Last updated 20 June 2026 · Written by Dr Jack Gaffey, a general dentist with a special interest in orthodontics · Sources: the Australian Society of Orthodontists and healthdirect, reviewed June 2026.
Most people wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Straightforward cases — minor crowding or small gaps — are often finished in 12 to 18 months, short cosmetic treatments that only move the front teeth can take around 6 months, and complex bite or crowding problems can run beyond 24 months. At Cumberland Dental in Cumberland Park, Adelaide, Dr Jack Gaffey gives you a personalised timeline at your free first consultation. The single biggest thing that keeps treatment on schedule is wearing your elastics or aligners exactly as instructed and keeping every appointment.
The short answer
- Most braces take 18–24 months. Simple cases are often done in 12–18 months; complex bites and crowding can take longer than two years.
- Clear aligners (Invisalign) run a similar 12–24 months for comprehensive cases, and from around 6 months for minor cases — but only when worn 20–22 hours a day.
- Short cosmetic options for adults (such as Six Month Smiles) focus only on the front teeth and take about 6 months; they are not for correcting significant bite problems.
- Getting braces put on takes a single appointment of about 1 to 1.5 hours — the planning visit and scan come first.
- The biggest factor is you. Wearing elastics or aligners as directed, keeping appointments and looking after your braces is what keeps treatment on time.
The average timeline
On average, most orthodontic treatment at our clinic takes 18 to 24 months, and rarely more than two and a half years. Treatment starts with a thorough examination — usually X-rays, photographs and a scan or impressions — so Dr Jack can build a treatment plan for your specific teeth. Once the plan is set, the active phase begins with braces, clear aligners or another appliance.
What affects how long your braces take
Several things change how long you will be in treatment:
- Complexity of the case. Minor crowding or small gaps can be as short as 12 to 18 months. Significant misalignment, bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite) or severe crowding often take 24 months or more.
- Age. Children and teenagers can respond a little faster while their jaws are still developing. Adult treatment is just as effective but can take slightly longer because the bone is fully mature.
- Type of treatment. Metal or ceramic braces are usually worn 18 to 24 months. Clear aligners like Invisalign range from around 6 months for minor cases up to 18 to 24 months for complex ones. (Not sure which suits you? See our guide to braces vs Invisalign.)
- How well you follow the plan. Wearing elastics as prescribed, attending every appointment and keeping your teeth and braces clean all keep treatment on track. Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day; broken brackets and missed appointments add time.
- The retention phase. After the active phase, you move to retainers to hold the result — less intensive, but important (see below).
How long does it take to get braces put on?
Having braces fitted is usually a single appointment of about one to one and a half hours, and it is not painful. Your teeth may feel tender for a few days afterwards as they start to move. Before fitting day you will have had your free consultation and a planning visit with a scan or records, so everything is prepared in advance.
Can you make treatment faster?
There is no safe shortcut for moving teeth — rushing it risks the result — but you can avoid adding time:
- Keep your teeth and braces clean to avoid problems that delay treatment.
- Follow the plan — wear your elastics or aligners for the recommended hours and look after your appliances; broken brackets set you back.
- Keep every appointment so adjustments happen on schedule.
If your concern is only the front teeth that show when you smile, a short cosmetic option for adults may finish in around six months — Dr Jack will tell you at your consultation whether that suits your case.
What happens after your braces come off?
When the active phase finishes you move into retention. You wear a retainer full-time for about the first 3 months, then only at night for the long term, to hold your teeth in their new position. Wearing your retainer as directed is the single best way to protect your result — see our guide on why retainers matter after braces.
Cost and getting started
At Cumberland Dental, braces start from $7,500 (about $58 a week on an interest-free Denticare plan) and Invisalign from $8,000 all-inclusive (about $62 a week), with free initial consultations. For the full breakdown, see our guide to how much braces cost in Adelaide. Treatment is provided by Dr Jack Gaffey, a general dentist with a special interest in orthodontics since 2011 — a more affordable alternative to a specialist orthodontist for suitable cases, with complex cases referred on.
Call (08) 8271 6233 to book a free consultation at 376 Goodwood Rd, Cumberland Park, and get a treatment timeline for your own teeth.
Frequently asked questions
How long do braces take on average?
Most braces treatment takes 18 to 24 months. Simple cases with minor crowding or spacing can finish in 12 to 18 months, while complex bites or severe crowding can take longer than two years. Dr Jack confirms your personal timeline after examining your teeth at the free consultation.
How long do braces take for adults?
Braces work at any age, and adult treatment is just as effective as treatment for teenagers. It can sometimes take a little longer because adult bone is fully mature, but most adult cases still fall in the 18 to 24 month range.
How long does Invisalign take?
Clear aligners like Invisalign take a similar 12 to 24 months for comprehensive cases, and from around 6 months for minor cases. They only work when worn 20 to 22 hours a day, so consistent wear is the single biggest factor in finishing on time.
How long do “fast braces” or Six Month Smiles take?
Short cosmetic treatments such as Six Month Smiles take around six months. They are designed for adults who want to improve the appearance of the front teeth that show when they smile, and are not used to correct significant bite problems. Dr Jack will tell you at your consultation whether a short cosmetic option suits your teeth.
How long does it take to get braces put on?
Having braces fitted is usually a single appointment of about one to one and a half hours. It is not painful, though your teeth may feel tender for a few days afterwards as they begin to move. Your planning visit and scan happen beforehand, so the fitting day is well prepared.
How long do you wear a retainer after braces?
You wear a retainer full-time for about the first 3 months after your braces come off, then only at night for the long term to keep your teeth in their new position. Wearing your retainer as directed is the best way to protect your result.
Sources
- Australian Society of Orthodontists — orthodontic treatment information
- healthdirect — Australian Government-funded health information
About the author: Dr Jack Gaffey is a general dentist with a special interest in orthodontics, treating orthodontic patients in Adelaide since 2011. He is a former President of the Australian Dental Association (SA Branch). This article is general information, not personal advice; your treatment time can only be determined by a clinical assessment.
