If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, one of the first questions you probably have is: How long will it take? Whether you’re considering traditional braces or Invisalign, the timeline can vary widely based on your specific smile goals, age, and treatment type.
At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we know timing matters — especially for busy adults, working professionals, or teens managing school schedules. So let’s break down what goes into your orthodontic timeline, what’s typical, and how we help you stay on track for great results with as little delay as possible.
Average Length of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment generally falls within these timeframes:
- Mild alignment cases — 6 to 12 months
- Moderate crowding or spacing — 12 to 18 months
- Comprehensive treatment (bite correction, jaw alignment, etc.) — 18 to 30 months
These timelines apply to both braces and Invisalign. The key difference is how well each system is suited to the complexity of your case — and how closely you stick to your plan.
What Affects How Long Orthodontic Treatment Takes?
Not all smiles are created equal. Your treatment length depends on a few core factors:
1. The Severity of Your Case
More movement = more time. Patients with significant bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite) or severe crowding usually require longer treatment to gradually reposition the teeth and jaws safely.
Examples that require longer treatment:
- Jaw misalignment
- Teeth that need to be rotated
- Teeth that have not fully erupted
- Gaps that need to be closed carefully
Mild spacing or cosmetic adjustments, on the other hand, may take just a few months.
2. Your Age
Orthodontic treatment works at any age, but younger patients tend to see faster results because their bones are still developing. Teens often respond faster than adults — but that doesn’t mean adult treatment isn’t effective. It just might take a little longer, especially if you’ve had dental work like crowns or implants.
3. Type of Treatment Used
Different systems have different timelines depending on how they move teeth:
- Traditional Braces — Work continuously and don’t rely on patient compliance, making them ideal for complex cases
- Invisalign — Offers faster results in many mild to moderate cases when worn as directed (20–22 hours/day)
- Accelerated Options — Devices like OrthoPulse can help stimulate bone remodeling and reduce treatment time in some patients
4. Your Compliance
This one’s big — especially with clear aligners like Invisalign. If you skip aligner wear, miss appointments, or delay retainer use after treatment, it can stretch your timeline.
For best results:
- Wear aligners or elastics exactly as instructed
- Maintain excellent hygiene to avoid treatment delays
- Keep all check-up appointments so adjustments stay on track
5. Your Orthodontist’s Experience
Treatment planning and efficiency matter. At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we use advanced digital imaging and smart staging techniques to create a customized path that minimizes unnecessary refinements or adjustments.
When your provider has more experience, they can anticipate challenges earlier — avoiding the kind of delays that come from mid-treatment course corrections.
Invisalign Timeline vs. Braces Timeline — What’s the Difference?
Both options can deliver amazing results. The timelines are similar for most cases, but here’s a general comparison:
| Treatment Type | Average Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Braces | 18–30 months | Complex tooth movements, bite corrections |
| Invisalign | 6–18 months | Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, alignment |
| Accelerated Orthodontics | 6–15 months | Patients eligible for additional devices or technology to speed up results |
Keep in mind: Invisalign doesn’t work “automatically” faster. It depends on wearing trays consistently and choosing a provider experienced with digital treatment planning.
What About Accelerated Orthodontics?
At BHO, we offer accelerated orthodontic options for patients looking to shorten their treatment time. Devices like OrthoPulse use near-infrared (nIR) light to improve aligner seating and support faster tooth movement. When combined with good compliance, they can reduce overall treatment by several months.
Accelerated orthodontics may be ideal for:
- Adults seeking discreet, fast treatment
- Brides or grooms preparing for an upcoming wedding
- Teens needing results before graduation photos
- Anyone who wants results without extending timelines
Can You Speed Up Your Treatment?
Yes — to a degree. While your biology sets the baseline, you can still do a lot to keep your treatment moving efficiently:
- Follow wear instructions for aligners or elastics
- Avoid habits that slow movement (nail-biting, chewing on objects, etc.)
- Stay on top of oral hygiene to prevent delays from cavities or gum issues
- Keep all scheduled appointments
- Ask your orthodontist if you’re a candidate for accelerated options
The more consistent you are, the more likely you’ll stay on track — or even finish early.
What Happens If You Fall Off Schedule?
Life happens. Sometimes aligners get lost. Sometimes travel or illness interrupts checkups. At BHO, we understand.
If something delays your progress, here’s what we do:
- Reassess your current position
- Adjust your treatment plan accordingly
- Extend your schedule only if truly necessary
- Provide retainers or aligners to prevent backsliding
The key is communication. When you stay in touch with your orthodontist, we can help correct the course quickly and avoid major detours.
What About Retainers After Treatment?
The end of active treatment isn’t the end of your journey. You’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your results stable — especially in the first 6 to 12 months when your teeth are most likely to shift back.
There are two types of retainers:
- Removable — Worn at night and cleaned regularly
- Fixed (bonded) — A discreet wire behind the teeth that stays in place
We’ll recommend the right option for your case — and build a retention plan that fits your lifestyle.
Straight Teeth — Without the Wait
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t last forever, and the payoff is huge. A straighter smile boosts confidence, improves bite function, and makes oral hygiene easier — benefits that last a lifetime.
At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we use the latest digital tools and years of clinical experience to help you get results efficiently. Whether your treatment takes 6 months or 2 years, we’re with you every step of the way.
Want to know how long your treatment would take?
Schedule your free consultation with our Los Angeles team to get a personalized timeline — and start your journey toward the smile you’ve always wanted.