Straightening your teeth doesn’t have to mean emptying your bank account.
If you’re tired of dealing with misalignment but don’t want to commit to expensive options, you’re in the right place.
From quick fixes to long-term solutions, we’ve lined up the cheapest ways to achieve a confident smile—without burning a hole in your pocket.
Let’s break down the most affordable options to help you get the smile you want.
| Option | Cost Range | Treatment Time | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snap-On Veneers | $370 per arch or $570 for a full set | Receive your snap-on veneers 3 to 5 weeks after impressions | Mild to severe teeth misalignment |
| Dental Contouring | $50 to $300 per tooth | A single dentist visit with immediate results | Minor teeth misalignment |
| Clear Aligners | $2,000 to $8,000 | 6 months to 2 years depending on the alignment severity | Mild to moderate teeth misalignment |
| Clear Aligners | $2,000 to $8,000 | 6 months to 2 years depending on the alignment severity | Mild to moderate teeth misalignment |
| Metal Braces | $3,000 to $7,000 | 1 to 3 years depending on the alignment severity | Mild to severe teeth misalignment |
| Ceramic Braces | $4,000 to $8,000 | 18 months to 3 years depending on the alignment severity | Mild to severe teeth misalignment |
| Lingual Braces | $8,000 to $10,000 | 18 months to 3 years depending on the alignment severity | Mild to severe teeth misalignment but not for deep overbites |
Snap-On Veneers
Snap-on veneers are a custom-made dental appliance that fits over your existing teeth to cover imperfections. They are the cheapest way to straighten teeth at home on our list.
You don’t have to visit the dentist to get them, which makes it a less time-consuming (and painful) process compared to other teeth straightening treatments.
Snap-on veneers are a good option if you have mild to moderate misalignment and are a cheap alternative to braces.
The Process
You have zero dentist or orthodontist appointments. You order the impression kit, take impressions and photos of your mouth at home, and then send the impressions back.
You’ll receive your snap-on veneers in the mail in three to five weeks.
Cost Range
- $370 for one arch or $570 for a full set
- One payment, two payments, or monthly payment options available
- Not covered by insurance
Timeline
Receive your snap-on veneers in 3 to 5 weeks so you can smile away.
Upkeep
- Remove before sleeping and wash after eating.
- Avoid eating hard or chewy foods to avoid damaging.
Crooked Teeth Impacting Your Confidence?
Our snap-on veneers give you a perfect smile for less.
Dental Contouring
Dental contouring reshapes teeth by removing enamel. It is often used in conjunction with dental bonding, a procedure where dentists apply and sculpt composite material to alter the teeth’s shape and appearance.
Dental contouring and bonding may be used if one or a few teeth that are crooked or uneven.
It’s not a good option if you have severe tooth misalignment—it’s more suited for patients who are looking for the cheapest way to fix a few crooked teeth.
The Process
Some of the tooth enamel is removed, and then your tooth is shaped or lengthened.
To give your tooth an ideal shape, dentists can even add a bonding material consisting of tooth-colored resin. The process is quick and only takes 30 minutes to an hour.
Cost Range
- $50 to $300 per tooth
- Payment plans may be available with your dentist
- Not typically covered by insurance
Timeline
1 day
Upkeep
Maintain your oral health by flossing and brushing daily for the contoured teeth to last several years.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are transparent, removable devices that gradually straighten teeth. Patients use a series of trays, which are typically changed about every two weeks, to straighten their teeth over time.
They’re a popular choice due to their invisibility and convenience. Invisalign is one of the most popular brands, but there are many Invisalign alternatives like Byte and SmileDirectClub from which you can get quotes.
Clear aligners are a good option for correcting mild to moderate misalignment.
The Process
Some aligner companies, like Byte, offer at-home teeth straightening services, where you take impressions at home, mail them in, and then receive your aligners in the mail.
Other clear aligner brands, like SureSmile, have you go in person to a partnering dentist where they’ll take your impressions using digital scans and then have your aligners made.
Cost Range
- $2,000 to $8,000 depending on your teeth’s misalignment.
- Common brands: Byte night aligners up to $2,399; SureSmile up to $5,000; and Invisalign up to $7,000.
- Can be partially covered by dental insurance, FSA, or HSA.
Timeline
6 months to 2 years with regular alignment adjustments every two weeks based on your teeth misalignment
Upkeep
You’ll usually have to go in to see your dentist every two weeks, or regularly receive new aligners in the mail, to gradually straighten your teeth over time.
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist may be required to keep your teeth straight.
Metal Braces
Braces work by applying continuous pressure to the teeth over an extended period, gradually moving them into their desired positions.
Brackets are glued to the teeth and an archwire connects each bracket together—the wire is tightened over time to align your teeth. Your orthodontists may also use bands to correct issues like an overbite.
The Process
You see an orthodontist for consultation, braces fitting, and regular monthly appointments for wire adjustments that continue to add pressure to your teeth.
Cost Range
- $3,000 to $7,000 depending on your teeth misalignment.
- May be partially covered by dental insurance, FSA, or HSA.
Timeline
1 to 3 years, depending on the severity of your issues, with regular weekly visits for adjustments.
Upkeep
You’ll need to visit your orthodontist monthly to get the wires adjusted to keep your teeth straight. You should also maintain good dental health habits, such as brushing and flossing.
When treatment is finished, you will either be given removable retainers to wear to keep your teeth straight or a permanent retainer will be placed on your teeth to keep them straight.
Ceramic Braces
Instead of metal brackets like the ones on metal braces, ceramic braces have ceramic brackets that are tooth colored or closer to it, giving the appearance of almost invisible braces.
The wires and rubber bands are also similar in color so they’re less visible.
The Process
You follow the same steps as regular braces — an orthodontist consultation, braces fitting, and regular monthly appointments for wire adjustments.
Cost Range
- $4,000 to $8,000 depending on your teeth misalignment.
- May be partially covered by dental insurance, FSA, or HSA.
Timeline
1 to 3 years with regular weekly visits for adjustments.
Upkeep
- Visit your orthodontist monthly to get the wires adjusted to keep your teeth straight, just as you would with metal braces.
- Maintain good dental health habits, such as brushing and flossing.
- You’ll need to wear retainers after the braces come off to maintain straight teeth.
Lingual Braces
The difference between traditional metal braces and lingual braces is the placement location. Lingual braces are placed behind your teeth, so they are less visible.
These aren’t the best option if you have a deep overbite because that can put too much pressure on the braces and cause them to break off.
However, even when placed on an ideal candidate, lingual braces may still impact how you talk because the braces are placed behind your teeth.
The Process
You follow similar steps to conventional braces. Your dental professional takes an impression of your teeth, which is then sent to a dental laboratory and used to create customized brackets.
Then, your orthodontist will cement the braces onto the back of your teeth. Lingual braces take the same amount of time as regular braces do to work.
Cost Range
- $8,000 to $10,000 depending on your teeth misalignment.
- May be partially covered by dental insurance, FSA, or HSA.
Timeline
18 months to 3 years with regular weekly visits for adjustments.
Upkeep
- Regular orthodontist visits for adjustments.
- Maintain good dental health habits, such as brushing and flossing.
- Wear retainers after the braces come off to maintain straight teeth.
Payment Plan Options for Straight Teeth
Some tooth straightening options are more affordable than others.
If the costs of a treatment plan or procedure you need seem lofty, don’t worry — many providers offer payment plans to help you get the dental care you need.
Here are some common financing options:
Online Payment Plans
Many online companies offer payment plans that allow you to pay monthly or biweekly, making the options more affordable.
For example, we offer one-time payments, two payments, or monthly payment options.
Payment Plans From Orthodontists
Orthodontists may offer payment plans with initial down payments and the remainder paid off in monthly installments, typically 12 to 24 months, interest-free.
Alternatively, some offices may give you a discount for paying in full upfront.
Dental Insurance Coverage
If you have dental insurance or are planning on getting a teeth straightening device, like braces or aligners, you may check and see if the plan or prospective plan would cover some of the costs and how much it would cover.
If you have dental insurance but are unsure of what would be covered, you can ask your dentist to submit an estimate before you move forward with treatment.
Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Accounts
If you have an FSA or HSA through your employer, you can use it for dental expenses like braces or aligners.
This can help cover any portion of the cost not already covered by dental insurance or other medical insurance.
Struggling With Misaligned Teeth On A Budget?
Get a straighter, confident smile with our affordable veneers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to straighten your teeth?
The cheapest way to straighten teeth often involves at-home clear aligners, which are much more affordable than traditional braces. Snap-on veneers also offer a quick and affordable cosmetic fix, though they don’t permanently straighten teeth but only give the appearance of straightness.
How can I straighten my teeth without braces?
You can straighten your teeth without traditional braces by using clear aligners or other at-home options, which can treat mild to moderate cases of misalignment in as little as six months. For minor adjustments, retainers may also help maintain or slightly adjust your teeth.
Get Your Shiny Smile Today
Straightening your teeth doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
From affordable snap-on veneers to more traditional options like braces and clear aligners, there’s a budget-friendly solution for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a quick cosmetic fix or a long-term treatment, the key is finding what fits your needs and wallet. Ready to achieve a straighter smile without the high price tag? Shop Shiny Smile Veneers today and see how simple and affordable your transformation can be.