Whether you are a parent exploring braces for your child, a teen excited to begin Invisalign, or an adult curious if it’s too late to straighten your smile — one of the top questions we hear at Tebo Orthodontics is: “How long will treatment take?”
The truth is, treatment time can vary depending on several factors. Rest assured, we are here to guide you through the process and help you stay on course for a straighter, healthier smile.
Average Treatment Timeframes by Age
Children (Early Orthodontics or Phase I)
Some children may benefit from early orthodontic intervention — known as Phase I treatment — which can begin as early as age seven. This stage often includes appliances like expanders, space maintainers, or even partial braces to help guide proper jaw and tooth development.
- Typical duration: 6–12 months
- Goals: Support proper jaw growth, address early bite issues, and help make Phase II (full braces) faster, easier, or even unnecessary later on
Teens (Most Common Age for Braces or Invisalign)
Teens typically undergo Phase II treatment, which focuses on straightening permanent teeth and correcting bite alignment.
- Typical duration: 18–24 months
- Can vary due to: Complexity of the case, patient compliance (wearing elastics, aligners), and oral hygiene
Adults (Braces or Clear Aligners)
Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more popular, and the process is very similar to what teens experience. However, since adult bones have stopped growing, treatment can take slightly longer.
- Typical duration: 18–30 months
- Why it might take longer: Adults may have more complex issues, such as crowding, gum disease, or previous dental work, all of which need to be carefully considered when planning treatment.
What Affects the Length of Treatment?
Several key factors influence how long your orthodontic journey will take:
1. Severity of the Orthodontic Issue
Mild issues like crowding or spacing can often be corrected in less than a year, while more complex cases — such as severe bite problems, impacted teeth, or jaw misalignment — may require a longer treatment timeline.
2. Type of Appliance Used
- Traditional metal braces: Often work the fastest for complex cases
- Ceramic braces: A more aesthetic option, but it may take slightly longer to achieve the desired results
- Clear aligners (like Invisalign): Great for mild to moderate cases, but treatment depends heavily on patient compliance
3. Patient Compliance
- Wearing elastics or aligners as instructed
- Avoiding broken brackets
- Attending scheduled appointments
- Practicing good oral hygiene
All of these factors play a key role in how smoothly and efficiently your treatment progresses.
What Happens After Braces or Aligners?
Even after your braces or aligners come off, your treatment is not over quite yet.
Retention Phase
- Wearing retainers is essential to keep your teeth in their new positions.
- The first 3–6 months are the most critical — your orthodontist will advise whether you should wear your retainer full-time or just at night based on your specific needs.
Not wearing your retainer as directed can cause your teeth to shift back, potentially leading to retreatment, and nobody wants that!
How to Shorten Treatment Time
While some aspects of treatment length are out of your control, you can help speed things up by:
- Keeping up with all scheduled appointments
- Avoiding damage to appliances (no hard or sticky foods!)
- Wearing your aligners or rubber bands as instructed
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene to avoid delays from cavities or gum issues
Final Thoughts
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your health, confidence, and future — and every month spent is truly worth it! At Tebo Orthodontics, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle, goals, and timeline. Whether you are 8 or 48, we are here to help you smile with confidence from start to finish.
Schedule a consultation with our team today to find out how long treatment may take for you or your child — and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.
