One of the most common questions we receive is whether NewSmile invisible aligners are painful. While traditional metal braces are known for causing discomfort, especially with metal brackets and wires irritating the gums, NewSmile aligners are designed to minimize pain by eliminating these issues.

However, some discomfort is still expected, as any orthodontic treatment involves moving teeth and adjusting the bite. How much pain do NewSmile aligners cause, and what are some ways to manage it? Here’s what you need to know about the pain levels associated with NewSmile aligners and how to ease any discomfort during your treatment.

Do NewSmile Invisible Aligners Hurt?

NewSmile aligners do hurt. While everyone is different and will feel varying amounts of pain (some will feel more pain than others), they are less painful than traditional metal braces. The good news is that the pain fades once your teeth adjust to wearing the aligners. Some of the sources of pain are from the soreness that comes from the aligners pressing gently against the teeth, and the pain that comes is the result of your teeth slowly moving into a new place.

With traditional metal braces, some of the pain you feel comes from brackets rubbing against the interior of the mouth, and placement of the wire. Especially during the first few weeks of treatment, before the mouth has developed callouses to combat sensitivity, the pressing, rubbing, and scratching of the metal components against your mouth can be very uncomfortable. The same can be said for NewSmile aligners, but on a smaller scale. The edges of the aligners can be irritating to your gums and the insides of your lips as your mouth gets used to wearing them (although they are not sharp). After starting your treatment, the first couple of weeks will allow your mouth to adjust to the feeling of wearing your aligners, and your mouth develop the necessary callouses to prevent irritation. By the time you need to switch out of your first set of aligners to the next stage, your mouth is likely to be fully adjusted and you won’t experience any peripheral pain.

This doesn’t mean that your NewSmile invisible aligners will be completely pain free. Because the whole point of aligners is to shift your teeth into a straighter, healthier smile, the aligners apply pressure on the teeth so they move into their new positions. The soreness from moving your teeth may feel extreme during the first few days after putting on a new set of aligners, but the pain will decrease since your teeth have shifted accordingly, and the cycle will repeat when it’s time to put in the next set. Few NewSmile aligner wearers describe this sensation as pain, and most describe the feeling as discomfort you get used with a few weeks of adjustment.

For pain that feel like a poking sensation from your aligners, this is pain caused by rough or sharp edges on your aligners. If you run your tongue along the edge of the aligner and you get cut, ensure you file that area by rounding any thin and sharp areas. Pain caused by improper finishing of the aligners are completely avoidable and can be easily fixed by using the nail file we provide with your aligners.

How to Deal with the Pain

For some wearers, going through the pain for the few days each month is the best way to handle the discomfort. Again, most find they only experience minor to mild discomfort for the first few days after changing to a new set of aligners, and if the discomfort is concerning to you, we recommend speaking with your dentist or doctor. For those that have more chronic discomfort, here are some methods that may help:

Pain killers are a good place to start. Most people have their preferred pain killer and know how much to take. Depending on the type of pain, some may work better than others. For example, if pain during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners are caused by inflammation and irritation from aligners being pressed against your teeth, a pain killer used to reduce inflammation would work best.

On the other hand, if you feel pain when tensing your jaw or grinding your teeth, a pain killer that relaxes muscles may be a better choice. Also, a little bit of pressure can help to relieve tension in your teeth, so don’t be afraid to chew on something. Cold or hot drinks may also help to soothe aches in the teeth.

Thinking of getting started?  Take your free Smile Assessment now

Do you want a clean, straight smile without the cost, hassle, or appearance of metal braces? NewSmile™ invisible aligners offer a solution to straighten your teeth without the time and expense associated with traditional braces. Approved by the U.S. FDA and licensed by Health Canada, NewSmile™ aligners are 60% more affordable than similar treatments. Discover how NewSmile™ aligners can help you achieve the perfect smile quickly and easily before you place your order.

What are invisible aligners?

As an effective braces alternative for getting a straight smile, invisible aligners and retainers are a series of dental devices that fit tightly over the teeth to encourage the teeth to move into alignment by putting slight pressure on the teeth. Because of their low-profile, affordability, and effectiveness, invisible aligners are often a recommended solution for teenage and adult patients looking to improve the straightness of their teeth. After determining you want to invest in invisible aligners, order an impression kit from NewSmile™ to make your first mold of your teeth.

The NewSmile™ Impression Kit includes all the materials to make the perfect mold of your teeth. Once returned to NewSmile™, we create a treatment preview which shows how their teeth will look when they’re done, then experts create in invisible aligner that fits snugly over your teeth that, thanks to a series of aligners, slowly, yet effectively begins to move your teeth into alignment.

How do invisible aligners work?

Despite the fact that invisible aligners work in stages and require a commitment on your part, they are remarkably easy to use. The process is simple; after ordering the NewSmile™ Impression Kit, you’ll follow the easy-to-understand directions to complete molds of teeth and send the kit back using the included, prepaid shipping label. Once the kit arrives at NewSmile™, alignment experts scan your mold to create a preview of what you can expect your teeth to look like when the process is complete. Upon your approval, NewSmile™ produces your aligners and mails them back directly to you.

From this point forward, you’ll wear your NewSmile™ aligners continuously until your teeth have reached optimal straightness. In total, you’ll create four different molds at the beginning of the process and we averaged 15-20 different aligners and wearing each aligner for two weeks as needed. As our promise to you, NewSmile™ guarantees: 

• Aligners with unparalleled transparency and a snug fit
• A quick and easy free consultation
• No appointments, no waiting rooms, and not metal braces required to love your smile

It might seem like getting your teeth straightened is only for teenagers or pre-teens, but the fact of the matter is, more and more adults are getting their smiles fixed, too. From 1994 to 2010 the number of adults who got braces increased by 58% and it has kept increasing since then. That means more and more adults are choosing to straighten their teeth and get the best smile possible.

This is wonderful news because it is one of the main missions of NewSmile. We want everyone to have the best smile that they can. And with the increasing number of adults getting braces and choosing to straighten their smiles we want you to find the best cost possible for braces, clear braces, or invisible teeth aligners. In this post, we will examine the average cost of braces and invisible teeth aligners and then look at ways to help you pay for them. At NewSmile™, we want you to find the cheapest way to straighten teeth.

Important Questions

When answering the question of how much braces cost, there are different factors that may determine how much straightening your teeth will actually cost:

• The type of braces
• Be they traditional braces or other in-clinic teeth aligners
• Any pre-existing dental issues
• You may need teeth extracted, or special procedures to straighten your teeth
• How long the procedure lasts
• The average for braces is just under two years, but depending on the work you need it could be longer or shorter
• The orthodontist or dentist
• Because it is their personal business, different orthodontists charge different prices for the same service

As all of these are important to know and to keep in mind when deciding to straighten your teeth, we will do our best to be fair to offer you all of the information you need to make a decision. There can be a lot of decision making that goes into correcting your teeth, and you might find yourself asking the following questions:

• How much do braces cost?
• How much do clear braces cost?
• What types of braces are available to me?
• What’s the cost difference between clear aligners vs. braces?
• Which is better? clear aligners or braces?
• What’s the average cost of braces?

We will seek to answer all of these questions and concerns as well as take into consideration the different factors listed above that determine the cost. However, you will not completely know the exact amount it will take to straighten your teeth until you contact a dentist who will be able to help you determine what you’ll need. As you make your decision and look over all of the prices listed here, use them as the average cost of braces to help you determine what is best for you and to get a sense of what to expect.

Price Comparison

How much do braces cost? Here we have compiled some of the average cost of braces and clear braces to help you see what to expect from the industry and to help you make an informed decision.

Invisible Teeth Aligners

According to a major manufacturer of branded clear aligners, the average cost is anywhere from £1,500 to £5,500.

Traditional Braces

This number can vary widely depending on the orthodontist and the other factors listed above, but the cost may land anywhere between £2,000 to £3,000.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces, another option for traditional bracket braces can cost anywhere starting from from £3,500.

NewSmile™ Invisible Teeth Aligners

At NewSmile™  you start with an Impression Kit (this is a DIY mold-making kit that helps us to make custom aligners that will best benefit you) and then your purchase your aligners after, by either paying once or with a monthly plan.

NewSmile™  requires that you do an Impression Kit first because it helps us determine exactly what you will need and it is a good way for our doctors to see if our invisible teeth aligners are the right procedure for you. Remember how we talked about those other factors that determine cost? Well, NewSmile™'s Impression Kit helps determine that, and if we can’t help, you're entitled to a full refund.

Compared to the other ways to ways to straighten your smile, NewSmile is by far the cheapest way to straighten your teeth. Click here to learn more about how NewSmile™  works.

When determining the cost of braces and the cost of clear braces it is important to do your due diligence and look at all of your options. Our list determines that we, NewSmile™ , are the cheapest way to straighten teeth, but you need to take the time to check with local orthodontists and see what they offer. Don’t forget there are several factors that determine how much braces cost.

It is important to note again that the price is still determined by the individual’s specific need, but these are good numbers to help you answer the question how much do braces cost and to help you get a sense of what is out there for you to make a decision.

NewSmile™  really does want you to have the best smile that you possibly can. We know that there is a lot to decide and a lot to answer when you are trying to find the cheapest way to straighten your teeth and to find the cheapest cost for clear braces (or any other type of braces, for that matter) that are out there. Use what we’ve compiled to be a source on your journey to find the cheapest way to straighten teeth.

Dental braces have advanced, providing a variety of options for correcting misaligned teeth.

For example, ceramic braces and lingual braces provide an alternative to metal braces, while plastic aligners have revolutionized how teeth straightening can be achieved.

Dental veneers are another alternative to braces, and accelerated orthodontics, with minor surgery, can correct crooked teeth faster than braces alone.

Here we’ll look at the pros and cons of the various ways to straighten teeth and how they compare price-wise.

Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Braces?

Braces aren’t cheap. Metal braces are likely to set you back upwards of £3,500, with ceramic braces and lingual braces costing even more.

Advances in orthodontics have resulted in less conspicuous alternatives to braces. The most popular of these are clear plastic aligners. These have many advantages over traditional braces but are generally more expensive.

This is why many people turn to home teeth straightening, with aligners delivered to your door that cost thousands less than in-office clear aligner treatments, or getting metal/ceramic braces.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get Braces for Adults?

If you need to get braces on a limited budget, bear in mind that metal braces cost less than ceramic braces or lingual braces, and are effective in rectifying many orthodontic issues. On the downside, metal braces are more noticeable.

There are other ways adults can cut the cost of getting braces. You could try:

• Going to an orthodontic school clinic where students carry out supervised treatments.
• Paying for your braces up front if you can afford it, which will typically get you a discount.
• Finding a dental braces provider with flexible payment options to spread the cost.

Today, the cheapest and safest way to straighten your teeth is to get at-home invisible aligners. Start by having an impression kit sent to you in the mail, from which customised clear aligners can be made for you and delivered to your home.

 Ceramic Braces and Lingual Braces

When looking for alternatives to metal braces, you may want to consider ceramic braces or lingual braces.

Ceramic braces are similar in shape and size to their metal counterparts but have clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with teeth. Tooth-coloured wires can also be used to make them even less conspicuous. Ceramic braces move teeth faster than plastic aligners but cost more than metal braces. If you don’t take good care of them, they can easily become stained.

Lingual (tongue side) braces are one of the most expensive types of braces. Like ceramic braces, they’re similar to metal braces – but instead of going onto the front of teeth, they’re attached to the back, which keeps them hidden from view. On the downside, lingual braces are hard to keep clean and routine adjustments are difficult, which means lengthy appointments.

Although less discreet than ceramic braces and lingual braces, metal braces remain the most effective option to treat severe teeth overcrowding.

Dental Veneers

The cosmetic dental procedure of choice for Hollywood celebrities, porcelain veneers are tooth-coloured, ultra-thin casings fixed onto the front of teeth to conceal problems such as crowded or gapped teeth, slightly misaligned teeth, or stains and chipping.

Pros of porcelain veneers:

• A fast fix.
• Look more natural than resin composite veneers and are more resistant to staining.
• A more robust solution than tooth bonding.
• Protect the tooth surface from damage.
• Cost less than braces.

Cons of veneers:

• Susceptible to damage if you tend to grind your teeth, bite your fingernails, or chew on objects such as pencils or ice.
• Typically more expensive than other cosmetic dental treatments.

Accelerated Orthodontics

Accelerated orthodontics speeds up teeth straightening with the help of minor surgery. Before your braces are fitted, gum and bone tissue are trimmed and restructured so teeth can be moved into their correct position more easily.

Pros of accelerated orthodontics:

• Less treatment time than braces.
• Any type of braces can be used.

Cons of accelerated orthodontics:

• Discomfort immediately after surgery.
• Expensive procedure not usually covered by insurance.
• Frequent follow-up appointments to tighten the braces.
• Not suitable for severely misaligned teeth.

ClearCorrect Aligners

A generally cheaper alternative to Invisalign, ClearCorrect plastic aligners offer similar benefits you can’t get with braces, including:

• Removability – which makes brushing and flossing much easier than with fixed braces.
• Discretion – the aligners are barely noticeable when you’re wearing them.

Disadvantages of ClearCorrect:

• Need frequent cleaning.
• Fragile and prone to damage.
• May not be as comfortable as Invisalign (according to some patients).

Does Pushing Your Teeth Straighten Them?

Braces and aligners move teeth into their correct position by exerting mild, constant pressure that causes jaw bone to soften and reconstruct.

Instead of straightening your teeth, DIY attempts at orthodontics can permanently damage them and cause infection, so don’t be tempted to try braces “hacks” you may come across online. Trying to manually push teeth into place or using elastic bands or string as makeshift orthodontic appliances can seriously jeopardize your oral health.

The only way to safely and effectively straighten your teeth at home is with the help of a reputable home teeth straightening provider, that has passed country-specific health certifications such as Health Canada or the FDA.

Professional Home Teeth Straightening

With professional home teeth straightening – supervised and monitored by dental experts – you get a series of custom-fit invisible aligners delivered to your door. They’re made from a mould of your mouth for a perfect fit.

A key benefit of this system is the greatly reduced cost. For instance, clear plastic aligners from NewSmile® cost about 60 percent less than braces and will save you thousands of dollars compared with in-office aligner treatment.

You’ll also receive:

• Free retainers – crucial to prevent your newly straightened teeth from shifting back out of place.
• Free whitening foam – to add an extra sparkle to your straightened smile.

While regular aligners need to be worn for 22 hours a day for the best results, night aligners are available to straighten your teeth while you sleep, and worn for 10 continuous hours a day.

How Long Does Home Teeth Straightening Take?

Teeth straightening at home with NewSmile® – including a monitoring app to help you keep your treatment on track, with the average treatment time taking just four to six months.

This compares with an average treatment time of two years for braces, and 12 to 18 months with other in-office invisible aligner treatments. Moreover, there are no time-consuming, expensive repeat trips to the dentist or orthodontist.

Is Home Teeth Straightening Safe?

Home aligners shouldn’t be confused with DIY orthodontics without professional dental supervision, which can be extremely dangerous.

In the hands of professionals, straightening your teeth at home is perfectly safe, with dental experts monitoring your treatment and are also available to answer any questions you may have.

Is Home Teeth Straightening Suitable for Me?

Home teeth straightening with aligners can correct mild to moderate cases of crooked, gapped or crowded teeth. This makes it an ideal option for individuals looking to straighten their teeth for aesthetic reasons – a fast, convenient and affordable way to get a dream smile. If you have a more serious orthodontic issue, regular braces are likely to be more effective.

A good home teeth straightening company has dental professionals on hand to evaluate your specific case, and will generally offer a free smile assessment to help you make an informed decision on whether at-home teeth straightening is your best alternative to braces.

As a braces alternative, can NewSmile™ Aligners fix common teeth problems such as overbite and tooth gap?  Find out if it will work for you!

The Best Alternative to Traditional Clear Braces

In the past, metal braces were the only option for achieving a straighter smile. Later, clear braces were introduced as a less noticeable alternative. However, the most significant advancement in orthodontics came with the development of clear plastic aligners, which are now widely regarded as the top alternative to traditional clear braces. 

Metal Braces, Clear Braces and Invisible Aligners

Clear braces are similar in shape and size to their metal counterparts, but have clear or tooth-coloured brackets typically made from ceramic, which makes them more discreet.

Like metal braces, clear braces are fixed appliances – they stay in your mouth all the time during treatment.

This makes brushing and flossing difficult, which can result in oral health issues such as tooth decay. Another problem is the inconvenience of being unable to remove your braces, including a long list of foods that have to be avoided to protect the braces from damage.

To address issues like these, removable aligners were developed with no wires or brackets, and made from medical-grade polyurethane resin (clear plastic) that’s almost invisible in the mouth.

What is the Best Age for Braces?

You may associate orthodontic treatment with youngsters but it’s never too late to get your teeth straightened or rectify bite problems – as Harvard Medical School points out – and many adults seek orthodontic treatment to boost self-confidence by enhancing their appearance.

Dental experts recommend that children should get their first orthodontic check-up by the age of seven, when the jaw and teeth are still growing, which usually makes treatment easier.

However, many orthodontic problems respond better to treatment after all the permanent teeth have emerged, and studies indicate that adults are just as likely to need braces as children and teens – teeth can shift out of position as you get older, due to natural changes in the mouth, injury, or a medical condition.

In general, people are living longer and keeping their teeth for life, which makes it advisable for adults to get crooked teeth fixed.

What Can You Use Instead of Braces?

When invisible aligners made their debut in 1999, traditional metal and clear braces were suddenly no longer the only options for straightening teeth. And Aligners soon became a popular alternative, particularly among adults who discovered they could get their dream smile without lengthy treatment with old-style braces.

Advantages of clear aligners include:

• Greater comfort – invisible aligners cause less irritation in your mouth. They also do away with the need for messy dental impressions, which can be especially distressing if you have a pronounced gag reflex.
• Greater convenience – you can take your aligners out for meals and snacks, so don’t have to forego your favourite foods.
• Better oral health – the removability of aligners means you can continue to brush and floss as normal, with no awkward wires and brackets getting in the way.

What is a Cheaper Alternative to Braces?

The most affordable discreet alternative to braces or in-office aligners is at-home teeth straightening.

Many individuals used to endure the embarrassment of crooked teeth because they found the cost of braces prohibitive and didn’t like the look of them. In-office invisible aligner treatment solved the latter problem but were even more costly than braces.

Then along came an affordable solution, home teeth straightening. For example, clear aligners from NewSmile® cost 75 percent less than braces and thousands less than in-office invisible aligner treatment. For a one-off payment of $1,799 or 24 monthly instalments of $92/month with $0 down, you get:

• An impression kit in the mail (or you can get a dental scan in select cities) with prepaid shipping for return.
• A visualization of your new smile in 3D (called a treatment preview).
• Delivery of your custom-made invisible aligners along with free retainers, whitening foam, and a monitoring app to help you finish treatment on schedule – with straighter teeth in four to six months and no time-consuming, costly ongoing visits to a dentist or orthodontist.

Besides financial benefits, at-home aligner teeth straightening has many other advantages, such as:

• No clunky, uncomfortable braces.
• Practically invisible, removable aligner trays.
• Support from dental experts.

Do Clear Braces Cost More than Metal?

If you’re looking for a more discreet option to straighten your teeth, you’ll find that aligners from your dentist or orthodontist tend to cost more than standard metal braces, and that clear braces are more expensive than metal ones.

Getting invisible aligners via mail can save you thousands of dollars compared with both braces and in-office aligner treatment.

How Long do Braces Take to Straighten Teeth?

Average treatment time with braces is about two years, depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem.

For most people who want to fix their crooked teeth, in-office invisible aligners offer a shorter treatment time – typically 12 to 18 months.

Clear aligners from a good at-home teeth straightening company can give you your perfect smile in six months or even less.

How Can I Straighten My Teeth Without Braces?

Invisible aligners can’t exert the same force as braces. This means that conventional braces are sometimes the only solution – if you have severely crooked or misaligned teeth, for example, or need complex orthodontic treatment.

However, clear invisible aligners can work effectively to fix mild to moderate cases of gapped teeth or crowded teeth, and less severe cases of:

• Overbite – upper teeth closing too far in front of the bottom teeth.
• Overjet – upper teeth fitting inside of lower teeth due to misaligned teeth.
• Reverse Overjet – lower teeth protruding past the upper front teeth due to teeth misalignment.

While straightening your teeth at home is both safe and effective under professional supervision, it can be downright dangerous if you should be tempted by any of the DIY “orthodontic easy fixes” you may come across on social media.

A 2017 survey by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) found that spurious online “how to” guides on teeth straightening were on the rise. The AAO warned that trying to fix crooked teeth with household objects such as string, paper clips, rubber bands, pencils and dental floss could cause irreversible damage and lead to oral infections.

With the help of a trustworthy home teeth straightening company, you can straighten your teeth in the comfort of your own home without traditional braces, monthly visits to the dental office – or paper clips or string!

How Professional Home Teeth Straightening Works

When straightening your teeth at home with the help of dental professionals, you get everything you need to start and complete your treatment safely – delivered to your door.

You’ll be mailed an easy-to-use impression kit to create molds of your teeth, which are used to fabricate a series of customized aligners to gradually move your teeth into their correct position.

Is At-Home Teeth Straightening Safe?

Reputable home teeth straightening companies prioritize patient safety.

For instance, NewSmile® has dental professionals on hand to answer any questions or concerns. They also assess individual cases to determine whether at-home teeth straightening is suitable for each customer.

Furthermore, their aligners are licensed by Health Canada and FDA Approved in the United States.

Is Home Teeth Straightening Right for Me?

You may have heard about home teeth straightening but are unsure whether it’s the best alternative to traditional clear braces for you.

If you have a complex orthodontic problem, conventional braces are likely to provide a more effective solution. However, most people want to straighten their teeth mainly for cosmetic reasons, and at-home aligner treatment offers a faster, more convenient and affordable means to get the smile you’ve always wanted.

The easiest way to determine whether home teeth straightening is right for you is to get a free NewSmile® smile assessment.

A common question we receive at NewSmile™ is whether invisible aligners can be used on teeth with veneers. Since aligners are typically used by adults, who often have other cosmetic dental work done, it's a valid concern. To address this, here are some answers to help clarify.

What Are Veneers for Teeth?

Dental veneers are thin shells or wafers made of porcelain that are adhered to teeth to improve their appearance. Much like veneer used in the construction of furniture, they’re designed to give the front of a tooth a healthy and attractive appearance. They’re used to correct a number of problems, such as:

• Discoloration
• Damage or chipping
• Gaps between teeth
• Misalignment
• Irregular shaped teeth

Dental veneers are designed to be a semi-permanent solution, lasting between seven and fifteen years on average. As long as they are properly applied, it’s rare for veneers to be loosened or fall off early. The porcelain is stain resistant and reasonably durable, holding up under most wear and tear. People who grind their teeth or clench their jaw frequently, however, may not be good candidates for veneers, as they can chip or crack under those conditions.

Can Aligners Be Used with Veneers?

One of the biggest advantages invisible aligners have over traditional braces is the fact that they’re less aggressive. Braces have to be adhered to teeth, using similar adhesive to what’s used to bond the veneer. Since veneers cover the front of the tooth, and that’s where the braces brackets go, that means the brackets are adhered to the veneers, which are adhered to the teeth.

This can cause a number of problems. First, the adhesive can discolor and deform the veneer. Second, braces can be dislodged under certain circumstances (like when an eager 11-year-old forgets he can’t eat the caramel in his Halloween candy). Since the bonding on the braces is the same as what’s on the veneer, it’s just as likely for the veneer to come loose as it is for the brackets.

Aligners are different. They’re not adhered to the teeth, and they’re removable, meaning there’s nothing pulling on the veneer. What’s more, the pressure from the aligners is less severe than the pressure from braces, mostly because it’s distributed across the whole tooth. In other words, as long as your veneers were installed properly, you won’t have any problems.

For more answers about invisible aligners, or to find out more about how easy it is to get the smile you want, contact the experts at NewSmile™.

Your smile might be the first thing people notice, and who doesn’t want a set of beautiful, straight pearly whites? The good news is, there's a safe and smart way to achieve them. When considering a DIY method for teeth straightening, invisible aligners are our top recommendation. They are among the safest options, backed by guarantees on results. Find out why invisible aligners outperform other teeth straightening methods and how you can safely achieve a straighter smile!

Why DIY Braces And Other Teeth Straightening Methods Might Not Be The Best Choice

People are turning to DIY braces because it’s so much cheaper than going to an orthodontist. However, there are many reasons why you should be choosing invisible aligners over other DIY teeth straightening methods. Certain DIY methods can potentially damage your teeth beyond repair and, instead of getting the show-stopping smile you were hoping for, you can end up with permanent problems. DIY braces and certain teeth straightening methods cause pain to your teeth and may even cause you to lose teeth. They can form infections in your mouth, damage your gums and jaw bone, and form gaps in your teeth. The damage caused can then call for extensive and expensive repairs. Orthodontists spend years studying how to safely straighten teeth. It is obviously a complex process and not something that can be learned in a five minute Youtube video. So, any DIY teeth straightening method that is not time-tested and proven should be out!

A Better Way to Straighten Your Teeth

There are many ways to get the straighter smile you can be proud of. We recommend an option that allows teeth straightening without braces: invisible aligners. Invisible aligners can give the smile you want without the hassle or burden of braces, and are much safer that DIY braces and other teeth straightening methods. Here's how it works: A professional takes molds of your teeth in their current state and creates a series of aligners that you wear to straighten your teeth safely over time. They are clear and invisible, making them less obvious than metal braces, and you can conveniently remove them from your mouth when you need to.

NewSmile™ wants to help people get the beautiful smile they dream of in the safest and most convenient way possible. Their invisible aligners can help you straighten teeth without braces in a way that works for you! They make the process even easier by allowing you to do everything from home instead of having to go check in with a dentist! They send you an impression kit to make molds of your teeth from home, you send the molds back in and their professionals create a straighter smile for you. When you approve the smile they offer, they will make the set of aligners needed and mail them to you. You then wear the aligners and watch your smile improve all from the comfort of your home! They even offer several payment plans making the invisible aligners a much more affordable alternative than braces.

Let’s be honest—while watching TV, you’ve probably envied the perfectly straight teeth of actors and actresses. You might also dream of having a smile like that, but feel it’s too costly to achieve. The good news is that a smile with beautifully aligned teeth might not be as expensive or out of reach as you imagine.

We all want straight teeth, but most of us are filled with myths and false information about teeth straightening and we just never get around to it. Here at NewSmile, we’ve dispelled nine common teeth-straightening myths to give you the truth about your smile.

1. Invisible Aligners Are Expensive

Let’s just put this myth to bed immediately, invisible teeth aligners are cheaper than most other teeth straightening treatments. That means straight teeth are not as expensive or as inaccessible as you previously thought. Teeth aligners are an effective alternative to braces and give you the straighter smile you’ve only been dreaming of until now.

2. You Have Visit An Office

This myth seems to make sense, but orthodontists are not the exclusive purveyors of teeth straightening products. In fact, the whole point of teeth aligners is so you can begin teeth straightening at home.

3. It's Too Late to Straighten Teeth

This myth couldn't be further from the truth! At NewSmile we believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile. About 20% of orthodontic patients are in fact adults. 

4. It Takes Years to Get Your Teeth Straight

While complex cases can take time and require an orthodontist, if you’re a candidate for invisible aligners, you could have straighter teeth in less than a year. On average, NewSmile creates 15-20 different aligners which are worn for 2-3 weeks each.

5. Teeth Aligners are Uncomfortable

While slight pain might occur for the first couple of days of when you first put on your aligners, you will not have to deal with most of the pain and discomfort that comes with having braces. Teeth aligners are designed for your specific teeth, so they fit snug against them. Braces have brackets, wires, and spacers that can scratch your cheeks and cause soreness, while teeth aligners do not.

6. They Will Stain Your Teeth

Because teeth aligners can be taken out of your mouth, no bracket glue is necessary for straight teeth. Braces can stain your teeth after years of having metal attached to them and being unable to properly brush them, but teeth aligners let you start teeth straightening at home without any of those worries.

7. Teeth Straightening is Only a Cosmetic Thing

Straight teeth are more than a cosmetic thing. In fact, an aligned jaw and straight bite are healthy. With straight teeth, chewing, biting, and speaking are all improved. Teeth straightening is a great choice for a better smile and a healthier lifestyle.

8. You Can Eat Whatever You Want with Aligners

This myth is true! Because you can take your teeth aligners out when it’s time to eat, you never need to worry about breaking your metal brackets on foods or worry about the other stresses included with having things glued onto your teeth.

9. Aligners Protect Your Teeth from Cavities

Not quite. Teeth aligners are created to work conveniently with your day-to-day life, so cleaning and flossing your teeth are much easier than with metal braces. While the aligners don’t add any specific cavity prevention they do make it easier than braces for you to prevent cavities.

Oral health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. Your teeth do more than just enhance your smile—they are essential for eating and often reflect your general health. Maintaining good oral hygiene is simple yet critical. Neglecting your oral care can lead to serious health issues.

Are you brushing your teeth the right way? Have you ever wondered how long you should brush your teeth? Here are the facts:

So What if You Skip Brushing Your Teeth?

When you skip brushing your teeth, your mouth fills with bacteria and germs which can be harmful in several ways. Most notably, bacteria and germ buildup in your mouth can lead to a buildup of plaque, gum disease, and gingivitis. These three things alone can lead to a whole host of other health-related issues. The following are just a few of the many issues that can occur when you forget to brush and floss.

Heart Problems

Studies have indicated that a buildup of plaque in the mouth can lead to a buildup of plaque in the heart. Plaque in your heart can result in deadly consequences. There’s a strong correlation between poor oral hygiene and heart disease, which is a pretty good reason to brush twice a day.

Bad Breath

Though it should go without saying, when you skip brushing your teeth, or you don’t know how long you should brush your teeth and you fall short, you can develop bad breath. Bad breath can range from mild to extreme, and it’s worth it to brush regularly so you can avoid these awkward moments. If you are particularly prone to bad breath, you may need to also use mouthwash and a tongue scraper regularly as well.

Gum Disease and Gingivitis

Gum disease and gingivitis can wreak havoc on your mouth and do irreparable damage. Learning how long you should brush your teeth and practicing good oral hygiene can help you avoid these diseases. If you neglect your oral health and end up with gum disease or gingivitis, resulting in bad breath, tender gums, plaque buildup, tooth decay, enamel damage, and even tooth loss.

Stroke

The plaque that builds up in your mouth when you don’t regularly brush is swallowed and enters the rest of your body. This dangerous plaque not only has the potential to cause heart problems, but strokes as well. Strokes can be deadly or debilitating, and if you want to better your chances of avoiding one, you can brush regularly.

How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth For?

An easy way to remember how long you should brush your teeth and how often you should brush is the 2x2 rule. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the average person only brushes their teeth for 45-75 seconds — which is certainly not long enough.

You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. A quick 30 second brush won’t cut it, even if you are using an expensive electric toothbrush. You need at least two minutes of active brushing twice a day to keep your mouth healthy and clean.

Generally, dentists recommend that you brush your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed. If you find that you need an extra brushing during the day, do not hesitate. The cleaner you keep your mouth, the better off you are.

Timed Teeth Brushing Hacks

Once you know how long you should brush your teeth for, it is important to find a way to track that time and hold yourself accountable. Little kids often have toothbrushes that play music for the two minute duration to keep them bruising, but as an adult, it is just as important that you make sure you are brushing for at least two minutes. Set a timer on your phone or play a song that you enjoy for at least two minutes to keep you brushing. If you are having a hard time remembering the 2x2 rule, consider putting a reminder on your bathroom mirror.

Other Ways To Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Brushing your teeth for the appropriate amount of time is just the beginning. You also need to floss daily, visit your dentist regularly, and use a fluoride mouthwash. Flossing is vital because a toothbrush cannot reach every surface of your teeth. Also, flossing isn’t just for popcorn kernels, it’s for plaque and buildup that you can’t get with a toothbrush. If you have a permanent retainer or braces that make it difficult to floss around, use a water flosser.  

A fluoride mouthwash will help with bad breath and will also prevent cavities. If you live in an area that does not have fluoride in the water, it is important that you swish with a fluoride mouthwash regularly. Some people have weaker enamel on their teeth and no matter if they learn how long you should brush your teeth for and do it, they are still susceptible to cavities. Fluoride builds up and protects your teeth from cavities. Not all mouthwash has fluoride in it, so make sure to check the label at the store.

Lastly, regular dentist visits are a must. A dentist has tools that you don’t have in your bathroom, and a bi-yearly visit keeps your teeth clean and your mouth healthy. When visiting a dentist, ask any oral health questions that you may have and see if he or she has any suggestions. Dentists are teeth professionals, so they are in the best position to help you create an oral care regimen that perfectly fits you needs.

Now that you know how long you should brush your teeth for, there are no excuses  — get brushing. High-quality smile correction and cosmetic dentistry mean nothing if you don’t follow the 2x2 rule and follow good hygiene practices. Protect your smile with a toothbrush and some floss — it’s just that easy.

Oral care ranges from innovative smile correcting programs to simple tasks like flossing and brushing.  Whether you are trying to learn how long to brush your teeth, or other oral hygiene hacks, we have the answers you need.

Clear aligners are a favored alternative to traditional metal braces because they straighten teeth discreetly. Additionally, they can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, reducing the risk of damage from everyday use.

It may have felt like the day would never come, but here it is—finally, your teeth alignment treatment is complete. Now it’s important to take proper steps to prevent your teeth from shifting back. It can take up to a year for the periodontal ligaments (the tiny fibers that secure the teeth in the jaw) to adjust to their new position. Without proper retainer use, these ligaments may pull your teeth back to the position they were used to.

So what can you expect post-aligner life to be like? Here’s how to keep your teeth straight in the long-term.

Dental Retainers

A retainer is probably the most common solution for maintaining the new positioning of your teeth—they help retain all of you and your orthodontist’s hard work. The type of retainer may vary depending on your specific orthodontic needs and just personal preference.

You might find it difficult to speak clearly while wearing your retainer at first, but you’ll improve over time. You can also speed up the process by practicing talking, reading aloud, or singing.

Here are some general care tips for ensuring the longevity of your retainer:

• Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for when and how long to wear it.
• Avoid leaving it in the heat, such as a car dashboard in the summertime. Also keep it away from napkins, pockets, and the laundry room.
• Take it out when you eat and always place it in its case--it’s easier to leave it behind or throw it away if it’s just sitting inconspicuously on your tray or plate. Also take it out if you go swimming.
• Clean it daily with a good retainer cleanser. This helps reduce plaque buildup and kills odors.
• Always store it in its case when not in use. Many a retainer has been lost to curious pets drawn to the smell.

In some situations, your final invisible aligner tray can be used as your retainer. But most of the time, your orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth to make you a custom, separate retainer, as they are generally stronger and more durable.

Make Tooth Maintenance a Priority

Taking proper care of your teeth is another key part of post-aligner life. Develop good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily for two minutes at a time, flossing once a day, and avoiding super sugar-loaded snacks, soda, and juice that just feed oral bacteria.

Part of a healthy tooth care routine includes regular twice-a-year checkups at the dentist. The dentist has the equipment and skills to clean your teeth more thoroughly than you can at home, can give you tips for improving your oral hygiene, and can make sure you don’t have any cavities or other more serious dental issues.

Check out our other blog posts for more oral hygiene tips and tricks!

Braces end the embarrassment of crooked teeth by enhancing your appearance and boosting your self-regard. They’re expensive, though, costing thousands of dollars, and some braces are more costly than others. So, you naturally want to know exactly what you’re getting for your money, and you probably have many other questions about getting braces. Here’s what you need to know...

How Much do Braces Cost? Average Price Point in Canada?

There are several different types of braces, and they come in different price brackets. Here are a few examples. (The pricing is a rough guide only).

• Metal braces – $3,000 to $7,000. The least expensive – but most conspicuous – type of braces. They may be necessary to correct problems such as severe teeth overcrowding.
• Ceramic braces – $4,000 to $8,000. Generally more costly than metal braces, but with tooth-colored or clear brackets that are less visible.
• Lingual braces – $8,000 to $10,000. One of the most expensive type of braces. They’re also one of the least noticeable because they go behind teeth.

It’s difficult to put a precise figure on the average cost of braces because estimates can vary a lot. The average price point of braces in Canada is probably somewhere between $5,000 and $6,000.

How much you’ll pay for your braces also depends on how long treatment takes. For instance, if you need to wear braces for two years, you may have to pay twice as much as someone whose treatment can be completed in one year.

While cost is a crucial consideration when considering getting braces, you’ll also want to know how long it will take to achieve that confidence-boosting smile.

How Long do Braces Take to Straighten Teeth?

No one wants to be wearing braces any longer than they have to, so, along with costs, treatment time is an important factor for new orthodontic patients, particularly adults, who often need to wear their braces longer than youngsters.

On average, it takes about two years to complete treatment with braces - depending on how complex the orthodontic problem is. For example, in some cases treatment may be completed in 12 months or less. In more difficult cases, treatment can take up to three years. Plastic Clear aligners boast provide faster treatment times – usually 12 to 18 months.

The reason orthodontic treatment is a lengthy process is that your teeth are connected to your jaw bone. This means that repositioning teeth requires a lot of pressure. However, if too much force was exerted to move teeth quickly, it could cause long-term damage to teeth and gums. Therefore, the only safe solution is to apply gentle, consistent pressure on teeth over time.

Factors Affecting Braces Treatment Time

Besides the severity of the orthodontic issue, the fact that each individual’s mouth is unique also plays a part in how long braces treatment will take.

Two other considerations that influence the length of time you may need to wear braces are:

• Your motivation. To help keep treatment on schedule, you need to follow the professional advice you’re given. For example, take care of your braces properly and cut out foods that could damage them. Alternatively, if you wear removable plastic aligners, wear them for the recommended 22 hours a day. In both cases, maintaining good oral hygiene is also important to keep your treatment on track.
• Younger orthodontic patients tend to see faster results than adults because their jaws are still developing, making teeth easier to move into their proper position.

Braces Alternatives’ Cost

Orthodontic treatment can take a sizable bite out of your budget but there’s one way to significantly reduce the cost of straightening your teeth – finding a safe, effective alternative to traditional braces.

Clear plastic aligners have changed the landscape of orthodontics and offer multiple advantages over standard braces. There’s one problem, though. In-office aligner treatment from your dentist or orthodontist is typically even more expensive than getting braces.

The solution: home teeth straightening with the help of dental experts such as NewSmile®, whose invisible aligners cost thousands less than in-office aligner treatment (about 75 percent less cost than braces). You also get free retainers and whitening foam, and have the option of night aligners that are worn only during evenings to straighten your teeth while you’re asleep.

Other Advantages of Home Teeth Straightening

Apart from financial considerations, at-home teeth straightening with clear plastic aligners offers other advantages, including:

• Getting your dream smile a lot faster – in four to six months with NewSmile®, with the help of a special monitoring app to keep treatment on schedule.
• Supervision from dental professionals who can answer any questions you may have about your treatment.

Do You Pay for Braces all at Once?

There are a few payment options with braces, including paying for the whole treatment up front, which should get you a discount.

If you do get a loan or payment plan from a bank, you should be able to spread the cost over a longer period, but bear in mind the interest charges that will add to the overall cost.

As with traditional braces, you can pay up front for plastic aligners or find a provider who offers monthly payment options with no interest.

How Can I Straighten My Teeth Without Braces?

Braces used to be the only solution for crooked teeth until aligners came along. These removable trays are made from medical-grade plastic that’s virtually invisible when worn, so no one will know you’re straightening your teeth, although they’ll certainly notice the end result – your newly straightened, winning smile.

Besides discretion, clear aligners hold many other advantages over conventional metal braces, such as:

• No uncomfortable bits of clunky metal in your mouth.
• Better oral health. Brushing and flossing properly with fixed braces is difficult, which can result in cavities or gum disease. Because your aligners are removable, you can continue to brush and floss as normal.
• No dietary restrictions. With fixed braces, you have to be very careful about what you eat in order to avoid damaging your braces. But you pop out aligners for meals and snacks, so you can enjoy your favourite foods.

 Can I Straighten My Teeth Myself?

Attempting to straighten your teeth yourself can result in irreversible damage. Don’t be tempted by DIY teeth straightening so-called “easy fixes” you may come across online. Trying to use objects such as paper clips, string and elastic bands to straighten your teeth is never a good idea.

If you want to straighten your teeth at home safely, you should get plastic aligners licensed by Health Canada and provided by a professional company with dental expertise.

Can I Push My Front Teeth Back?

If you have protruding front teeth, you need professional help to rectify the problem – you can’t simply push them back yourself.

Repositioning teeth is a biological process requiring gentle, constant pressure as bone in the jaw dissolves and rebuilds. This is why you need traditional braces or plastic aligners to address problems such as protruding front teeth.