How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take? What to Expect From Braces and Invisalign
By Dr. Brad Santelli, DDS, CAGS | Vista Orthodontics
One of the first questions patients ask when considering orthodontic treatment is, “How long will it take to straighten my teeth?”
Whether you are a parent exploring braces for your child, a teenager looking forward to a straighter smile, or an adult who has finally decided to improve your smile, understanding the expected treatment timeline is an important part of planning your orthodontic journey.
The good news is that modern orthodontics offers several treatment options designed to correct crooked teeth, improve bite alignment, and create beautiful, healthy smiles.
However, there is no single treatment timeline that applies to everyone.
Some patients have relatively simple alignment concerns that can be corrected in a shorter period of time. Others may need more comprehensive orthodontic treatment to address crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, or other bite problems.
At Vista Orthodontics, our expert doctors and our orthodontic team believe that patients should understand what to expect before beginning treatment. Let’s explore how long braces and Invisalign typically take, what factors influence treatment time, and how you can help keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
How Long Do Braces Usually Take?
For many patients, comprehensive orthodontic treatment with traditional braces takes approximately 18 to 24 months.
However, treatment can be shorter or longer depending on the individual situation.
For example, a patient who needs relatively minor tooth alignment may require less time than someone with significant crowding, bite problems, or more complicated tooth movements.
Several factors help determine how long braces will take:
- The severity of tooth crowding or spacing.
- Whether the upper and lower jaws need to be coordinated.
- The amount of tooth movement required.
- Whether bite correction is necessary.
- The patient’s age and dental development.
- How consistently the patient follows treatment instructions.
- Whether brackets or wires are repeatedly damaged.
During your initial consultation, an orthodontist can examine your teeth and bite and provide an estimated treatment timeline based on your specific needs.
It is important to remember that the goal is not simply to finish treatment as quickly as possible. The goal is to achieve an appropriate, healthy, and stable result.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to gradually move teeth into their planned positions.
For many patients, treatment takes approximately 12 to 24 months, although simpler cases may take less time and more complex cases may take longer.
One of the biggest factors influencing Invisalign treatment time is patient compliance.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. Patients generally need to wear them approximately 20 to 22 hours per day, following their orthodontist’s instructions.
Removing aligners too frequently or forgetting to wear them can interfere with the planned tooth movements and potentially extend treatment.
Patients should also attend their scheduled orthodontic appointments so that progress can be evaluated and any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan can be made.
Invisalign can be an excellent option for many adults and teenagers who want a more discreet way to straighten their teeth.
However, the appropriate treatment depends on the complexity of the orthodontic problem, not simply the patient’s preference for clear aligners.
Does Invisalign Work Faster Than Traditional Braces?
This is a common misconception.
Some patients believe Invisalign is always faster because it uses advanced digital technology and a series of custom aligners.
Others assume braces work faster because they remain attached to the teeth throughout treatment.
In reality, neither treatment is universally faster.
Treatment time depends on the type of tooth movement required, the complexity of the bite correction, and how well the patient follows the treatment plan.
For certain cases, Invisalign may offer an efficient treatment approach. For others, traditional braces may provide better control over the necessary movements.
The best treatment is the one that can appropriately address your individual orthodontic needs.
At Vista Orthodontics, we offer multiple treatment options so that patients can explore the approach that best fits their smile goals and lifestyle.
Seven Factors That Affect How Long Orthodontic Treatment Takes
Why can one patient finish braces in a relatively short period while another patient needs considerably more time?
There are several important reasons.
1. The Amount of Crowding
Mildly crooked teeth may require less movement than severely crowded teeth.
When there is significant crowding, the orthodontist must carefully plan how to position the teeth and create a balanced, functional bite.
2. Bite Problems
Correcting an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can add complexity to treatment.
Moving teeth into straight positions is only part of orthodontics. The upper and lower teeth also need to fit together appropriately.
3. The Type of Orthodontic Treatment
Traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, gold braces, and clear aligners all offer different approaches to correcting orthodontic problems.
The most appropriate appliance depends on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment goals.
4. Patient Cooperation
Following orthodontic instructions is extremely important.
For patients wearing Invisalign, this means wearing aligners for the prescribed number of hours each day.
For patients wearing braces, it means avoiding foods that can damage brackets and wires and maintaining good oral hygiene.
5. Missed Appointments
Regular orthodontic visits allow the orthodontist to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
Repeatedly missing appointments can delay treatment and make it more difficult to stay on schedule.
6. Broken Brackets or Damaged Appliances
Broken brackets, loose wires, and damaged orthodontic appliances can interrupt treatment.
Following food recommendations and contacting your orthodontic office when an appliance problem occurs can help minimize unnecessary delays.
7. Individual Biological Differences
Everyone’s teeth and supporting structures respond to orthodontic forces somewhat differently.
This is one reason treatment timelines are estimates rather than guarantees.
Does Age Affect How Long Braces Take?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful for children, teenagers, and adults.
However, age and dental development can influence the type and timing of treatment.
Children: Some children benefit from early orthodontic treatment while their jaws are still developing. Other children are better monitored until more permanent teeth have erupted.
Teenagers: Many teenagers begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment once enough permanent teeth are present. This is a common time for braces or Invisalign Teen treatment.
Adults: Adults can achieve excellent orthodontic improvements as well. Treatment time depends on the individual orthodontic problem rather than age alone.
It is never too late to explore whether orthodontic treatment may improve your smile.
Can You Make Braces Work Faster?
Patients frequently ask whether there is anything they can do to shorten their treatment time.
While there is no safe shortcut that guarantees faster tooth movement, there are several things you can do to help keep treatment on schedule.
Here are some of the most important:
- Follow all orthodontic instructions.
- Wear Invisalign aligners as directed.
- Avoid foods that can break brackets or damage appliances.
- Brush and floss consistently.
- Keep all scheduled orthodontic appointments.
- Contact your orthodontic office if a bracket breaks or an appliance becomes damaged.
- Wear elastics as prescribed, if they are part of your treatment.
- Follow your orthodontist’s recommendations regarding oral hygiene and appliance care.
Patients who are consistent and responsible throughout treatment can help prevent many avoidable delays.
Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Sometimes Longer Than Expected?
It is understandable to feel disappointed when treatment takes longer than originally anticipated.
However, there are legitimate reasons an orthodontist may recommend additional treatment time.
Sometimes the teeth need more movement than initially anticipated. In other cases, additional time may be needed to refine the bite or improve the final positioning of individual teeth.
Patients using Invisalign may also require additional aligners, sometimes called refinement aligners, to complete planned movements.
The important thing is to understand that orthodontics is not a race.
Finishing treatment before the teeth and bite are ready can compromise the quality of the result.
Your orthodontist should explain any changes to the expected timeline and why additional treatment may be beneficial.
What Happens After Your Braces or Invisalign Treatment Is Finished?
Completing orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone, but there is one more important step: retention.
After braces are removed or Invisalign treatment is completed, teeth can naturally shift over time.
This happens because the tissues surrounding the teeth need time to adapt to their new positions, and teeth can continue to move throughout life.
Retainers help maintain the results achieved during orthodontic treatment.
Depending on your needs, your orthodontist may recommend removable retainers, permanent retainers, or a combination of both.
Following your retainer instructions is essential to protecting the investment you have made in your smile.
Why Choose Vista Orthodontics for Braces or Invisalign?
Choosing an orthodontic practice is an important decision.
You want a team that understands your treatment goals, offers appropriate treatment options, explains your progress, and helps you feel comfortable throughout your orthodontic experience.
Award Winning and Renowned Orthodontist Dr. Brad Santelli founded Vista Orthodontics and brings more than 20 years of orthodontic experience to the practices. The professional experience of Dr. Santelli, Dr. Claudia Succar and Dr. Marco Irimia is unparalleled. In fact, Dr. Santelli has treated over 25,000 patients with a wide variety of orthodontic needs. Dr. Brad Santelli was a Top 1% Worldwide Invisalign Diamond Preferred Doctor for over 15 years.
Vista Orthodontics offers several treatment options, including:
- Traditional metal braces.
- Clear ceramic braces.
- Gold braces.
- Invisalign clear aligners.
- Other orthodontic solutions based on individual needs.
Our practice is proud to have earned more than 2,000 5-Star patient reviews and to have been selected as a Top Orthodontist by The Guide to Florida for 2026.
With 8 Florida office locations serving communities throughout Southeast and Southwest Florida, we make it convenient for children, teenagers, and adults to explore orthodontic treatment.
We believe every patient deserves a personalized treatment plan and an understanding of what to expect throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Treatment Time
How long do most people wear braces?
Many comprehensive braces treatments take approximately 18 to 24 months. However, the actual time depends on the severity of the orthodontic problem and the movements required.
Can braces straighten teeth in six months?
Some patients with limited alignment concerns may qualify for shorter treatment. However, six-month treatment is not appropriate for everyone, particularly when bite correction or more comprehensive tooth movement is needed.
Does Invisalign take longer than braces?
Not necessarily. Treatment time depends on the individual case and patient cooperation. Invisalign can be efficient for many orthodontic problems, while braces may be preferable for others.
What happens if I don’t wear my Invisalign aligners enough?
If you do not wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time, your teeth may not follow the planned movements. This can delay treatment or require changes to the treatment plan.
Do adults take longer to straighten their teeth?
Not necessarily. Adult orthodontic treatment time depends primarily on the complexity of the dental and bite problems being corrected, rather than age alone.
Can I finish orthodontic treatment earlier than expected?
Sometimes. Treatment estimates can change as teeth respond to orthodontic forces. However, treatment should only be completed when the orthodontist determines that the desired result has been appropriately achieved.
Do I need a retainer after braces?
Yes. Retainers help maintain the alignment achieved during orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will explain the appropriate type of retainer and wear schedule.
Ready to Start Your Smile Transformation?
If you have been thinking about braces or Invisalign, one of the best ways to get answers is to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
At Vista Orthodontics, our expert orthodontists and our amazing team can evaluate your smile, explain your treatment options, and provide an estimated timeline based on your individual orthodontic needs.
Whether you are considering treatment for yourself or your child, we would love the opportunity to help.
Visit www.vistaortho.com to learn more about our practice and schedule your FREE Consultation.
Vista Orthodontics — We Create Perfect Smiles.
Educational information only. Treatment times are estimates and vary based on individual orthodontic needs. An examination is necessary to establish an appropriate treatment plan.
About Dr. Brad Santelli
Dr. Brad Santelli, DDS, CAGS, is the founder and COO of Vista Orthodontics and has more than 20 years of experience providing orthodontic care to children, teenagers, and adults throughout Florida. Prior to starting Vista Orthodontics, Dr. Santelli founded and owned some of the largest and most successful orthodontic practices in Florida.
Vista Orthodontics is proud of their thousands of 5-Star patient reviews and 5-Star rating as well as their recognition, including the 2026 Best Orthodontist selection by The Guide to Florida and 2026 America’s Best Dentist in the specialty of orthodontics by the National Consumer Advisory Board.