If you are planning your smile journey, it helps to know what the timeline looks like. At Evolution Orthodontics, we map out your treatment from day one, so you understand how long braces or Invisalign® might take, what happens at each stage, and what can influence speed. Whether you are a parent planning for your child or an adult considering a discreet option, this guide will give you a clear picture.
The Short Answer: How Long Will Braces Take?
Most braces treatments take 12 to 24 months. Some simple alignment cases can finish in 6 to 12 months, while complex bite corrections can take 24 to 30 months. The exact time depends on your bite, the movements required, and how consistently you follow instructions, such as wearing elastics.
For clear aligners like Invisalign®, timelines often fall within 6 to 18 months for mild to moderate needs, and 18 to 24 months for more complex cases. The aligner count and change-over frequency will be set by your Specialist Orthodontist after a full assessment.
If you are wondering which option is faster, the truth is that speed relies more on case complexity and your compliance than the appliance itself. Both braces and Invisalign® can be highly efficient when planned and monitored carefully.
Do Braces Take Longer for Adults?
Not necessarily. Adults can achieve excellent results within similar timeframes to teens, especially for alignment and mild bite correction. Adults do have slower bone remodelling compared with growing children, so complex bite changes or cases needing jaw modification may take a little longer.
Growth guidance and early intervention are advantages for kids and teens, which is why some treatments are staged across growth years. Still, adults who follow instructions closely, maintain great oral hygiene, and attend appointments on time often finish right on schedule.
If you are considering treatment as an adult, our team will tailor your plan to your goals and lifestyle. We offer discreet options such as ceramic braces and Invisalign®, along with flexible appointment times to fit work and family life.
The Orthodontic Timeline: From First Visit to Retainers
Understanding the stages helps you stay on track and feel confident about progress.
- Initial consultation, records, and planning: We assess your teeth, bite, and jaw relationships. We use photos, scans, and X-rays where appropriate. You will receive a clear plan, including estimated duration, expected steps, and costs.
- Appliance start:
- Braces: Brackets and wires are placed, and we review care instructions and diet tips.
- Invisalign®: You receive your first aligners, fit checks, and attachments if needed. We show you how to insert and remove aligners and how to care for them.
- Active treatment:
- Braces: Adjustment appointments are usually every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Invisalign®: Review visits are typically every 6 to 10 weeks. You will change aligners at home every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed.
- Refinements: Minor fine tuning may be needed after the main movements. This could involve additional aligners or a short detailing phase with braces.
- Debond or final aligner: This is the exciting day your teeth are in their new positions.
- Retainers: Retention is essential. You will receive a retainer plan designed to keep your result stable. At first, you will wear retainers full time or nightly as advised. Over time, this might reduce, but long-term night wear is recommended to protect your new smile.
What Can Speed Up or Slow Down Treatment?
A few key factors can shorten or extend your timeline:
- Case complexity: Crowding, spacing, impacted teeth, open bites, and significant overbites or underbites may require more time.
- Growth: Younger patients sometimes benefit from growth, which can make certain bite corrections more efficient.
- Appliance care:
- Braces: Protecting brackets and wires, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and using elastics exactly as instructed will keep progress steady.
- Invisalign®: Wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours per day is critical. Skipping wear or removing aligners for long periods will slow or reverse movement.
- Oral hygiene: Healthy gums respond better. Inflammation can delay adjustments and may pause treatment if we need to restore gum health first.
- Appointment attendance: Regular reviews allow precise, timely adjustments. Missed or delayed visits usually extend timelines.
- Lifestyle factors: Nail biting, pen chewing, or clenching can interfere with movement.
Braces vs Clear Aligners: Which Is Faster for You?
- Mild crowding or spacing: Clear aligners and braces often have similar timelines. Aligners can be very efficient when worn as directed.
- Moderate to complex corrections: Braces may provide more direct control, though Invisalign® with attachments and elastics can handle many complex cases as well.
- Compliance: If you prefer a fixed system that does not rely on daily wear choices, braces might help you stay consistent. If you are confident with aligner wear time and want flexibility for eating and brushing, aligners could be ideal.
Adults vs Children: Tailored Plans
- Children: Early assessments allow us to identify growth patterns and time treatment well. Some children benefit from an early phase to guide jaw development, followed by a later braces or aligner phase in the teen years.
- Teens: Growth can assist with bite correction, and school schedules can be supported with flexible appointments.
- Adults: Discreet options and efficient workflows are key. Adults often prefer clear ceramic braces or Invisalign® for aesthetics. Treatment planning emphasises comfort, predictability, and the shortest path to your outcome.
If you want to explore treatment options for your family, you can learn more about braces for kids and braces for teens on our site, or book a free consultation to get your personalised plan.
Technology and Care That Keep You On Track
At Evolution Orthodontics, you will see a Specialist Orthodontist who uses modern planning tools and gentle techniques. We focus on clear communication, comfort, and predictable movement. Flexible appointment times, including evenings, make it easier to maintain regular visits without disrupting work or study.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Most braces treatments take 12 to 24 months, and Invisalign® can take 6 to 24 months depending on complexity.
- Adults do not always take longer than teens. Timelines depend on the movements required, biology, and compliance.
- You can speed up treatment by wearing aligners as directed, using elastics consistently, protecting your braces, keeping excellent oral hygiene, and attending appointments on time.
- Retainers are essential to protect your result after treatment.
Your ideal smile starts with a personalised plan. Book a free consultation at Evolution Orthodontics in Blacktown or Dubbo, meet with a Specialist Orthodontist, and get a clear timeline tailored to you. We are here to make your journey comfortable, predictable, and rewarding.