Most people wear braces for 12 to 36 months, but the exact timeline depends on your unique case. If your teeth only need mild adjustments, treatment can wrap up in as little as a year. But for more complex alignment or bite issues, braces may stay on for up to three years.
Your orthodontist will design a plan that’s specific to your needs—so the best way to know how long it’ll take is to come in for a consultation. At Washington Orthodontics, we use digital imaging and precision diagnostics to give you a realistic estimate before treatment begins.
What Affects How Long Braces Take?
The timeline for braces isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors can influence how quickly your teeth move and how long you’ll need to wear braces:
Complexity of Your Case (Crowding vs. Bite Issues)
If you have a slight gap between your front teeth, your treatment might only take 12–18 months. But if you have a deep overbite or rotated teeth, it could extend to 24–36 months. The more movement your teeth need, the longer it takes.
Type of Braces You Choose (Metal, Clear, or Hidden)
Traditional metal braces tend to work the fastest because they’re strong and apply constant pressure. Clear aligners like Invisalign are great for mild to moderate cases, but only if worn 20–22 hours a day.
If you remove them often, your timeline stretches. And while lingual braces (braces placed behind the teeth) are discreet, they often require extra time due to limited leverage.
Age and Growth Stage (Teens vs. Adults)
A 14-year-old with mild crowding may finish treatment in 18 months because their jaw is still growing. An adult with the same case might take closer to 24 months since their bones are fully developed. Younger patients usually have a biological advantage.
Treatment Consistency (Missed Appointments, Broken Brackets)
Example: Let’s say your estimated timeline is 20 months—but you miss a few visits or break your brackets by eating sticky candy. Those delays can easily add 2–4 extra months to your plan. Sticking to your checkups and care instructions can keep things on schedule (or even shorten your timeline).
Average Braces Timeline by Case Type
While your orthodontist will give you a custom treatment plan, here’s a general idea of how long braces take depending on the issue being corrected:
| Condition | Estimated Timeframe |
| Mild crowding or spacing | 6–12 months |
| Moderate alignment issues | 12–24 months |
| Severe bite problems | 24–36 months |
Example Scenarios:
- Mild case: Someone with a small gap between their front teeth could be done in as little as 9 months.
- Moderate case: A patient with overlapping front teeth and minor bite misalignment may need closer to 18–20 months.
- Severe case: Someone with a deep overbite, significant crowding, or jaw misalignment might need 2–3 years of treatment.
These timelines also depend on factors like age, compliance, and how your teeth respond to movement. Braces work in phases—and some teeth move faster than others.
Can I Make Braces Work Faster?
Yes! While you can’t rush biology, you can speed up your treatment by staying consistent and taking good care of your braces.
Tips to Help You Stay on Track (or Even Finish Sooner):
- Don’t skip appointments: Your orthodontist needs to make regular adjustments. Delaying checkups can delay progress.
- Follow all instructions: Wearing rubber bands? Using aligner trays? Stick to the plan—missing even a few days can push your timeline back.
- Avoid breaking brackets or wires: Hard or sticky foods can cause damage. Every repair visit adds time to your treatment.
- Keep your teeth clean: Inflamed gums and plaque buildup can slow down tooth movement. Good oral hygiene = smoother progress.
When Will I Start Seeing the Results of Braces?
Most patients begin to see small changes within the first 4–6 weeks of wearing braces. Your teeth might look slightly straighter, or that stubborn gap may start to close. These early shifts are a good sign that things are moving in the right direction.
What to Expect Over Time:
- 1–2 months: Subtle movement—mostly in the front teeth.
- 3–6 months: Noticeable alignment, especially in less crowded areas.
- 6–12 months: Major progress in both alignment and bite correction.
- 12+ months: Final fine-tuning and bite adjustments.
Keep in mind, progress varies. Some teeth move quickly, others are more stubborn. Don’t worry if things seem slow at first—it’s all part of the process.
Start Your Braces Journey in Bellevue
Whether you’re dealing with mild crowding or a complex bite issue, our team at Washington Orthodontics is here to guide you every step of the way. Dr. Thomas Moon creates personalized treatment plans to help patients of all ages get the smile they’ve been waiting for—on a timeline that fits their needs.
From your first consultation to the final adjustment, we’ll walk you through the entire process and answer every question along the way. Get a free consultation today!
