Treatment Guides
HowLongDoBracesTake?TypicalTimelinesbyCase
Written by Dr. Thao Vu
Reviewed by Dr. Judy Nguyen
·October 28, 2026
Most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months. What makes treatment shorter or longer, how often you visit, and what to expect at Bloom in Long Beach and Garden Grove.
Most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Small corrections can take a few months, while complex cases that move many teeth or reposition the jaw can take longer.
Your orthodontist gives you an estimate at the first visit, once they have seen your teeth, bite, and X-rays. Here is what goes into that number.
Typical Braces Timelines
| Treatment at Bloom | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Clear (ceramic) braces | 12 to 24 months |
| Lingual braces | 12 to 24 months |
| Teen orthodontics | 12 to 24 months |
| Phase 1 early treatment | 6 to 18 months, followed by a rest period |
What Makes Treatment Shorter or Longer
How far the teeth need to move. The AAO says slight corrections can take a few months, while moving many teeth and repositioning the jaw can take years.
Bite problems. Overbites, underbites, and crossbites take more work than spacing alone.
Age. Adult treatment may take slightly longer than a child's with a similar problem, the AAO notes, because adult bone is more mature and dense.
Broken brackets and missed visits. The AAO says each time a bracket breaks or a wire comes loose, it can set treatment back. Avoiding hard and sticky foods and keeping appointments both help you finish on time.
Wearing elastics as directed. If your plan uses rubber bands, wearing them as prescribed keeps the bite correction moving.
What Happens Along the Way
The AAO describes treatment in stages:
- Consultation and records. In the first visit or two, your orthodontist takes measurements and decides on a plan and timeline.
- Placement. Getting braces on is usually the longest visit.
- Adjustments. Visits come every 4 to 12 weeks depending on the stage of treatment.
- Retention. After the braces come off, you wear a retainer to keep teeth in their new positions.
Planning Your Timeline at Bloom
Dr. Thao Nguyen Vu and Dr. Judy Nguyen are board-certified orthodontists who set each patient's timeline at our Long Beach and Garden Grove offices. Your free consultation includes X-rays, records, and a treatment simulation, so you leave with an estimate and a clear picture of the finished result.
Adults can read more on our adult orthodontics page. Parents can start with our teen orthodontics page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do braces take on average?
Most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months, the AAO says. Your orthodontist gives you an estimate after the first exam.
Can braces take less than a year?
Yes, for small corrections. The AAO notes that slight corrections can take a few months.
Why do braces take longer for some people?
Complex bite problems, more tooth movement, adult bone density, and broken brackets can all add time.
How often will I see the orthodontist?
The AAO says adjustment visits come every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on where you are in treatment.
Is there anything I can do to finish faster?
Keep your appointments, avoid foods that break brackets, and wear elastics as directed.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists, Braces
- American Association of Orthodontists, Am I Too Old for Braces?
- American Association of Orthodontists, What Can I Eat With Braces?
- Bloom treatment times: Clear braces, Lingual braces, Teen orthodontics, Early interceptive treatment
Want your own timeline? Book a free consultation at our Long Beach or Garden Grove office.
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