Patience is a virtue, as they say—and orthodontic treatment does usually require a high degree of patience. If you’re wondering how long treatment will take, know that there isn’t one timeline that will work for everyone. Clauss Orthodontics is here to explain how long treatment can take.
Factors That Impact Treatment Time
Before we investigate your three main treatment options, let’s take a look at the main factors that will affect how long you will be in treatment.
- Severity of Misalignment: Some mild cases can take as little as six months to resolve, while more complex cases may require two to three years.
- Age: Younger patients often see faster results since their jaws are still growing and adapting.
- Compliance: Following Dr. Clauss’ instructions, like wearing elastics or aligners for the recommended time, can significantly affect your timeline.
- Type of Treatment: Different orthodontic options come with different average treatment times, which we’ll break down below.
Option 1: Invisalign
Average Treatment Time: 12-18 months
If you’re seeking a discreet way to straighten your teeth, our office proudly offers Invisalign to our teenage and adult patients. Since Invisalign allows for precise, gradual tooth movement, some patients may even finish treatment sooner than expected when they stay diligent about wearing their aligners.
Timing Variables
- Wearing your aligners 22 hours per day (removing them only for eating and oral hygiene maintenance).
- The complexity of your case—minor misalignments can sometimes be corrected in as little as six months.
- Keeping up with your aligner changes on time (typically switching to a new set every 1-2 weeks).
Option 2: Clear Braces
Average Treatment Time: 18-24 months
A clever middle point between clear aligners and metal braces is our ceramic clear braces. Their brackets are the color of your teeth, which makes them less noticeable, but they function identically to metal braces.
Timing Variables
- The severity of your misalignment—mild cases can take around 18 months, while more complex issues may require up to two years.
- Being careful with your appliance, ceramic braces are more fragile than metal braces, so avoiding hard foods can help prevent delays from broken brackets.
- Regular adjustment visits—keeping up with scheduled appointments allows your treatment to stay on track.
Option 3: Metal Braces
Average Treatment Time: 18-30 months
Metal braces are tried-and-true; they’ve been an effective option for decades of orthodontic care. They’re the most durable option and can handle more complex issues than the other appliances listed here.
Timing Variables
- If you have significant crowding or bite issues, treatment may take closer to two to three years. For some patients, we may also have to address additional issues with the jaw.
- Following dietary restrictions and avoiding risky foods can help prevent damage to your braces and delays in treatment.
- Wearing rubber bands as directed by Dr. Clauss can ensure faster and more effective tooth movement.
Speeding Up Treatment Time
The good news is, there are definitely some choices you can make during your treatment to accelerate your results. Clauss Orthodontics can also partner with you to offer additional advice based on your individual case.
- Prioritize Hygiene: Keeping teeth and gums healthy minimizes the risk of cavities or gum disease, which could pause or extend treatment time if left untreated. Using fluoride toothpaste and an antibacterial mouthwash helps protect enamel and keeps your orthodontic appliances clean.
- Break Bad Habits: Chewing on pens, biting nails, or using teeth to open packaging can all put unnecessary pressure on your braces and cause damage. Avoiding excessive caffeine and sugary drinks helps prevent enamel weakening and cavities from forming, which can cause problems
- Eat Wisely: Consuming a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports strong teeth and solid bone structure, which aids the overall movement process. Drinking plenty of water lets food particles wash away and keeps your gums healthy.
- Stay Consistent with Retainers: Once your braces or aligners are removed, wearing your retainers properly prevents teeth from shifting back for long-term stability. Neglecting retainers can lead to relapse, meaning you might have to undergo additional orthodontic treatment down the road.
Worth the Wait
Regardless of if your treatment spans a few months or a couple of years, one thing we can promise is that the results will be worth the wait! Clauss Orthodontics fully understands how much time, work, and dedication it takes from patients to achieve their dream smile. Remember that our team is always in your corner! We’ll see you soon in Watertown or Middlebury.