How long do braces stay on?
In most cases, braces stay on for about 1.5–2.5 years. In limited cases with mild irregularities in only a few teeth, this can drop to 6–12 months; in comprehensive cases that require tooth extraction and also correct the jaw relationship, it can exceed 2.5 years. It is not possible to state the exact time without looking at your mouth. So take the figures you see online as a starting idea; the estimate that applies to you is written in the treatment plan prepared after the examination and records.
On this page, we answer three questions separately: how long braces stay on, how long the braces fitting appointment takes, and how long the retention (retainer) period lasts after the braces come off. If you are curious about the general treatment flow, you can also take a look at our braces treatment page.
What determines how long braces treatment takes?
The treatment time of two people of the same age who look similar can be quite different. What really determines the time is how much and in which direction the teeth need to move. The main factors evaluated at the examination are:
- Type and severity of the problem: Mild crowding or a small gap generally takes less time. Bite problems such as a deep bite, open bite or crossbite require longer planning. For the types of bite, see our bite classes page.
- Whether tooth extraction is needed: In cases where teeth are extracted because of lack of space, closing the spaces takes time; these cases mostly take longer.
- Skeletal (jawbone-related) problems: In situations such as a receding or protruding lower jaw, treatment may require monitoring of the growth period or additional appliances. In some adult cases, planning is done together with surgery.
- Age and bone structure: In growing children and teenagers, some movements can be guided by making use of growth. In adults, teeth also move, but because the bone is more mature, some movements may progress more slowly.
- Gum and bone health: If there is gum disease, it needs to be treated first; this can delay the start.
- Attending check-ups regularly: Every missed check-up means wire adjustments are postponed.
- Broken brackets and snapped wires: Hard and sticky foods can cause a bracket to come off. Each breakage stops progress on that tooth for a while.
- Compliance with elastic wear: If your orthodontist has given you elastics, wearing them every day for the recommended time has a noticeable effect on treatment time.
What stages does braces treatment go through?
Treatment time is not one single block of waiting; it consists of successive stages. The length of each stage varies from person to person.
- Examination and records: An in-mouth examination, X-rays, photographs, and impressions or an intraoral scan are taken. The treatment plan and time estimate are prepared based on these records.
- Preparation: If needed, fillings, tartar removal or gum treatment are done; if extractions are planned, they are carried out at the right time.
- Leveling and alignment: In the first months, the teeth are brought into a straight line with thin, flexible wires. This is usually the period when patients notice the change most quickly. You can find in detail when improvement becomes noticeable in our article on how soon after getting braces the teeth start to straighten.
- Space closure and bite correction: With thicker wires, extraction spaces are closed and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together is adjusted. This is usually the longest part of treatment.
- Finishing and fine-tuning: Small rotations, root angles and contact points are brought to their final form. Even if the teeth look straight from the outside, this stage is important for stability.
- Removing the brackets and retention: The braces are taken off, the teeth are cleaned and a retention appliance is provided.
It is a common misconception to think treatment is over once the teeth start to look straight from the outside. If the braces are removed before the bite and root positions are complete, the tendency of the teeth to return to their old positions may increase.
How long does it take to put braces on?
The braces fitting appointment usually takes around 1–2 hours. Whether the upper and lower jaws are done on the same day, the type of bracket and any additional procedures can change this time. At the appointment, the teeth are cleaned and dried, the brackets are placed on the teeth one by one with a special adhesive, and then the archwire is inserted and secured with elastic ties. The procedure does not require injections; apart from keeping the mouth open for a long time, it is not an uncomfortable stage for most people. For a step-by-step description, see our article on how braces are put on.
A feeling of pressure and tenderness in the teeth during the first few days after fitting is to be expected. Choosing soft foods during this period makes things easier; we have listed what you can eat on our what to eat with braces page. We describe supplies such as orthodontic wax, which reduces the rubbing of brackets against the cheek, on our braces care products page.
How often are braces check-ups?
Check-ups are usually every 4–8 weeks. Depending on the stage of treatment, the interval may be shorter or longer. A check-up appointment is usually short; the wire is changed or adjusted, the elastic ties are replaced, and progress and oral hygiene are checked. The total number of check-ups over the course of treatment depends on the treatment time.
Check-up appointments directly affect treatment time. If you have plans such as a long vacation, an exam period or moving to another city, telling your orthodontist in advance allows the intervals to be arranged accordingly. In cases such as a broken bracket or a poking wire, contacting the clinic without waiting for the next check-up also prevents unnecessary delays.
How long is a retainer used after the braces come off?
When the braces come off, the retention (retainer) period begins so that the result lasts. Until the tissues surrounding the teeth adapt to the new position, the teeth tend to return to their old places. Because this tendency can persist, if only slightly, throughout life, retention is not limited to a short period.
- Fixed (bonded) retainer: A thin wire bonded to the inner surfaces of the front teeth. It can stay in the mouth for many years; it needs to be checked regularly.
- Removable (clear) retainer: A clear tray that fits over the teeth. In most plans, it is worn for longer hours at first and then usually only at night.
Your orthodontist decides which type is used, for how long and at what hours, based on your case. You can find details about retention on our retainers after treatment page, and why teeth can shift again in our article on why teeth shift again after orthodontic treatment.
What can you do to shorten your time in braces?
The speed at which teeth move is determined by biology; a person cannot noticeably increase this speed. However, reducing the factors that lengthen treatment is in your hands:
- Come to your check-up appointments on time, and if you need to reschedule, book a new date as soon as possible.
- Cut hard, sticky and hard-to-chew foods into small pieces, or avoid them altogether.
- If you have been given elastics, wear them regularly for the recommended hours.
- Brush around the brackets after every meal; gum inflammation can slow treatment.
- Report a broken bracket or snapped wire without leaving it until the next check-up.
Some clinics mention additional methods intended to speed up treatment. It has not been proven that these methods make a meaningful difference in every case; whether they are suitable should be discussed at the examination.
Does clear aligner treatment take less time?
In cases of similar difficulty, the treatment times for clear aligners and braces are often close to each other. With clear aligners, treatment time depends directly on wearing the aligners 20–22 hours a day; aligners that are not worn consistently prolong treatment. With fixed braces, because the brackets are always in the mouth, wearing habits are less decisive. For details on clear aligner treatment time, see our how long clear aligner treatment takes page, and for a comparison of the two methods, our clear aligners vs. braces page. The clinic uses the Invisalign system for clear aligner treatment.
How can you find out your own treatment time?
A realistic time estimate for you is given after the orthodontic examination and the review of your records. We have collected the questions you may want to ask at your consultation on our orthodontic consultation question list page. If you would like to be examined in Ankara, Funda Pekyılmaz Sarıkaya, specialist orthodontist (Uzm. Dt.), at Funda Sarıkaya Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic evaluates the treatment options and the estimated time together with you. The clinic is located at Park Oran Ofis in Oran, Çankaya; you can make an appointment Monday–Saturday, 09:00–20:00, by calling 0312 911 60 36 or via WhatsApp.