How Long Do Braces Take? About 2 Years, Says Expert
White Plains – November 10, 2026 -- Most patients should expect braces to take about two years, with a typical range of 18 to 30 months, according to a HelloNation article featuring orthodontist Dr. Judith Okun of Okun Orthodontics in White Plains, New York.
Mild cases finish sooner, complex ones take longer
The 18-to-30-month range gives orthodontists time to move teeth in a controlled way that protects gums and bone. Patients with mild alignment issues may finish earlier. More complex cases, such as those involving impacted teeth, can run past the average.
Invisalign runs similar to braces, or slightly longer
Clear aligner systems such as Invisalign or Spark often take about as long as traditional braces, or slightly longer. Invisalign aligners are worn in a series, and each set shifts teeth incrementally. Most patients swap to a new set every 1 to 2 weeks.