If you’re worried you’ll be stuck wearing braces for years, take a deep breath—it’s probably not as long as you think. Treatment depends on a few things, and some people finish faster than expected. Let’s walk through what affects the timeline and what you can realistically expect.
Average Duration of Braces Treatment
So, how long do most people actually wear braces? On average, treatment lasts between 18 to 24 months, but it can range anywhere from 12 months to 36 months, depending on the case.
Some people may only need a year of treatment for minor adjustments, while others—especially those with bite issues or significant crowding—might wear braces for up to three years.
If you’ve heard of people wearing braces for 2 years, that’s actually quite common and falls right in the middle of the typical range. It’s helpful to think of braces like a long-term renovation.
The more complex the “fix,” the longer it takes to complete. But rest assured, your orthodontist will create a custom braces treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Factors Influencing Treatment Time
Not all braces journeys are the same. Two people could start treatment on the same day and finish months apart. Why? Because several factors affect how long you’ll need to wear braces.
Severity of Misalignment
If your teeth are only slightly out of place, treatment will usually be faster. But if you have major crowding, spacing issues, or bite problems (like an overbite or underbite), it’ll take longer to shift everything into place.
Your Age
Younger patients often see faster results because their jaws and bones are still developing. Adult braces can take a bit longer—but not always. With consistent care, many adults finish within the same average timeframe.
Type of Braces
Some types of braces work faster than others. For example, traditional metal braces usually move teeth more efficiently than clear aligners. That said, new technologies like Invisalign are catching up and work well for mild to moderate cases.
Patient Compliance
This is a big one. Skipping appointments, breaking brackets, or not wearing your rubber bands can easily delay your progress. On the flip side, following your orthodontist’s instructions can actually help speed things up.
Braces Treatment Timeline by Age Group
Age can play a role in how long braces stay on, but it’s not always the deciding factor. Whether you’re a teen, young adult, or well into your 40s or 50s, treatment is still very possible—it just looks a little different depending on your stage in life.
Children and Teens
Younger patients typically see faster results. That’s because their jawbones are still growing, making teeth easier to move. Most teens wear braces for 18 to 24 months, though some finish sooner if their case is simple.
Young Adults (20s–30s)
At this age, the bones are fully developed, but tooth movement is still relatively efficient. Treatment time often falls within the average 18–30 month range. Adults in this bracket often choose ceramic braces or Invisalign for a more discreet look.
Mature Adults (40s and up)
Orthodontic treatment is still effective in this age group—it may just take a little longer, especially if there are pre-existing dental concerns like bone loss or missing teeth.
Dental braces for adults take for 20 to 35 months, depending on the complexity of their case and their commitment to treatment. Whether you’re 15 or 55, the key to a smooth treatment is consistency. Braces don’t discriminate by age—they just follow your biology.
Types of Braces and Their Impact on Treatment Time
Not all braces are created equal—some work faster, some are more discreet, and some offer more comfort. The type of braces you choose directly influences how long your treatment takes.
Traditional Metal Braces
These are the most common and typically the most efficient. Since they’re fixed and allow for strong, consistent pressure, they often lead to shorter treatment times—especially for more complex cases.
Estimated time: 18–24 months
Best for: Efficiency and complex orthodontic issues
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces function similarly to metal ones but are less noticeable thanks to tooth-colored brackets. However, because they’re slightly more fragile, your orthodontist might move teeth more gradually to avoid breakage, which can extend treatment slightly.
Estimated time: 18–30 months
Best for: A balance of aesthetics and effectiveness
Lingual Braces
These are attached to the back of your teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. While discreet, they can be more difficult to adjust and may take longer to deliver results.
Estimated time: 24–36 months
Best for: Patients prioritizing aesthetics who are okay with a longer timeline
Invisalign (Clear Aligners)
Invisalign is the go-to clear aligner system for adults who want a subtle, removable option. Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of transparent trays custom-made to move your teeth gradually.
While Invisalign can be just as effective as traditional braces for mild to moderate cases, its success heavily depends on how disciplined you are about wearing the aligners consistently.
Estimated time: 12–24 months
Best for: Adults who want a nearly invisible treatment and are committed to following instructions
Shortening Your Braces Treatment Time
Nobody wants to wear braces longer than they have to—and the good news is, there are things you can do to stay on track (and sometimes even finish early). While your orthodontist sets the overall plan, your daily habits play a surprisingly big role in how long treatment actually takes.
Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
Whether it’s wearing rubber bands, using aligner chewies, or sticking to appointment schedules, small things make a big difference. Ignoring these instructions can easily add weeks—or even months—to your treatment.
Keep Up with Oral Hygiene
Brushing, flossing, and cleaning around brackets or aligners isn’t just about preventing cavities. Good hygiene keeps your gums healthy, which is key to efficient tooth movement.
Avoid Breaking Brackets or Skipping Appointments
Each time a bracket pops off or you miss a check-up, your progress stalls. Treat your braces like an investment—every time you delay, you’re just adding more time to the journey.
Choose the Right Type of Braces for Your Case
If speed is your top priority, traditional metal braces tend to work faster than other options, especially for more complex cases. Invisalign can be just as effective—but only if worn consistently.
Life After Braces: Retention Phase
Just because your braces come off doesn’t mean the journey’s over. In fact, the next phase—retention—is what keeps your smile looking great long-term. After all that time and effort, the last thing you want is for your teeth to shift back.
What Is the Retention Phase?
After braces, your teeth are still a bit unstable. The surrounding bone and gums need time to “lock in” the new positions. That’s where retainers come in—they hold your teeth in place while everything settles.
You’ll likely wear a retainer full-time for a few months, then gradually shift to nighttime use. Your orthodontist will give you a custom plan, depending on how your teeth responded to treatment.
Why Skipping the Retainer Isn’t Worth It
Skipping or losing your retainer is one of the top reasons people end up back in braces years later. Retainers may not be the most exciting part of the process—but they’re the reason your results stick.
Types of Retainers
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to retainers. Your orthodontist will recommend the best type based on your treatment and lifestyle. Here are the most common options:
Removable Retainers
These are the most common type, especially after Invisalign or traditional braces. They’re usually made of clear plastic (like Essix retainers) or a combination of acrylic and wire (Hawley retainers).
You’ll typically wear them full-time for the first few months, then only at night once your orthodontist gives the green light.
Pros: Easy to clean, less noticeable (especially the clear ones), and can be removed when needed.
Cons: Easy to lose or damage if you’re not careful, and you need to remember to wear them consistently.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed (or permanent) retainers are small wires bonded to the back of your front teeth—usually on the lower arch, sometimes both. You can’t take them out, which means they’re always doing their job.
Pros: No need to remember to wear it, hidden from view, and excellent for preventing teeth from shifting—especially if your teeth were very crowded before treatment.
Cons: Trickier to clean around, and they can come loose if you bite into something too hard.
Key Takeaways
Dental braces take effect depending on several factors. Everybody is unique with different circumstances. But to recap, here’s how the type of brace affects how long you have to wear dental braces.
- Traditional braces: 18–24 months
- Ceramic braces: 24–36 months
- Lingual braces: 24–36 months
- Invisalign: 12–24 months
If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Bellevue, Dr. Moon and our team are here to help you get the smile you’ve been looking for. Book a free consultation with us today!
