If you’re thinking about getting braces—or you’re a parent looking into orthodontic treatment for your child—one of the biggest questions you probably have is: How long do braces take? It’s a fair question. After all, orthodontic treatment is a commitment, and knowing what to expect can help ease the decision-making process.
At Parkland Orthodontics, we believe in transparency, education, and personalized care. Every smile is different, and so is every timeline. While the average braces treatment time ranges from 18 to 24 months, there are many factors that influence the duration of your treatment. In this post, we’ll break down those factors, explain what you can expect at each stage, and help you understand how to get the best results in the shortest time possible.
What’s the Average Time to Wear Braces?
In most cases, patients wear braces anywhere from one to three years, depending on the complexity of their dental concerns and how well they follow their treatment plan. If your teeth need minor alignment corrections, your time in braces may be as short as 6 to 12 months. On the other hand, if your bite is severely misaligned or your teeth are overcrowded, it could take closer to three years to achieve the ideal result.
Our goal at Parkland Orthodontics is not just to straighten teeth—we focus on creating a healthy, functional bite and a beautiful smile that lasts. That means we take into account your jaw alignment, tooth structure, and overall oral health when planning your orthodontic treatment. And the time it takes to get there? That’s something we’ll explain clearly at your first visit, so there are no surprises.
What Determines How Long Braces Take?
Complexity of the Case
The most significant factor in determining how long you’ll need braces is the complexity of your orthodontic issue. Mild crowding, spacing, or minor bite problems may be corrected relatively quickly. But more severe problems, such as impacted teeth, crossbites, or open bites, can extend the timeline. For example, if teeth are overlapping, rotated, or positioned in a way that affects your bite or jaw alignment, treatment will naturally take longer to correct.
Patient’s Age
Age plays a key role in how teeth respond to braces. Teenagers and children often experience faster results because their bones are still growing, making it easier for their teeth to shift into place. Adults can absolutely benefit from braces—millions do—but their fully developed jaws and more stable bone structure can make treatment slightly longer. That said, adult patients are usually more compliant with instructions, which can help keep their treatment on schedule.
Type of Braces
The type of orthodontic treatment you choose can also affect how long it takes to straighten your teeth. At Parkland Orthodontics, we offer metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign® clear aligners. Metal braces are typically the most efficient option, especially for complex cases. Clear braces are more discreet but may take slightly longer due to their more fragile nature. Invisalign is a great choice for those seeking a removable, nearly invisible treatment option—just keep in mind that the success of Invisalign depends on how consistently the aligners are worn (typically 20–22 hours per day).
Patient Compliance
While much of your orthodontic treatment is in our hands, you play a big role in your own progress. Following instructions, wearing rubber bands or aligners as directed, keeping up with oral hygiene, and avoiding foods that can damage your braces all contribute to a successful—and timely—treatment. Missed appointments, broken brackets, or skipping elastic wear can lead to delays in your timeline. We’re here to support you, but your consistency and cooperation make a huge difference.
Genetics and Biological Response
Some patients’ teeth simply move faster than others due to biological differences in their bone density or tissue responsiveness. These are things we evaluate during your consultation, and while we can estimate a timeline, some variability is always expected. That’s why regular check-ins and monitoring are so important—we make adjustments along the way to keep your treatment as efficient as possible.
What to Expect During Braces Treatment
The Initial Consultation
Your orthodontic journey starts with a consultation at Parkland Orthodontics. During this visit, Dr. Franco will examine your teeth and bite, take digital x-rays and scans, and discuss your goals. We’ll walk you through the available options and provide a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs. This is where you’ll get a clear picture of how long braces are likely to take for you or your child.
Placing the Braces
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your bonding appointment. This is when the braces or aligners are officially placed. For traditional braces, brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected with a wire that gradually guides the teeth into their new positions. The entire process usually takes about one to two hours and is completely pain-free.
Regular Adjustments
Throughout treatment, you’ll come in for adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks. These appointments allow us to monitor your progress, change the archwires, and make any necessary modifications. They’re essential for keeping everything on track and ensuring steady, safe movement of your teeth. With Invisalign, we’ll provide you with a series of clear aligners to switch out every one to two weeks and schedule occasional check-ins to track your progress.
Seeing the Progress
One of the most rewarding parts of the process is seeing your smile transform. Most patients begin to notice visible improvements within the first few months, which can be incredibly motivating. We love celebrating your milestones and showing you just how far you’ve come—even before treatment is complete.
The Final Appointment: Braces Come Off
When your treatment is finished, we’ll schedule your debonding appointment to remove your braces. This is a big day—and one of our favorites! After removing the braces or completing your final Invisalign trays, we’ll polish your teeth and take your “after” photos. Your bite will be checked, and you’ll be fitted for a retainer to maintain your beautiful new smile.
Life After Braces: The Importance of Retainers
Once your braces come off, your teeth are beautifully aligned—but they’re still settling into their new positions. That’s why wearing a retainer is critical. Without it, teeth can slowly shift back to their original positions, undoing months or even years of progress. At Parkland Orthodontics, we provide custom retainers and detailed instructions on how to wear them, so your smile stays straight for life.
Initially, you may need to wear your retainer full-time for a few months, then only at night. The commitment is small, but the payoff is huge. Retainers are your long-term insurance policy for a straight, confident smile.
Can You Speed Up the Braces Process?
We get this question a lot—and while there’s no magic shortcut, there are ways to stay on track and, in some cases, accelerate progress. Keeping up with appointments, avoiding damage to your braces, and following every instruction we give you will help your treatment stay efficient. For some patients, we also offer advanced orthodontic technology that can stimulate faster tooth movement. These options are always discussed during your consultation if they’re appropriate for your case.
It’s also important to remember that faster isn’t always better. Teeth need to move at a healthy, steady pace to avoid complications. Rushing the process can cause root damage or gum recession. Our top priority is your health and long-term results.
Is It Worth the Wait?
We know braces require time, commitment, and patience—but the results are so worth it. Orthodontic treatment does more than straighten teeth. It improves your bite, reduces the risk of future dental issues, and gives you the kind of confident smile that lights up a room. Whether you’re a teen getting braces for the first time or an adult finally ready to invest in yourself, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Parkland Orthodontics: Best Orthodontist Near Me
So, how long do braces take? The answer varies from person to person, but no matter your case, the team at Parkland Orthodontics is here to make the process as smooth, effective, and enjoyable as possible. We combine state-of-the-art technology with a warm, personalized approach that makes you feel like family from day one.
Ready to take the first step toward your new smile? Schedule your free consultation today and find out exactly what your braces timeline will look like. Let’s create the smile you’ve always wanted—together.