How Long Will My Braces Take? The Truth About Orthodontic Treatment Time

How Long Will My Braces Take? The Truth About Orthodontic Treatment Time

8 February 2025

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you’ve probably seen claims about “faster braces” or aligners that promise a perfect smile in just a few months. But how much of this is true?

The reality is that teeth do not know which type of braces your orthodontist is using—whether it’s traditional metal braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners like Invisalign. Tooth movement follows biological processes, and no special appliance can magically make your teeth move faster. In this post, we’ll break down the science behind orthodontic treatment time and help you understand what really determines how long your treatment will take.

How Fast Do Teeth Move?

On average, teeth move at a rate of about 1 millimeter per month. This rate can vary based on several factors:

✅ Type of Orthodontic Appliance:

• Fixed braces (traditional or lingual) often provide more efficient grip on the teeth, allowing for steady movement.
• Clear aligners, while highly effective, may be slightly less efficient at controlling certain tooth movements, making treatment time a bit longer in some cases.

✅ Patient Biology & Age:

• Tooth movement is slightly slower in adults compared to younger patients due to denser bone structure.
• Certain medications, hormonal conditions, or medical factors can also affect the speed of movement.

✅ Treatment Mechanics & Orthodontist Expertise:

• An experienced orthodontist optimizes treatment mechanics to reduce unnecessary movements and ensure efficient progress.
• “Round tripping” (moving teeth in the wrong direction before correcting them) should be avoided as much as possible.

Are Some Braces Really Faster Than Others? The Truth About Marketing Gimmicks

Many companies, especially clear aligner brands and some direct-to-consumer braces providers, use aggressive marketing strategies claiming their treatments are faster than traditional braces. These claims are misleading and lack scientific backing.

🚨 Common misleading claims:

• “Six-month braces” (like Six Month Smiles)
• “Self-ligating braces are faster” (like Damon Braces)
• “Clear aligners work in half the time of braces”

None of these claims are scientifically proven. The only way to reduce treatment time is by compromising results, meaning patients may finish treatment with less-than-ideal tooth positions, unstable results, or long-term bite problems.

Can Anything Speed Up Orthodontic Treatment?

Over the years, researchers and companies have tried various methods to accelerate tooth movement, including:

💡 Vibration Devices & Light Therapy (Biophotomodulation)

• Devices that use vibrations or light stimulation (such as AcceleDent or Propel) claim to speed up treatment.
• However, scientific studies have shown no significant effect on reducing treatment time.

🦷 Surgical Procedures (Corticotomies)

• Minor surgical procedures like corticotomies can temporarily speed up movement.
• However, the reduction in treatment time is only a few weeks or months and comes with higher costs and surgical risks.

The best way to achieve the fastest possible treatment time is to ensure:
✔ Accurate diagnosis at the start of treatment
✔ Using the right appliance for each case (braces, aligners, or lingual braces)
✔ Avoiding unnecessary movements and optimizing biomechanics

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Really Take?

Treatment time varies widely, depending on the complexity of the case:

• Mild cases: 6–12 months
• Moderate cases: 12–24 months
• Complex cases (such as extractions, severe crowding, or bite issues): 18–30+ months

As a general rule:
📌 The more complex the problem, the longer the treatment.
📌 Older patients and those with denser bone may take slightly longer.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Orthodontist, Not the “Fastest” Treatment

While it’s tempting to believe in “fast braces” or “quick aligners,” the truth is that safe and effective orthodontic treatment takes time. The skill of your orthodontist plays a far bigger role in your treatment time than any specific brand of braces.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, choose an experienced orthodontist who prioritizes ideal results and long-term stability over marketing gimmicks.