How Long Do Braces Take? Helpful Information for 2026

The average treatment time for braces (orthodontic treatment duration) usually ranges from one to three years. However, some people may need braces for a shorter or longer period, depending on their individual case. Below are some of the main factors that can affect how long a person needs to wear braces.

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Factors That Affect How Long You Need Braces

These factors can generally be classified as follows:

The Severity of Tooth Misalignment

The most common reasons for getting braces are crowded teeth, protruding teeth, or excessive spacing between teeth. Proper treatment is important to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel wear. The length of time you need to wear braces to correct these problems will depend on how severe the condition is.

Bite Problems (Malocclusion)

This refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together. They may not line up the way they should and may require treatment. The bite may be open, deep (overbite), or another type of malocclusion. Correcting bite problems can take longer than treating mildly crooked teeth with braces alone.

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Types of Braces Used in Orthodontic Treatment

There are several types of orthodontic treatments, and the kind of braces used can affect the total treatment time.

A comprehensive 2019 study found that people treated with clear aligners tended to wear them for a shorter overall period than those with traditional metal braces. However, patients who received clear aligners generally had less severe alignment problems than those treated with conventional metal braces.

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Additional Orthodontic Appliances

Some examples of additional orthodontic appliances include:

Treatment time cannot usually be shortened simply by choosing to use these appliances. In fact, not following the orthodontist’s instructions regarding how and when to use them can actually increase the total time you need to wear braces.

Diet

Not following your orthodontist’s dietary advice while wearing braces can extend treatment time. Eating sticky, hard, or crunchy foods can break or loosen brackets and wires. Examples include candy, chewing gum, raw hard vegetables, and popcorn.

Lifestyle

Following a proper treatment plan can help prevent the need to stay in braces longer than necessary.

You should talk with your orthodontist about an appropriate mouthguard to wear during sports and physical activities. This can help protect your braces and reduce the risk of oral injuries. We recommend visiting the Dental Center at Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah, which offers advanced skills and modern technologies in the field of dentistry.

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What To Do and What To Avoid During Orthodontic Treatment

Following your orthodontist’s instructions is essential to keep treatment with braces as smooth and effective as possible. Here are some key dos and don’ts your orthodontist may recommend to help ensure successful treatment:

Benefits of Braces

Braces provide many important benefits, including:

Conclusion

Braces help align the teeth and jaws, leading to both cosmetic and health benefits. A person may need to wear braces for several months to several years, depending on their specific treatment needs.

You should visit the Dental Center at Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah to learn more about your expected treatment plan and to make sure you are following your orthodontist’s advice. This can help you avoid unnecessarily extending the time you need to wear braces.

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