4 Ways To Make Your Teeth Straight - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make Your Teeth Straight PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: May 15, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Wearing Braces and Retainers
    • |
  • Using Removable Aligners
    • |
  • Trying (and Avoiding) Alternatives
    • |
  • Changing Habits that Cause Crooked Teeth
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 88,803 times.

You may have a daily routine of brushing and flossing to keep your teeth clean, but what can you do to straighten your teeth? Having straight teeth not only looks nice, it can help prevent tooth and jaw problems in the future.[1] Fortunately, there are ways to straighten your teeth and keep them straight. See your dentist or orthodontist for treatment and avoid bad habits that cause crooked teeth.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Wearing Braces and Retainers

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  1. Step 1 Find an orthodontist. 1 Find an orthodontist. Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities in your teeth. See your regular dentist and ask for a referral to an orthodontist. Your dentist can probably make helpful suggestions for finding a professional in your area. The orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, jaw, and gums and help you decide on the best treatment plan for you.
    • If you have health insurance that covers dentistry, call your insurance company and ask for a list of in-network orthodontists that they will cover.
    • Some dentists can do orthodontic work, whereas others will refer you to a specialist. Just ask!
  2. Step 2 Get braces. 2 Get braces. Braces are a traditional way of realigning crooked teeth. You will have small brackets cemented to your teeth and connected by wires. The braces will apply pressure to slowly move your teeth into a straighter position over time. You will see your dentist or orthodontist periodically so they can appropriately tighten your braces.[2]
    • How long you have braces varies and depends on your teeth, but the normal range is between one and three years.[3]
    • Braces now are more comfortable than ever before.
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  3. Step 3 Choose your type of braces. 3 Choose your type of braces. Braces can be fun bright colors, or subtler tooth-colored brackets. Some braces can even be placed behind your teeth (lingual braces) so you don’t see them much – they’re nearly invisible, but may be less comfortable.[4] Discuss your options with your orthodontist.
  4. Step 4 Wear your retainer. 4 Wear your retainer. Your dentist or orthodontist will probably give you a retainer after your braces are removed. This is a removable mouthpiece that keeps your teeth in their new position. You’ll wear it at night for a while, but not forever.[5] Be sure to wear your retainer as directed by your dentist so your teeth don’t start to shift back to their previous position.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Using Removable Aligners

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  1. Step 1 Get fitted for an aligner. 1 Get fitted for an aligner. Aligners are made of clear plastic or acrylic that you wear over your teeth every day. See your orthodontist to have an aligner specially made for your mouth. You will need to revisit the orthodontist for a new set every month or so. This process gradually moves your teeth into a straighter position.[6]
  2. Step 2 Wear your aligner appropriately. 2 Wear your aligner appropriately. Because your aligner is removable, you’ll be responsible for wearing it correctly. Follow your dentist or orthodontist’s instructions about how long to wear your aligner each day. Take out your aligner before you eat or brush and floss your teeth.
  3. Step 3 Choose a reputable brand. 3 Choose a reputable brand. There are numerous brands of aligners available, such as Invisalign and ClearCorrect. Your orthodontist can help you choose the best kind for you. Some internet companies offer less expensive, mail-order aligners that you use without seeing an orthodontist. Having a full examination by a professional is a safer way to straighten your teeth and know if aligners are right for you.[7]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Trying (and Avoiding) Alternatives

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  1. Step 1 Have surgery. 1 Have surgery. If your teeth are crooked because your jaw is misaligned, surgery can help. Surgery will not change the position of your individual teeth. It can change the position of your jaw if your upper or lower jaw sticks out and causes what dentists call a “bad bite.” This will improve the overall position of your teeth and can straighten your smile.[8]
  2. Step 2 Stay away from DIY methods. 2 Stay away from DIY methods. The American Organization of Orthodontists strongly warns against using at-home remedies to straighten your teeth. Following “how-to” guides from the internet without an orthodontist’s supervision can damage your teeth and gums and cause lasting harm. It’s much safer and more effective to have a professional treat your teeth than to try to do it yourself. Do not:
    • Wrap string or rubber bands around your teeth
    • Use paper clips
    • Bite on objects like pencils
    • Follow the advice of a YouTube video or blog
  3. Step 3 See your orthodontist if you’ve been trying to straighten your teeth at home. 3 See your orthodontist if you’ve been trying to straighten your teeth at home. DIY tooth straightening methods can cause pretty severe harm to your teeth and gums. If you have been trying to fix your teeth at home using a “how-to” guide from the internet, stop right away and see your dentist or orthodontist. They can help repair and prevent further damage, and begin to straighten your teeth safely and appropriately.[9]
    • Sometimes, damage from DIY methods can be irreversible.
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Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Changing Habits that Cause Crooked Teeth

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  1. Step 1 Sleep on your back. 1 Sleep on your back. If you sleep on your stomach, you constantly apply gentle pressure to the side of your face and your teeth. Slow, gradual pressure over time is what causes teeth to move, so sleeping on your stomach may make your teeth shift out of alignment after a while.[10] Get in the habit of sleeping on your back or your side.
  2. Step 2 Sit up properly at your desk. 2 Sit up properly at your desk. If you sit at a desk a lot, it’s easy to rest your chin in your hand throughout the day. This habit can shift your jaw and teeth subtly. When sitting, tilt your pelvis back so that you aren’t sitting on your tailbone. This creates an easier posture to help you avoid slumping forward and leaning your head on your hand.[11]
  3. Step 3 Avoid sucking on objects. 3 Avoid sucking on objects. Thumb sucking and overuse of pacifiers commonly causes crooked teeth for children, whose teeth and gums are developing. Help your child have a healthy smile by eliminating these habits as early as you can. For adults, avoid habits that put consistent pressure on your teeth and gums like constantly chewing hard candy or sucking on objects absentmindedly.
  4. Step 4 Maintain good oral hygiene. 4 Maintain good oral hygiene. If your gums and teeth are healthy, your teeth are more likely to stay straight. Develop good oral hygiene habits to avoid gum disease and tooth decay and maintain straighter teeth.
    • Brush and floss your teeth twice a day.
  5. Step 5 Breathe through your nose. 5 Breathe through your nose. Breathing through your mouth all the time may cause your jaw to narrow and can shift your teeth out of alignment. Remember to breathe through your nose whenever possible. If you have sinus problems or difficulty breathing through your nose, talk to your doctor about solutions.[12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How can I straighten my teeth at home? Tu Anh Vu, DMD Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Tu Anh Vu, DMD Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist Expert Answer There are at-home straightening programs like Direct Smile and Candid, but they really aren't a good idea because there isn't a dental professional overseeing your care. It may not ruin your teeth or anything, but you could end moving your teeth misaligned. It's just always safer to have a dental health professional oversee teeth straightening. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
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Tips

  • It helps to start straightening your teeth while you are still growing. If possible, start to straighten your teeth between ages 8 and 14.[13] You can straighten your teeth at any age, though! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Visiting a trained professional orthodontist is the safest and most effective way to straighten your teeth. Avoid DIY remedies and products marketed to straighten your teeth at home. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces
  2. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/braces.html
  4. ↑ https://www.theorthodontists.com.au/blog/different-types-of-braces-are-available-which-is-best-for-you
  5. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces
  6. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/braces.html
  7. ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/adj.12480
  8. ↑ https://uihc.org/health-topics/surgical-treatment-correct-bad-bite
  9. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.hodgesortho.com/blog/2016/09/06/four-bad-habits-that-could-174181
  2. ↑ https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/treatment/exercisesafe-movement/proper-body-alignment/
  3. ↑ https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/mouth-breathing/
  4. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces

About This Article

Tu Anh Vu, DMD Co-authored by: Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist This article was co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. This article has been viewed 88,803 times. 18 votes - 78% Co-authors: 10 Updated: May 15, 2025 Views: 88,803 Categories: Tooth Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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Article SummaryX

The best way to make your teeth straight is to visit your dentist or orthodontist for braces or removable aligners. However, there are things you can do to help keep your teeth straight. Try to get into the habit of sleeping on your back or side, because sleeping on your stomach can cause your teeth to shift out of alignment over time. Also, avoid resting your chin in your hand if you sit at a desk all day. Read on for tips on how to choose the braces that are right for you! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Tu Anh Vu, DMD Co-authored by: Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist 18 votes - 78% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10 Updated: May 15, 2025 Views: 88,803

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