage of treatment (AAO).
- Wearing clear aligners: at least 22 hours a day; take them out only to eat, to drink anything other than water and to brush (AAO).
- Reporting problems: a loose bracket or a wire that has moved calls for a prompt call to the clinic.
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.
After teeth straightening: retainers and follow-up
Keeping teeth straight over the long term requires a retainer once orthodontic treatment is finished.
The retainer prevents the teeth from drifting back toward their original position. This relapse is common and does not mean the treatment failed: it reflects the natural behavior of the tissues around the teeth. Without a retainer, or when it is not worn as instructed, teeth tend to move back partly, and closed gaps can reopen. Follow-up visits, at the interval your dentist recommends, confirm that the teeth stay stable; read more about how to keep teeth straight. If you are also considering whitening or veneers, cosmetic treatments are usually planned after the teeth have been aligned.
Teeth straightening for adults: what to know
There is no upper age limit for teeth straightening as long as the gums are healthy; adults sometimes need gum treatment or restorative work first, and treatment can take longer than in children. For children, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7.
In children, early treatment takes advantage of jaw growth, and habits such as tongue thrust are also assessed. In adults growth is complete, and planning sometimes needs more care because the bone is mature and crowding is long-standing. According to a review in the Journal of the American Dental Association, two thirds to three quarters of adults have some form of malocclusion (bite problem), yet adults made up only about 15% of orthodontic patients (Buttke & Proffit, JADA, 1999).
Fear of pain is one of the common reasons adults delay treatment, but it usually means pressure and mild soreness for a day or two after each adjustment (Buttke & Proffit, JADA, 1999); ask your dentist or pharmacist which pain reliever is suitable for you, and call the clinic for sharp pain, a sore that does not heal or a broken appliance. Anxious patients can read about the clinic's approach to dental anxiety. In a study of 100 adult patients, those treated with clear aligners finished on average 1.7 months sooner than those treated with fixed braces (Alam et al., J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2024).
15%
- of orthodontic patients were adults (Buttke & Proffit, 1999)
7
- The latest age recommended for a first orthodontic check-up (AAO)
Teeth straightening cost, receipts and insurance
The clinic does not publish a price list for teeth straightening: the cost depends on the method (braces, clear braces or aligners), the complexity of the case and the expected length of treatment.
After the consultation with Dr Haim Aseriel you receive a detailed written estimate. The clinic also provides itemized receipts that you can submit to your insurer when requesting reimbursement; whether orthodontic treatment received in Israel is covered depends on your policy, so check with your insurer before you start. For children, orthodontic treatment is not included in Israel's national health basket (Kol Zchut, 2026); whether a health fund's supplementary plan or a private policy contributes depends on the plan, so ask your health fund or insurer first. The clinic is a private clinic. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem, open 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.
Teeth straightening: frequently asked questions
Teeth straightening usually takes 12 to 24 months with braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). A minor correction can be finished within a few months, while complex cases take longer. The length of treatment depends on the starting position of the teeth, the method chosen and, with clear aligners, how many hours a day they are worn.
Teeth straightening is possible at any age, as long as the teeth and gums are healthy. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up for children no later than age 7, so that problems with the development of the teeth and jaws can be spotted early.
Yes. In children the jaws are still growing, and orthodontic treatment can sometimes use that growth. In adults growth is complete: gum treatment or restorative work may be needed first, and treatment can take longer. Adults can still achieve good results with braces or clear aligners.
During orthodontic treatment, check-ups usually take place every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the stage of treatment (AAO). With braces, the visit includes adjusting the wire; with clear aligners, it mainly involves checking progress and receiving the next set of aligners.
Teeth straightening usually causes pressure and mild soreness after each adjustment or new aligner, rather than sharp pain. According to a review in the Journal of the American Dental Association, most patients report mild discomfort lasting a day or two. Ask your dentist or pharmacist which pain reliever is suitable for you.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists, Braces – View source
- American Association of Orthodontists, Clear Aligners – View source
- American Association of Orthodontists, Orthodontist vs. Dentist – View source
- Buttke TM & Proffit WR, Journal of the American Dental Association, 1999 – View source
- Aref S, Ravuri P et al., Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 2024 – View source
- Alam MK et al., Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 2024 – View source
- AlBaqshi FS et al., Cureus, 2025 – View source
- Katib HS et al., Cureus, 2024 – View source
- Kol Zchut, Dental care for children and teenagers in the health basket (Hebrew), 2026 – View source
