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Crooked teeth: move them before you cover them.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Moid Khan, DDS, FICOI, FAGD · Updated November 2026

Clear aligners for most adults, plus bonding or veneers when the irregularity is mild or the finish needs refining.

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How do you fix crooked teeth as an adult?

Most adults are candidates for Invisalign, which moves teeth with removable clear aligners. For mild irregularities, bonding or veneers can create the look of straighter teeth with no tooth movement. The more out of line a tooth is, the stronger the case for moving it rather than covering it.

Your Options

Move, mask, or both.

Option	Best for	Trade-off
Invisalign	Crowding, spacing, rotations, relapse after braces	Takes time and daily wear; preserves enamel
Bonding	A slightly short, worn or uneven tooth	Fast, conservative; only works for small irregularities
Veneers	Mild misalignment plus shape or color changes	The more crooked the tooth, the more enamel is removed
Align, then refine	Crowding with worn or chipped edges	Longest path; usually the most natural, conservative result
Orthodontist referral	Significant skeletal or bite problems	We'll tell you at the consult if this fits you

Expert Notes

Why we usually say move it first.

Enamel is the one thing we can't give back. Making a turned or protruding tooth look straight under a veneer means shaping away the parts that stick out. Moving the tooth first keeps that enamel, and often keeps veneers off the table entirely.

Straight teeth reveal the real cosmetic needs. Once teeth are aligned, uneven edges or small teeth become obvious and easy to refine with conservative bonding. We plan that finish from the start.

Retainers are part of the price of straight. Teeth drift for life. Nightly retainer wear is what keeps the result.

Visit Lush Dental Studio in Natomas

Lush Dental Studio is at 2860 Del Paso Rd #300, Sacramento, CA 95834, in Natomas. We're open Mon–Fri 8am–5pm and Saturday 8am–2pm. Four doctors, led by founder Dr. Moid Khan, DDS, FICOI, FAGD, practice here alongside our in-house dental lab.

We're in-network with most PPO plans and verify your benefits before treatment (we don't participate in HMO or Medi-Cal / Denti-Cal plans). Book online or call (916) 619-7172.

Common Questions

Your questions, answered.

Can crooked teeth be fixed without braces?

Often, yes, with Invisalign clear aligners, which are removable and have no brackets or wires. For very mild irregularities, bonding or veneers can create the look of straighter teeth. Severe crowding or bite problems may need an orthodontist.

Are veneers a good way to fix crooked teeth?

For mild irregularities, they can be. But the further a tooth is out of line, the more enamel has to be removed to make it look straight under a veneer. In those cases aligning first is more conservative, and it may mean you don't need veneers at all.

Do crooked teeth cause health problems?

Crowded teeth are harder to clean, which can make cavities and gum problems more likely. Some misalignments also put uneven force on teeth and can contribute to wear or chipping.

I had braces as a teen and my teeth moved. What now?

That's very common when retainers stop being worn. Mild relapse is often a good fit for clear aligners, followed by a retainer worn long term.

How long does it take to straighten teeth?

It depends on how much movement is needed. We give you a time estimate with your treatment plan, before you start.

Straighter, with your own enamel.

Free cosmetic consultation ($150 value) includes X-rays. We'll show you whether aligners, bonding or veneers fit your case.

Book My Free Consult Or call (916) 619-7172 · Saturdays 8am–2pm.