Dec 18, 2025

How Long Do Braces and Invisalign® Take? Timelines Explained

Curious how long it will take to straighten your teeth and feel confident in your smile? You are not alone. Treatment timeframes vary from person to person, but there are clear patterns that can help you plan with confidence.

In this guide, our Specialist Orthodontists explain typical timelines for braces and Invisalign^®, what can speed treatment up or slow it down, and how tools like Dental Monitoring help you stay on track with fewer in-person visits.

Typical braces timelines

Most comprehensive braces treatments take 12 to 24 months. Some cases finish sooner, while more complex bite corrections may take longer.

Shorter courses, such as minor alignment or relapse correction, can sometimes be completed in 6 to 12 months. Your exact plan depends on factors like crowding, spacing, bite relationships and how your teeth respond to gentle, continuous forces over time.

Adjustments usually occur every 6 to 10 weeks, with remote reviews used when appropriate. Staying consistent between visits is key to keeping progress steady.

How long do braces stay on?

Braces stay on until your teeth are aligned and your bite is stable. Finishing treatment is about more than straight front teeth - function matters too.

Most treatments move through three phases:

Alignment and levelling - typically the first 3 to 6 months
Bite correction and space closure - often the most variable phase
Detailing and finishing - refining small movements for symmetry and long-term stability

Breakages, missed appointments or inconsistent oral hygiene can extend treatment. Following food guidelines and using orthodontic wax for comfort helps protect your progress.

Invisalign^® timeframes

Invisalign® can be just as efficient as braces for many patients.

Mild cases - as little as 3 to 6 months
Typical comprehensive treatment - around 6 to 18 months
More complex cases - may take longer and often include planned refinements

Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Trays are usually changed weekly or fortnightly, guided by your orthodontist. Consistent wear is the single biggest factor in keeping Invisalign^® on schedule.

Is Invisalign^® faster than braces?

Sometimes. For mild to moderate alignment, Invisalign^® can move at a similar pace to braces and may even be faster because:

Digital planning allows prompt adjustments
There are no delays from broken brackets or wires
Dental Monitoring can flag issues early, before time is lost

For more complex bite corrections, braces can be equally fast or faster due to continuous force and additional mechanics. The best option is the one that suits your bite, goals and lifestyle.

What affects your treatment timeline?

Several factors influence how long treatment takes:

Case complexity - crowding, spacing and bite relationships
Biology and growth - teeth move at different rates for different people
Consistency - aligner wear 20 to 22 hours daily and elastics as prescribed
Appliance care - avoiding breakages and attending reviews
Oral hygiene - healthy gums support more predictable movement
Lifestyle factors - travel, sport and school or work schedules

Your Specialist Orthodontist designs your plan carefully, then adjusts based on how your teeth respond.

Dental Monitoring - fewer visits, steady progress

With Dental Monitoring and a ScanBox, you send quick smartphone scans from home. Your orthodontist reviews progress remotely and advises whether to move ahead, pause or come in.

Benefits include:

Faster feedback between visits
Fewer unplanned delays
Fewer in-clinic appointments when everything is progressing well

This is especially helpful for busy families, professionals and athletes who need flexibility.

How long is 6 or 9 months of Invisalign^®?

As a general guide:

Six months - roughly 12 to 26 aligners if trays change every 1 to 2 weeks
Nine months - often around 18 to 40 aligners on similar change schedules

These are guide ranges only. Tray count and change frequency are personalised and may adjust with refinements.

Is 50 Invisalign^® trays a lot?

Fifty trays usually indicate a more comprehensive or detailed plan. This can reflect:

Complex tooth movements
Slower, more controlled steps for predictability
Refinements included from the start

Fifty trays does not automatically mean 50 weeks. With weekly changes approved by your orthodontist, a 50-tray plan may still fit within 12 to 15 months if wear is consistent.

How long do invisible braces last?

If you mean clear aligners like Invisalign^®, treatment length follows the timelines above. If you mean lingual braces placed behind the teeth, timelines are often similar to conventional braces.

After active treatment, retention is lifelong. Retainers prevent natural tooth movement and protect your result. Your orthodontist will advise on night-time wear and review schedules.

Hybrid plans for speed and precision

Some patients benefit from combining systems, such as:

A short phase of braces to correct rotations, followed by Invisalign^® for finishing
Invisalign^® for alignment, then a brief fixed phase for complex detailing

Hybrid plans can combine efficiency and precision, especially when working toward a milestone like a wedding or graduation.

Staying on time - practical tips

To keep treatment moving smoothly:

Wear aligners as prescribed and use chewies to seat trays fully
Wear elastics consistently and replace them daily
Brush thoroughly and use interdental brushes - healthy gums move better
Protect braces during sport with a mouthguard
Tell us early if you plan to travel so we can plan ahead
Complete Dental Monitoring scans on schedule

Small habits can save months.

What to expect at Embrace Orthodontists

Your treatment is planned by our Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Spiro using iTero 3D scans and comprehensive records. We use Dental Monitoring to reduce unnecessary visits and provide timely feedback.

You can choose from metal or ceramic braces, Invisalign^®, lingual options for some cases or a hybrid approach. Pricing is personalised and supported by flexible payment options.

If you are timing treatment around an important event, we will map a realistic timeline and show where efficiency can be built in.

Local care, easy access

With clinics in Manuka, Belconnen and Gungahlin, it is easy to attend when in-person care is needed. Remote reviews help keep you on track between visits, even if you live further away.

If you are curious about aligners, you can start with a free Invisalign^® assessment to understand your suitability and expected timeline.

Quick answers at a glance

How long do braces take? Usually 12 to 24 months, with mild cases in 6 to 12 months
How long do braces stay on? Until alignment, bite and finishing goals are achieved
Is Invisalign^® faster than braces? Sometimes, especially for mild to moderate cases with consistent wear
How long is 6 or 9 months of Invisalign^®? About 12 to 26 trays for 6 months and 18 to 40 trays for 9 months
Is 50 Invisalign^® trays a lot? It reflects a comprehensive plan, not necessarily a longer calendar time
How long do invisible braces last? Similar ranges to other comprehensive treatments, followed by lifelong retention

Your next step

Your smile timeline is personal. With the right plan, it can also be efficient and predictable. If you would like a clear estimate tailored to your goals, book your free Invisalign^® assessment with Embrace Orthodontists today.

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