How Can You Fix Your Crooked Teeth Without Braces at Home?

Last Updated: May 19, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: May 19, 2025.

About 95% of people face dental issues, the most common being Malocclusion. According to the National Institute of Health, Malocclusion is the condition when your teeth are not aligned properly. Traditional treatments like metal braces can help you fix complex cases. However, mild to moderate cases can be resolved at home using some mouth exercises, aligners, or retainers. These are some of the best and effective ways to help you align your crooked teeth. In this blog, you will learn how to fix your crooked teeth without leaving your home. 

What is the best treatment option for slightly crooked teeth?

Mildly crooked teeth don’t always require extensive orthodontic procedures. Depending on the case, there are several effective and minimally invasive options to help straighten your teeth and improve your smile. Below are some of the best treatment choices:

Orthodontic Exercises

Orthodontic exercises involve applying gentle pressure through repeated movements to potentially help reposition slightly misaligned teeth. While not a substitute for orthodontic treatment, some believe exercises like tongue positioning, finger pressure, or chewing sugar-free gum may support minor alignment over time. However, these should only be done under the guidance of a dental professional, as incorrect methods can cause more harm than good.

Use of Aligners

Dental aligners are custom-made dental devices that help you have perfectly aligned teeth from the comfort of your home. Aligners are used for mild to moderate cases as they help to correct mild bite issues, tooth spacing, tooth crowding, and other mild teeth issues. Aligners are one of the best and effective treatments to have a confident smile. Aligners come in two variations, day aligners and night, dental aligners wear time varies depending on which aligner you choose. Average wear time for day aligners is 20-22 hours, and for night aligners it is 8-10 hours. 

Types of aligners

Aligners come in different varieties. Before choosing an aligner type for yourself, it is recommended to visit an orthodontist for professional recommendations according to your needs.

Traditional Clear Aligners

These are custom-made plastic trays designed to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. They are nearly invisible, removable, and typically replaced every 1–2 weeks as your teeth adjust. Ideal for mild to moderate misalignment, they offer a discreet alternative to metal braces.

Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign is a well-known type of aligner that uses advanced 3D imaging to create a personalized treatment plan. They are highly effective for a wide range of orthodontic issues and are popular for their comfort, aesthetics, and proven results under professional supervision.

Self-Ligating Aligners

Unlike traditional aligners, self-ligating aligners have built-in clips that hold the archwire in place without elastic ties. These allow for faster adjustments and fewer appointments. While technically part of a braces system, some clear variants make them look and function like aligners.

Teen Aligners

Designed specifically for teenagers, these aligners account for growing mouths and may include features like eruption tabs for new teeth or compliance indicators to ensure they’re being worn properly. They offer a flexible, school-friendly alternative to traditional braces.

Use of retainers

Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining aligned teeth. Retainers are orthodontic devices used after orthodontic treatments. Especially after braces, retainers are crucial to wear. They protect teeth from shifting back to their original position. Without retainers, teeth can naturally shift back to their original position. Retainers keep your teeth straight if you wear them for a specific period specified by your orthodontist. 

Why choose aligners over braces?

Metal braces are one traditional way to align teeth. The orthodontist carefully executes each step in the braces procedure to achieve the desired results. Metal braces are suitable for severe cases, whereas clear aligners for teeth are suitable for mild to moderate cases. Aligners are a modern treatment that can perfectly align your teeth at home, whether you are suffering from mild bite issues or slight teeth crowding.

Comparison between Metal Braces and Aligners

Here is a detailed comparison between braces and aligners to help you understand which treatment is best for you. 

Metal Braces	Aligners
In-Office Treatment	At-home Treatment
Relatively Expensive	Cost Effective
Slow Align Process	Fast Aligning Process
Limited food allowed	No Food Restriction
Food gets stuck in archwires	Maintain Oral Hygiene

Side Effects of Braces

1. Braces can cause discomfort and irritation.
2. Only limited food is allowed otherwise, food will get stuck in the archwires.
3. Hard to maintain oral hygiene.
4. Some face mild speech difficulties due to metal braces. 
5. It can increase the risk of gum infections. 

Wrap up

Slanted and crooked teeth can be treated without braces. Dentistry has introduced many ways to align your teeth from the comfort of your home. You can incorporate different mouth exercises in case of very slight crooked teeth. However, aligners and retainers are best for mild to moderate cases. It is recommended to visit an orthodontist in case of severe dental problems. Now you can fix your dental problems at home with at-home teeth straightening kits, best for all ages. However, results might slow down when used by adults.