Most orthodontic treatment takes between 12 to 36 months to complete. The exact time depends on your age, the type of problem you need to fix, and which treatment you choose. Some people finish in as little as 6 months, while others may need up to 3 years.
This guide will help you understand what affects treatment time and what to expect during your smile journey. You’ll learn about different types of braces, how your age matters, and simple ways to help your treatment go faster.
What Affects How Long Treatment Takes?
Many things can make your orthodontic treatment shorter or longer. Let’s look at the main factors that matter most.
The Type of Problem You Have
Some tooth problems are easier to fix than others. Here’s what you can expect:
Simple Problems (6-12 months):
- Small gaps between teeth
- Slightly crooked front teeth
- Minor bite issues
Medium Problems (12-24 months):
- Crowded teeth
- Bigger gaps
- Overbite or underbite
Complex Problems (24-36+ months):
- Severe crowding
- Major jaw problems
- Multiple issues at once
Your Age Makes a Difference
Kids and teens usually finish treatment faster than adults. Here’s why:
Children and Teens (12-24 months average):
- Their bones are still growing
- Teeth move easier
- Less dense bone structure
Adults (18-30 months average):
- Bones are fully grown
- Teeth take more time to move
- May need extra steps
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, total treatment time averaged 22 months—less than 2 years, showing that modern orthodontics has become more efficient over time.
Treatment Type Changes the Timeline
The type of braces or aligners you choose will affect how long you wear them.
How Long Do Different Types of Treatment Take?
Let’s compare the most popular orthodontic treatments and their typical timelines.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces typically take 18 to 36 months to complete treatment. They’re the most common choice for complex problems.
What to expect:
- Great for severe crowding
- Work on all types of bite problems
- Need adjustments every 6-8 weeks
- Strong and reliable
Clear Aligners (Like Invisalign)
Clear aligners can provide results in as little as 6 months for mild cases, but typically take 12-18 months for most people.
Timeline breakdown:
- Mild cases: 6-12 months
- Medium cases: 12-18 months
- Complex cases: 18-24 months
Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate problems. You’ll change to new aligners every 1-2 weeks.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces take about the same time as metal braces – usually 18-24 months. They work just as well but are less visible.
Lingual Braces (Behind Your Teeth)
These hidden braces typically take 18-36 months, similar to regular braces. The treatment time is about the same, but they’re completely invisible from the front.
What Can Make Treatment Take Longer?
Several things can add months to your treatment time. The good news is that many of these are under your control.
Patient Cooperation Issues
Missing appointments is one of the biggest reasons treatment takes longer. Research shows that the number of missed appointments was a key factor affecting treatment duration.
Not following instructions can also slow things down:
- Not wearing rubber bands as directed
- Not wearing aligners 20-22 hours per day
- Eating foods that break braces
Broken Appliances
The number of replaced brackets and bands significantly affects treatment time. Taking care of your braces helps avoid delays.
Common causes of breaks:
- Eating hard or sticky foods
- Playing sports without a mouthguard
- Not brushing properly
Complex Cases Need More Time
Some orthodontic problems just take longer to fix:
- Extractions: If you need teeth removed, this adds 3-6 months
- Jaw surgery: Major jaw problems can extend treatment to 2-3 years
- Impacted teeth: Teeth that haven’t come in properly take extra time
Age-Related Treatment Times
Your age plays a big role in how long orthodontic treatment takes. Here’s what to expect at different life stages.
Children (Ages 7-11)
Early treatment, also called Phase 1, usually takes 9-18 months. Early interceptive treatment can help reduce the duration or even avoid the necessity of more substantial treatment later.
Benefits of early treatment:
- Guides jaw growth
- Makes room for adult teeth
- Fixes habits like thumb sucking
- May prevent need for extractions later
Teenagers (Ages 12-17)
This is the most common time for braces. Treatment typically takes 18-24 months.
Why teens do well:
- Bones are still growing
- Teeth move more easily
- Usually have all adult teeth
- Good age for compliance
Adults (Ages 18+)
Adult treatment averages 22-30 months. Adult treatment may take slightly longer than that of a child with a similar problem, due to the maturity and density of adult bone tissue.
Adult considerations:
- Denser bone means slower movement
- May have gum disease or missing teeth
- Often need other dental work first
- Great compliance usually makes up for slower movement
How to Make Your Treatment Go Faster
While you can’t control everything about treatment time, these tips can help you finish as quickly as possible.
Follow All Instructions
Your orthodontist gives you specific instructions for a reason. Following them exactly helps ensure the fastest results.
Key things to remember:
- Wear rubber bands exactly as prescribed
- Keep aligners in 20-22 hours per day
- Come to all appointments on time
- Follow eating restrictions
Keep Your Teeth and Braces Clean
Good oral hygiene prevents problems that can slow treatment. Regular brushing and flossing keep teeth and devices clean and intact.
Daily care routine:
- Brush after every meal
- Floss carefully around braces
- Use fluoride rinse
- Avoid sugary drinks
Protect Your Appliances
Broken braces mean extra appointments and delays. Here’s how to avoid problems:
Foods to avoid:
- Hard candy and ice
- Sticky foods like caramel
- Popcorn kernels
- Whole apples (cut them up first)
Other protection tips:
- Wear a mouthguard for sports
- Don’t chew on pens or pencils
- Be gentle when cleaning
Don’t Try to Speed Things Up Yourself
Do not try to “speed up” your treatment by adjusting your devices yourself. This can actually make treatment take longer and may hurt your teeth.
What Happens After Active Treatment?
Your active treatment time is just the beginning. After your braces come off or you finish with aligners, you’ll need to wear retainers.
The Retention Phase
How long: Usually lifelong, but most active wear is 1-2 years
Types of retainers:
- Fixed (glued behind your teeth)
- Removable clear retainers
- Wire retainers
Why retainers matter: Without them, your teeth will slowly move back to their old positions. All that time in braces would be wasted!
Long-term Success
Retention should be tailored to the treatment provided and the problems corrected. Your orthodontist will create a custom retention plan for you.
Special Situations That Affect Treatment Time
Some people have unique situations that change their treatment timeline.
Two-Phase Treatment
Some kids need treatment in two stages:
Phase 1 (Ages 7-11): 9-18 months
- Expands narrow jaws
- Fixes crossbites
- Guides jaw growth
Phase 2 (Ages 12-14): 18-24 months
- Full braces after all adult teeth come in
- Finishes alignment and bite correction
Surgical Cases
If you need jaw surgery, the timeline looks different:
Pre-surgical orthodontics: 12-18 months Surgery and healing: 3-6 months Post-surgical orthodontics: 6-12 months Total time: 2-3 years
Accelerated Options
Some treatments can help speed up tooth movement:
- AcceleDent: Vibration device used 20 minutes daily
- Propel: Micro-perforations to stimulate bone
- High-frequency vibration: Special devices that may reduce treatment time
The average treatment time in studies ranges from 24.5 months, but these newer techniques may help reduce that time for some patients.
Comparing Treatment Times: A Quick Reference
| Treatment Type | Mild Cases | Moderate Cases | Severe Cases |
| Metal Braces | 12-18 months | 18-24 months | 24-36 months |
| Clear Aligners | 6-12 months | 12-18 months | 18-24 months |
| Ceramic Braces | 12-18 months | 18-24 months | 24-30 months |
| Lingual Braces | 12-18 months | 18-24 months | 24-36 months |
When to See an Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should get their first check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than 7 years of age.
Signs you or your child might need orthodontics:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Mouth breathing
- Jaw pain or clicking
Don’t wait if you notice these problems. Early evaluation can help create the best treatment plan and may reduce overall treatment time.
Making Your Decision
Knowing how long orthodontic treatment takes helps you plan for your smile journey. Remember:
- Most people finish in 18-24 months
- Your age and problem complexity matter most
- Following instructions helps you finish faster
- The end result lasts a lifetime
What to expect during your orthodontic journey includes regular check-ups and adjustments. At Aligned Orthodontics, we focus on creating beautiful smiles efficiently using the latest technology.
Whether you choose traditional braces or clear aligners, we’ll work with you to make your treatment as comfortable and fast as possible.
Final Thoughts
Orthodontic treatment is a journey that requires patience, but the results last a lifetime. While most people complete treatment in 18-24 months, your specific timeline depends on your unique situation.
The key to successful, timely treatment is choosing an experienced orthodontist who uses modern techniques and technology. Good patient cooperation and following all instructions will help ensure you get the best results in the shortest time possible.
Your investment in orthodontic treatment pays dividends in confidence, oral health, and a beautiful smile that lasts for years to come. The temporary commitment of wearing braces or aligners leads to permanent improvements in your smile and overall quality of life.
Ready to start your orthodontic journey? Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options and timeline. Every smile tells a story – let’s make yours amazing.