How long do braces take?

Page updated October 14, 2026. Medically reviewed by Dr. Abraham Thomas and Dr. Jennifer Loucks-Buren.

Most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Mild crowding or spacing can take 8 to 12 months, while complex bite problems can take two or three years. Getting the braces put on is a single visit, usually the longest appointment of treatment, and a retainer comes afterward.

How long braces take

Healthline puts the average at 1 to 3 years (Healthline). Your orthodontist estimates your own timeline after the exam (AAO).

The full braces timeline

1. Consultation. The orthodontist examines your teeth, jaws and bite and takes X-rays or scans (AAO), then explains the plan, the estimated length of treatment and the cost (AAO). Many AAO orthodontists offer low-cost or free consultations (AAO).
2. Spacers, if needed. Small separators go between the back teeth about a week before bands are placed (AAO); see orthodontic spacers.
3. Braces on. The fitting visit is usually the longest appointment of treatment (AAO).
4. Adjustments. Every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the stage (AAO); the AAO's treatment guide says visits are typically every six to ten weeks (AAO). Elastics or power chains may be added along the way.
5. Braces off. When your teeth and bite are where they should be.
6. Retainer. Full time for a few months, then at night indefinitely (AAO).

How long it takes to get braces on

Putting braces on happens in one visit, which the AAO says will likely be the longest of your treatment (AAO). Cleveland Clinic says placing clear braces usually takes 1 to 2 hours (Cleveland Clinic). If you need spacers, they go in about a week earlier (AAO). How long from consultation to braces on depends on the practice's schedule and whether you need other dental work first; ask when you book.

What happens at adjustment visits

As your teeth move, the resistance changes, so the orthodontist adjusts things to keep the pressure right: tightening or replacing the archwire, adjusting bands or elastics, and making other changes as planned (AAO). At each visit they also check your progress and the health of your teeth and gums (AAO). Most people feel some pressure or tenderness for a few days afterward (AAO); see do braces hurt?

How long braces feel sore

Discomfort comes in short bursts rather than for the whole treatment. The AAO's pain guide says soreness is strongest in the first 24 to 48 hours after braces go on or are adjusted (AAO), and most people notice pressure or tenderness for a few days (AAO). Pain that doesn't improve after a few days isn't expected; call your orthodontist (AAO).

What affects how long braces take

• The problem itself. Straightforward crowding or spacing moves faster than a bite or jaw discrepancy (AAO), and treating a bite, such as an open bite, underbite or crossbite, can take longer than straightening teeth alone (Healthline).
• How crowded the teeth are. Some cases need teeth removed to make room (Healthline).
• Extra appliances. Rubber bands, palatal expanders and headgear are part of some plans; following the instructions for them keeps you on track (Healthline).
• Age. Adult teeth are more firmly set in the jaw (AAO).
• You. Wearing elastics as prescribed and keeping appointments keeps treatment on schedule (AAO).

Does the type of braces change the time?

Neither braces nor aligners have a built-in speed advantage; your case and how consistently you follow instructions matter more (AAO). Healthline mentions a 2019 study in which aligner patients finished sooner, but they also had less severe problems (Healthline). More on types of braces and how long Invisalign takes.

Adults vs kids and teens

Treatment can take longer for adults than for children or teens, because adult teeth are more firmly set in the jaw and it takes more time and pressure to move them (AAO) (AAO). Cleveland Clinic says the best time for braces is generally between ages 9 and 14, while the jaws are still growing (Cleveland Clinic). See adult braces and braces for kids and teens.

What makes braces take longer

• Broken brackets and wires. Sticky, hard and crunchy foods, such as candy, gum, raw vegetables and popcorn, can break braces and add time (Healthline); a loose bracket can set things back (AAO). See eating with braces.
• Skipped elastics or missed visits (AAO).
• Cavities or gum problems mid-treatment; keep seeing your dentist for cleanings (AAO).
• Fixing things yourself. Don't try to repair broken braces; see your orthodontist (Healthline).

Can you speed things up? Not safely on your own. Removing braces too early can undo the correction, because the bone needs time to set (Healthline). If a life event matters to you, such as a wedding or graduation, tell your orthodontist; they may be able to plan around it (Healthline).

Wondering about add-ons that promise faster treatment, such as vibration devices or laser light? See accelerated orthodontics for what the research found.

Do's and don'ts to finish on time

Source: Healthline. A mouthguard for sports protects your braces and your mouth (Healthline).

Why the time is worth it

Braces do more than straighten teeth. Healthline lists a healthy bite, easier chewing and swallowing, protection for flared front teeth that are prone to injury, a lower risk of cavities, gum disease and jaw problems, help with some speech problems, and a confidence boost (Healthline). Cleveland Clinic adds that properly aligned teeth are easier to clean (Cleveland Clinic).

After braces: how long you wear a retainer

Ideally, forever. Most people wear a retainer full time for a few months, then at night indefinitely, because teeth always tend to shift back (AAO). Compare types of retainers.

Does longer treatment cost more?

Usually. The AAO names the duration of treatment as one of the main factors in the price of braces (AAO). Our braces cost calculator places complex cases higher in the published range for that reason.