How long do braces take to work? Find out here

If you're considering getting braces or have recently undergone treatment, one of your constant questions revolves around how long it takes for braces to work. Well, there is no one answer for this: The duration of treatment with braces depends on several factors, including how severe the misalignment is, the type of braces chosen, and how compliant you are with the orthodontist's instructions.

This guide dissects everything about how long braces take to show results, the factors that influence treatment time, and ways to speed up the process.

Understanding braces treatment duration: What's the average timeline?

Most orthodontic patients wear braces for an average of 18 to 24 months, but a variation exists. Patients with mild misalignment problems may see results as soon as 6 to 12 months, whereas more complex situations (like severe crowding, overbites, or jaw misalignment) can require 2 to 3 years or more.

Braces progress timeline: what to expect at each stage

First few weeks: Initial adjustments

You may feel pressure and mild discomfort as your teeth start shifting.
Small gaps might appear as teeth gradually move into alignment.

3-6 Months: The initial stage of visible changes

Straightening becomes more visible, especially with front teeth.
Less crowding or space improves.

6-12 Months: Considerable progress

Teeth align more noticeably as your bite begins to make every change.
If you used to have protruding teeth, they will begin to move forward.

12-24 Months: Fine-tuning the bite

Last Orthodontic Adjustment Stage
Rubber bands or other accessories may be needed to correct some problems in the bite.

Post-treatment retaining results

Retainers are there to keep teeth from moving after braces are removed.
Wearing retainers as directed is crucial for long-term success.

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Key factors affecting: How long does it take to work?

Different factors affect the duration of braces treatment and make each individual's experience different.

Severity of dental misalignment

Minor Cases (Small gaps or slight crowding): 6-12 months.
Moderate Cases (A little crooked or spaced): 12-18 months.
Severe Cases (Overbites, underbites, crossbites, or extreme crowding): 24-36 months.

Age & biological response

Children & Teens: Faster response due to more jaw growth, which allows easier teeth movement.
Adults: Longer treatments due to dense bone structures.

Use of different braces

Traditional Metal Braces: Most common; normally 18 to 24 months.
Ceramic: Less visible, but may take slightly longer due to less force.
Lingual: Custom-fitted behind teeth, often for longer treatment.
Clear Aligners: 4-18 months for mild and moderate cases.

Patient-centered compliance & habits

Adding Rubber Bands & Appliances: Skipping them can delay other stages of treatment.
Appointment Keeping: Missing adjustments will slow the overall treatment.
Hygiene: Poor oral care can lead to gum disease, delaying treatment.

Diet & lifestyle choices

Avoidance of Hard/Sticky Foods: Prevents bracket breakages and delays.
Habits, including teeth grinding and nail biting, can detract from tooth movement.

How long do braces take to show visible results?

Most patients see significant changes from about 3 to 6 months, especially in the anterior teeth. However, total correction, including the final bite alignment, usually takes longer.

What to expect during the first year?

Stage One: Teeth start shifting, some minor gaps may form or close; first 3 Months
Stage Two: Teeth look straighter, especially in visible areas; 6 months in
Stage Three: Considerable straightening of misaligned teeth typically occurs by the end of year 1, followed by bite adjustments.

Final stages of treatment

In the last 6 to 12 months, the focus has shifted to fine-tuning your tooth alignment and bite.
Your orthodontist might use elastics, springs, or other appliances to make final adjustments.

Fastest braces options: Can you speed up treatment?

The fastest options to consider in straightening teeth include:

Accelerated orthodontics

AcceleDent or Propel: It uses gentle vibrations to stimulate bone remodeling and shorten the treatment time by 30-50%.
Wilckodontics (PAOO): A simple surgical procedure is performed to soften the bone, allowing the teeth to move more quickly.

Self-ligating braces (Damon braces)

Using a sliding mechanism instead of elastic ties in braces reduces friction.
This can shorten the overall treatment duration by 3 to 6 months than traditional braces.

High-power adjustments

Using stronger wires and power chains provides more force for a quicker movement.

Tips to make braces work faster

Follow all the orthodontic instructions

Wear rubber bands or aligners according to prescription.
Attend every adjustment appointment.

Maintain excellent oral hygiene

Brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease, which can delay treatment.

Avoid damaging foods

Popcorn, hard candy, chewing gum, and ice must not be eaten to prevent broken brackets.

Think about supplements

Ask your orthodontist about accelerated options like AcceleDent.

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Patience leads to the best results

While everyone expects fast results, braces plod along at the pace the teeth and jaws permit. Most treatments typically take about 1.5 to 2 years; however, options like self-ligating braces and accelerated orthodontics may help shorten that timeframe.

The bottom line? Consistency in care, adherence to your orthodontist's orders, and proper oral hygiene. Before long, you'll be sporting a perfect smile!

FAQs

How quickly do teeth move with braces? +

Teeth shifting may begin within weeks, but discernible changes are usually noted after 3-6 months, depending on factors that include age, type of treatment, and level of compliance.

What is the shortest time for braces? +

The minimum orthodontic treatment time is six months in cases of minor adjustments to braces, such as spacing and slight crowding. Most cases of orthodontic treatment take anywhere from 12 to 24 months.

How fast do you see results with braces? +

With the front teeth mainly, any visible change will often show between 3-6 months, while "final" adjustments to alignment and bite may take a long time.

How long before braces stop hurting? +

Discomfort usually lasts 3-7 days after each adjustment. A few over-the-counter pain relievers or soft foods may temporarily ease discomfort. Most patients with braces find they have comfortably adjusted within 1-2 weeks after getting braces.

References

American Association of Orthodontists. Adult Orthodontics

(https://www3.aaoinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Adult_Orthodontics15-cons-hl-1.pdf). Accessed 1/13/2023.

American Dental Association. Braces

(https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces). Accessed 1/13/2023.

American Dental Association. Chewing Gum

(https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum). Accessed 1/13/2023.

Lin E, Julien K, Kesterke M, Buschang PH. Differences in finished case quality between Invisalign and traditional fixed appliances (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). Angle Orthod. 2022 Mar 1;92(2):173-179. Accessed 1/13/2023.

How long do braces take to work?