How Long Do Braces Take to Straighten Teeth? (Real Timelines & What Affects Them)

Thinking about getting braces? One of the first questions we hear from patients is:

“How long will it take to straighten my teeth?”

The truth is — it depends on your specific case, the type of braces you choose, and how closely you follow your treatment plan. But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through realistic timelines, from quick cosmetic tweaks to full orthodontic correction.

At Whites Dental, we’ve helped hundreds of adults and teens straighten their teeth across London. This guide breaks down what to expect, how long each treatment typically takes, and how to get the fastest (and safest) results.

🦷 Free consultations available at our Waterloo and Marble Arch dental clinics — book yours today to get a personalised timeline from our specialist orthodontists.

How Long Do Braces Typically Take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but here’s a rough guide to how long most braces treatments take, depending on your needs:

Severity	Treatment Type	Estimated Duration
Mild crowding / gaps	Invisalign or Light Braces	4–6 months
Moderate misalignment	Fixed Braces (Metal or Ceramic)	12–18 months
Complex bite issues	Specialist Braces / Orthodontics	18–30 months

👀 Most adult patients fall into the 12–18 month bracket (NHS) — but don’t worry, your orthodontist will give you a clearer idea after your consultation.

What Affects Your Braces Treatment Timeline?

Several factors can influence how long you’ll need to wear braces. Some you can’t control — others, you absolutely can.

1. Your Specific Case

Minor spacing issues can be fixed quickly. But if you’ve got bite problems, rotated teeth, or overcrowding, treatment may take longer.

2. Age

Younger patients respond faster because their bones are still growing. But adults can still achieve excellent results — it just may take a little more time and pressure.

3. Type of Braces

The kind of braces you choose can make a big difference to your treatment time. Some systems are designed to work faster for simpler cases, while others offer more control for complex adjustments.

• Invisalign: Often quicker for mild to moderate issues.
• Fixed Braces: More versatile and effective for complex corrections.

4. How Well You Follow the Plan

Wearing aligners as prescribed, avoiding brace-damaging foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene all help keep things on track.

⏱️ The better you follow your orthodontist’s advice, the faster you’ll see results.

When Will You Start Seeing Results?

You won’t have to wait too long to spot early changes — especially if you follow your plan closely.

• 2–4 weeks with Invisalign or clear aligners
• 6–8 weeks with fixed braces (metal or ceramic)

🪞 It might start with a subtle shift — a tooth looking straighter in the mirror, or your bite feeling more even. That’s when you know it’s working.

Keep in mind: even if you don’t see major changes straight away, that doesn’t mean progress isn’t happening. Orthodontic movement is gradual by design — to protect your teeth, roots, and jaw.

Braces Timeline: Month-by-Month Overview

Every smile is different — but here’s a typical treatment journey for patients using braces or aligners:

Month 1–3: Early Movement

• Mild discomfort is common
• Small gaps may begin to close
• Early shifts become visible in the mirror

Month 4–6: Noticeable Progress

• Teeth start to straighten more noticeably
• Bite begins to feel more natural
• Adjustments become more precise

Month 7–12: Refinement Phase

• Root angles and bite alignment are refined
• Smaller tooth rotations and spacing are corrected
• Progress check-ups become more tailored

Month 13–18+: Final Tweaks

• Final alignments are completed
• Braces or aligners are removed
• Retainers are introduced to preserve your new smile

🧑‍⚕️ Throughout your journey, regular check-ups with your orthodontist ensure everything stays on track and on time.

How Long Does Each Type of Braces Take?

Not all braces work at the same speed. Your treatment time depends on the type of braces you choose, the severity of your case, and how well you follow the plan. Here’s how each option typically compares:

Brace Type	Best For	Typical Duration
Metal Braces	Moderate to complex cases	12–18 months (up to 30 for complex)
Ceramic Braces	Discreet option for adults	12–24 months
Damon Braces	Faster treatment with less pressure	10–18 months
Invisalign	Mild to moderate alignment	6–12 months
Lingual Braces	Hidden braces behind teeth	12–24 months

So, how long do metal braces take? For most patients, the answer is between 12 and 18 months. They’re often the fastest and most effective option for more complex straightening needs.

Explore All Fixed Brace Options

Can You Speed Up Braces Treatment?

In some cases, yes — but it depends on you.

While you can’t change how your teeth respond biologically, you can influence the timeline by following your treatment plan to the letter.

✅ What Helps Speed Things Up:

• Wearing aligners full-time: At least 22 hours a day if using Invisalign or similar systems.
• Avoiding brace-damaging foods: Sticky sweets, popcorn, and hard snacks can snap brackets and set you back.
• Attending all appointments: Missed check-ups = missed adjustments = longer treatment.
• Excellent oral hygiene: Clean teeth move better and reduce the risk of delays caused by gum issues.

🚫 What Slows You Down:

• Skipping trays or removing aligners too often
• Breaking brackets or wires
• Poor brushing and flossing
• Ignoring instructions around food and care

💡 Even small slip-ups can stretch a 12-month treatment into 18 — so staying consistent is the fastest way forward.

Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Faster?

If you’re weighing up treatment options, one of the first things you might wonder is: which one gets results quicker?

The answer depends on your specific case — but here’s how the two compare in most situations:

Factor	Invisalign	Metal/Ceramic Braces
Visibility	✅ Nearly invisible	❌ Visible brackets and wires
Comfort	✅ Smooth plastic trays	❌ Can cause rubbing or irritation
Removability	✅ Removable for eating & brushing	❌ Fixed to teeth throughout
Speed (Mild Cases)	✅ Often faster	❌ Slightly slower
Speed (Complex Cases)	❌ May struggle with severe issues	✅ More effective for complex needs
Precision Control	❌ Limited movement options	✅ Orthodontist can fine-tune more

🦷 Invisalign is often faster for mild to moderate alignment issues. For anything complex — like bite correction or tooth rotation — fixed braces usually win out.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Before we can give you a precise timeline, we need to understand your smile.

Your first consultation is where that journey begins. It’s relaxed, informative, and tailored entirely around you.

💸 Want to get an idea of costs? Check out our Braces Cost Guide for London or speak to us directly during your free consultation.

Here’s what typically happens:

• Smile assessment: We’ll examine your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment.
• Digital scans & X-rays: If needed, we’ll take photos, 3D scans, or a CBCT to get the full picture.
• Treatment planning: Your orthodontist will create a personalised plan based on your goals and needs.
• Q&A session: We’ll walk you through all your options — including expected timeframes and costs.

📍 We offer free consultations at both our Marble Arch and Waterloo dental practices. Book yours today to get expert advice and a treatment plan built just for you.

Patient Testimonials

500+ Google Five Star reviews

What Our Braces Patients Say

“I highly recommend Whites Dental for anyone looking to get fixed braces. The staff are knowledgeable and provide great care. My teeth are now straight and I couldn’t be happier.”
— Miller Saunders

“I’ve been to Whites Dental for Invisalign treatment and it went very smoothly; they couldn’t have been more helpful and flexible in timings. A really professional and personal service!”
— Tomas King

“Just got back from my final session after Invisalign … I can’t stop grinning at myself in the mirror! I’m so happy with the work and soooo pleased with my new smile.”
— Michael Stevenson‑Smith

“Completed Invisalign braces treatment with Dr Deepa – very happy with results. Can’t recommend them enough.”
— Charlotte Edwards

“Prior to getting my braces, Dr Elliot took his time explaining everything to me, he made my mind feel at ease… I’m soo soo happy that I decided to go ahead with Whites Dental.”
— Stephanie Laniyan

💬 Want to hear more? We have over 500 five-star Google reviews from patients across London.

What Happens After Braces? (Retainers & Long-Term Results)

Getting your braces off is a huge milestone — but it’s not quite the end of your orthodontic journey.

To keep your new smile straight for the long haul, you’ll need to wear retainers. This is a crucial step in any braces or aligner treatment.

So, how long will I need to wear a retainer?

After your braces come off:

• You’ll likely wear a retainer full-time for the first few months.
• Then, your orthodontist may recommend night-time use only — often for 12+ months.
• Many patients choose to wear retainers longer-term to prevent natural shifting.

🛡️ Think of retainers as insurance for your smile — they protect the time and money you’ve invested.

Braces Timeline FAQs

How long do metal braces take to straighten teeth?

Most patients with metal braces can expect treatment to last between 12 and 18 months, though severe cases may take up to 30 months. They’re ideal for full corrections and offer the fastest results for complex needs.

How long do ceramic braces take?

Ceramic braces usually take 12 to 24 months. They work just like metal braces but may take slightly longer due to their more delicate material.

How long does Invisalign take to work?

Invisalign can straighten mild cases in as little as 4 to 6 months. For moderate alignment issues, the average treatment time is 6 to 12 months.

How long do Damon braces take?

Damon Braces often work faster than traditional options, with many cases completing in 10 to 18 months. They use self-ligating brackets to reduce pressure and speed up tooth movement.

How long do lingual braces take?

Lingual braces typically take 12 to 24 months, depending on complexity. Because they sit behind your teeth, they may require more precise adjustments, which can slightly extend treatment time.

Can braces really work in 2 or 3 months?

In very mild cases — like closing a small gap — yes. But most patients need 6 to 18 months for lasting, stable results.

Are teeth always 100% straight after braces?

Your orthodontist aims for optimal alignment — but natural tooth shape and bite patterns mean perfect symmetry isn’t always necessary. Retainers help maintain your final result.

When do braces stop hurting?

Most discomfort fades within a few days of getting braces or having them adjusted. By the second week, most patients feel minimal discomfort.

Do braces permanently fix teeth?

Yes — if you wear your retainers. Without proper retention, teeth can gradually shift back, especially within the first 12 months post-treatment.

Do braces change your face shape?

Braces can subtly enhance your jawline and facial profile by improving bite and alignment — especially in teens or young adults. Major changes are uncommon.

Ready to Start Your Braces Journey?

Whether you’re after braces treatment in London, fixed braces, or just want expert advice — we’re here to help you take the first step.

At Whites Dental, we treat patients of all ages from across London. Our team will walk you through every option, give you a realistic timeline, and help you achieve a straighter smile that actually lasts.

• 📍 Two central London private dental clinics – Waterloo & Marble Arch
• 💳 0% finance available
• 🦷 Specialist orthodontic care
• 💬 Free consultation — no pressure, no obligation

👉 Book your free consultation today and let’s find the right treatment plan for your smile.