Even the most unobtrusive braces can affect the way you eat, talk, and smile—which means that many people begin counting down the days until the removal of their braces as soon as they’re put on. So how long do braces take to straighten teeth, anyway? Read on to learn more about the factors that may contribute to the length of time you’ll need braces.

How Long Do Braces Take to Straighten Teeth?

Generally, braces take anywhere from one to three years to achieve your straightening goals. However, this is just an average; the length of time you’ll need to wear braces can depend on a wide variety of factors discussed in more detail below. In some cases, you may be able to get by with less than a year of braces, while other situations may warrant four or five years (or more) of wearing braces.

What Factors Can Impact Your Braces Schedule?

Only your orthodontist can tell you for sure how long you’ll need braces—and the answer to this question may change over the course of your treatment. Some of the factors that will weigh on how long do braces take to straighten teeth:

The Type of Braces You Have

Some types of braces simply shift your teeth more quickly than others. If you have traditional metal or ceramic braces, you may not need to wear them as long as you would if you had invisible braces, lingual braces, or a removable retainer.

The Extent of Your Dental Needs

If you have a minor bite or alignment issue, you may not need braces for long. If, on the other hand, you have extensive dental needs that require significantly shifting your teeth into new positions, you’ll probably be wearing braces for a longer-than-average time.

What Other Tools You’re Using

Braces aren’t the end of the story. If you’re combining your braces with headgear, rubber bands, and palate expanders, your braces may be able to do double duty, reducing the amount of time you’ll need to wear them.

For more details about “how long do braces take to straighten teeth?” schedule a consultation.