I'm in the process of this atm, I was actually going in for cosmetic surgery for a gap correction but was told that braces would be a better result.
1. I went to my dentist for a check up and clean, she then wrote a referal to an orthodontist and the receptionist made an appointment for me.
2. Went to the orthodontist for a consultation and he ran throu what I needed and time span of how long they are likely to be on and whether they could fix my problem.Also had xrays done
3. I had to have some gum removed ( still havent got around to that cause it sounds painful)
4. I then have to wait 2 weeks and then they can place the braces on.

Mine are $2500 and that includes retainer at the end and all the appointments but then I only need top braces. I think they said to me the most it could cost may be $4500 and that was top and bottom.
you can get invisilgn which goes on the inside of your teeth but have heard that alot of patients that have this done end up with front ones to straighten at the end. I have chosen just the silver the clear look erkk to me as the wire is still silver but then again my mouth is not all braces
Good luck but start off at your dentist.
Bec