How long do braces take? A comprehensive guide to your braces journey
January 5, 2026
Overview
Braces treatment typically takes 6 months to 3 years, depending on the type of braces, case complexity, your biology, and how consistently you follow instructions.
Invisible braces (clear aligners): ~6–18 months Best for mild to moderate cases; treatment can be faster with good compliance. Zenyum Invisible Braces usually take 7–15 months on average.
Metal braces: ~18–24 months, up to 30+ months for complex cases Most efficient option for severe crowding, bite issues, or extractions.
Ceramic braces: ~18–24 months, sometimes slightly longer than metal More discreet, but may add a few months due to gentler mechanics.
Lingual braces: ~18–36 months Hidden behind the teeth, but often require the longest treatment time.
Treatment length is most affected by bite correction needs, extractions, impacted teeth, bone density, and age. Just as important is patient compliance, wearing aligners as prescribed, avoiding breakages, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending all appointments can significantly shorten treatment time.
Braces are a go-to solution for straightening teeth, but how long will you actually be wearing them? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. It actually depends on the type of braces you choose, how complex your dental situation is, and a few other factors. Let's break it down and get a clearer picture of what to expect, from the different types of braces available to the things that can influence how long you'll need them.
How long do different types of braces take to straighten teeth?
The average duration for braces treatment ranges from 6 months to 3 years. However, this can vary based on the type of braces and the specific needs of the patient. Here's a quick comparison of the different types of braces and their various treatment duration to help you:
Types of braces average duration
Types of Braces and Average Duration
Type of Braces
Average Duration
Invisible braces
6–18 months
Zenyum Invisible Braces
7–15 months
Traditional metal braces
18–24 months (up to 3 years)
Ceramic braces
18–24 months (up to 3 years)
Lingual braces
18–36 months
1. Invisible braces duration
These usually take about 6 to 18 months. They are a great option if you want a more discreet way to straighten your teeth. The exact duration depends on how complex your case is, the custom treatment plan, and how well you stick to wearing the aligners. With Zenyum Invisible braces, you’re in good hands! The aligners fall right into that 6 to 18-month range, with an average treatment duration of 7 to 15 months. Not to mention, we use top-notch 3D technology to make sure your treatment is specially tailored for your smile. Plus, our Zenyum Invisible Braces are comfy and nearly invisible, so you can get that great smile without anyone noticing!
Zenyum Aligner Journey
Aligner Journey
ZenyumClear™
ZenyumClear™ Plus
ZenyumClear™ Extra
Duration
7 months on average
10 months on average
15 months on average
Wear time
10 days per set
10 days per set
10 days per set
Teeth movement
Anterior teeth correction, with minor pre-molar correction
Anterior and posterior teeth correction. Molar movements only if necessary.
Anterior and posterior teeth correction. Molar movements only if necessary.
Attachments
Minimal
On multiple teeth
On most teeth
Extractions
No
If necessary
If necessary
Ready to see how Zenyum’s Invisible Braces can fit into your smile journey? Check your smile with our free smile check and start your path to a confident smile in just five minutes!
2. Metal braces duration
Every smile has its own story, and that means every orthodontic journey moves at a slightly different pace. For most people, traditional metal braces take about 18 to 24 months to complete. The timeline isn’t fixed though. If your alignment concerns are mild, you may see results in as little as 6 to 12 months. More complex cases, such as significant crowding, bite issues, or treatments involving extractions, can take 30 months or longer.
However, you won’t be waiting long to see progress. Many people notice their first visible changes, like gaps closing or front teeth lining up within just 4 to 6 weeks. Those early improvements often make the journey feel much more motivating.
Similar to metal braces, ceramic braces typically take 18 to 24 months. However, ceramic braces may take slightly longer to achieve the same outcome, sometimes adding a few extra months. They aren't less effective though; it simply reflects how the materials work and the care involved in using them. Also, they’re less noticeable, which can be a plus if you’re concerned about the appearance of your braces. The duration is influenced by the complexity of your case and the need for regular check-ups.
4. Lingual braces duration
These are placed on the back of your teeth and usually take 18 to 36 months. While this timeline is often comparable to traditional methods, lingual braces can sometimes require a longer commitment than metal braces, potentially extending into the 24-to-36-month range for comprehensive correction.
Factors affecting how long you’ll need braces
No matter which type of braces you choose, treatment time is shaped by a mix of how your body responds, how the appliance works, and how consistently everything stays on track.
Braces act as a guide for your teeth, but the pace of the journey depends just as much on the “road” (your mouth) and the “driver” (your daily habits). Here are some factors that might influence treatment length across all orthodontic options.
1. Case Complexity: The Biggest Influence on Timing
How much correction your teeth and bite need plays the largest role in determining how long treatment will take. For simple cosmetic alignment, such as straightening the front teeth, results can appear in as little as 6 months. More comprehensive treatment, however, naturally takes longer, especially when it involves one or more of the following:
Bite correction Adjusting how the upper and lower teeth fit together takes more time than aligning teeth alone. Bite issues often require elastics or additional appliances, which can extend treatment to around 18–30 months.
Tooth extractions When extractions are needed to relieve crowding, the remaining teeth must gradually move to fill those spaces. This typically adds 2 to 5 months compared to non-extraction cases.
Impacted teeth Teeth that are trapped in the bone, such as impacted canines, need careful, step-by-step guidance to move into place. In adults, this process may take several additional months and requires patience and precision.
2. Your Biology: How Your Body Moves Teeth
Teeth don’t move instantly. Instead, they shift as the surrounding bone gently remodels. Everyone’s biology is a little different, and age plays a role here:
Bone density matters
Teeth move more easily through softer, spongy bone than through denser bone. Orthodontists carefully pace treatment to keep roots healthy and avoid stress on the bone.
Adults vs. teenagers
Adults achieve excellent results, often with great consistency. However, adult bone is denser and slower to respond at the beginning, which means early movement can take a bit longer to start compared to growing adolescents.
3. Appliance Design: How the Braces Do Their Job
Different types of braces move teeth in slightly different ways, and that can affect speed:
Metal braces
These offer smooth, efficient movement with minimal resistance, making them especially effective for closing gaps and managing complex cases.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic brackets are more discreet but create slightly more friction. Because they’re more delicate, orthodontists often use gentler forces, which may add a little time, but keeps treatment safe and steady.
Invisible braces (clear aligners)
Aligners eliminate bracket friction altogether and can be very efficient for mild to moderate cases. However, certain tooth movements, like rotations or vertical shifts, may require refinements, which can lengthen treatment if not closely followed.
4. Your Role: Consistency Makes a Real Difference
This is the one factor you truly control, and it matters more than most people realize.
Keeping appointments
Each visit keeps your teeth moving as planned. Missing appointments can interrupt progress and may add weeks or even months over time.
Avoiding breakages
Broken brackets or bent wires pause movement until they’re repaired. Simple food choices can go a long way in keeping things moving smoothly.
Maintaining good oral hygiene
Healthy gums are essential for safe tooth movement. If inflammation develops, treatment may need to slow down temporarily to protect your teeth and bone.
Do’s and Don’ts when wearing braces
To make sure your braces journey goes smoothly and stays on schedule, it’s important to know what to do and what to avoid. Whether you have traditional metal braces or invisible aligners, following these do’s and don’ts will help you stay on track and achieve the smile you’re aiming for.
Do’s to speed up your treatment:
Always follow your dentist's instructions.
Stick to your orthodontist’s advice on wearing and maintaining your braces. This helps keep your treatment on track.
Maintaining good oral hygiene
Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and braces clean. Good oral hygiene prevents complications and keeps your treatment on schedule.
Attend all your scheduled appointments.
It’s important you don’t miss your regular check-ups and adjustments as they are crucial in ensuring your treatment is progressing smoothly.
Use orthodontic wax if your braces cause discomfort to alleviate irritation.
This helps avoid potential issues that could slow down your treatment.
For invisible braces, it’s important to wear them consistently.
Follow your dentist’s recommended number of hours of wear each day to achieve the best results.
Don’ts that can delay your treatment:
Don’t Skip Appointments.
Missing adjustment appointments can prolong your treatment time. Make sure you attend all your scheduled visits to stay on track.
Avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage your braces or cause discomfort.
For traditional braces, hard or sticky foods can break wires and brackets.
Never attempt to adjust or remove your braces on your own.
Always consult with your orthodontist for any issues or concerns.
For those wearing invisible braces, don’t change your aligner sets too early. You should only switch to new aligners when advised by your orthodontist.
Those who utilize Zenyum Invisible braces for teeth alignment can monitor their progress and aligner sets using the Zenyum app! This ensures that you will more aware of which aligner set you should be wearing during your treatment period. Zenyum invisible braces starts with a few simple steps. Take a virtual assessment to get started! Zenyum's Smile Check
Extra tips for wearing Zenyum Invisible Braces
Wearing Zenyum Invisible Braces? Here are some extra tips to make your experience even better:
Keep your aligners clean by regularly cleaning them with a toothbrush and mild soap, or using aligner cleaning tablets. This keeps them clear and hygienic.
Store properly by always keeping your aligners in their case when not wearing them. This prevents loss and damage.
Don’t eat or drink with aligners on; remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps avoid damage and staining.
Don’t skip wearing your aligners; skipping them for long periods can slow down your progress. Make sure to put them back in as soon as possible after meals and cleaning.
Don’t use toothpaste to clean aligners because toothpaste can be abrasive and scratch your aligners, making them look cloudy. Stick to mild soap or aligner cleaning products.
