What’s the Typical Duration of Braces or Aligners?

Orthodontic treatment duration differs from patient to patient, but most people wear braces or clear aligners for 12 to 36 months. The duration depends on multiple factors, including the severity of dental misalignment, the how mature their jaw structure is, and their compliance with instructions. Younger patients often experience quicker progress because their jaws are still developing, making tooth repositioning more responsive. Mature individuals may require a longer timeframe due to immature bone density, yet many still attain outstanding outcomes.



Mild alignment issues, such as slightly crooked teeth or tiny gaps between teeth, may be corrected in 6 to 12 months. More complex conditions, including extreme tooth overlap, excessive upper tooth coverage, 表参道 歯並び矯正 underbites, or skeletal discrepancies, often require two or more years of active correction.



Which appliance is selected also influences duration. Standard bracket systems tend to produce faster corrections for major alignment needs, while invisible trays may require extended wear time depending on how consistently they’re worn. To remain on track, patients should keep them in for at least 20–22 hours per day.



Once the main treatment phase concludes, patients transition into the retention period. This phase requires wearing a retainer to lock teeth in place. Initially, retainers are typically worn constantly for the first 3–6 months, then worn just while sleeping. Failing to use a retainer risks undoing the progress made, effectively nullifying the treatment outcome.



Scheduled appointments every one to two months are vital to assess movement and fine-tune appliances. Keeping teeth clean and steering clear of damaging snacks minimizes setbacks. Patients who skip scheduled visits or ignore instructions often add months to their schedule.



Ultimately isn’t simply to achieve a cosmetic fix, but to ensure lifelong dental harmony. Dedication and discipline are fundamental to success. Your orthodontist will offer a personalized timeline based on your individual goals, and closely following their recommendations is the surest route to an outstanding outcome.