It’s about time: how long do I have to wear braces for?

One of the first questions new patients ask about having braces is ‘how long will it take?’ Despite having decades of experience, our highly skilled team of Christchurch dentists cannot give a definitive answer straight away. Not because we don’t know what we are doing, on the contrary, it depends on several factors, and the answer is not the same for everyone. But what we do know is that your smile will be transformed.

Orthodontic treatment times vary depending on the complexity of your unique dental needs, the type of braces or aligners you choose, and how committed you are to following your dentist’s instructions. Until you have booked your first dental consultation and been assessed, we won’t know which the best braces are to recommend to you or have created a treatment plan to give you a timeframe.

This guide explains more about what influences the duration of braces, outlines typical treatment timelines, and shows how you can shorten your treatment by committing to good dental care.

Average timeframe for braces

Most Duxton Dental patients wear braces between 12 to 36 months, but this can be shorter or longer depending on your needs:

• Mild crowding or spacing: 6–12 months
• Moderate misalignment or bite issues: 18–24 months
• Severe crowding, overbite, or underbite: 24–36+ months

Some patients require a tooth to be removed, orthodontic surgery or multiple treatment phases, which extends the timeline. On the other hand, modern treatment options such as Invisalign braces often shortens the journey for certain cases, particularly when only mild to moderate adjustment is required.

Key factors affecting how long braces take

1. Complexity of the orthodontic problem

The biggest factor is the severity of the misalignment:

• Mild cases (slight crowding or small gaps) typically resolve quickly.
• Complex cases (overbites, underbites, crossbites, or jaw alignment issues) can take several years.
• Patients needing premolar extractions to create space may also expect longer dental treatment times to take into account healing time, so you have healthy gums.

At our Riccarton orthodontics practice, we use advanced imaging and digital planning which speeds up the process of getting braces significantly but also enables up to provide realistic timeframe estimates.

2. Patient age

Not only do younger patients have the good fortune of youth, but they also typically respond more quickly to orthodontic treatment because their jawbones are still developing. However, this does not mean adults face a long road to having a beautiful smile. Innovative modern braces like Invisalign treatment and discreet ceramic braces, straighten teeth quicker than the orthodontic braces of their childhood. More adults than ever are choosing invisible braces to improve their smiles. While age may play a role, what really matters is consistent compliance with your dental treatment plan and maintaining good dental health care throughout the process.

3. Compliance and lifestyle

How closely you follow your dentists instructions dramatically impacts outcome and dental treatment time. This includes:

• Wearing aligners for the recommended 20–22 hours per day.
• Keeping regular appointments at your Christchurch dental clinic.
• Practising excellent oral hygiene.
• Avoiding damage to appliances (e.g., broken brackets).

Missing appointments or neglecting dental and oral health care can delay treatment by months. Our team of Christchurch dentists works closely with patients to provide clear guidance and ongoing support, plus we have the technology to provide online appointments. If you have an issue with your braces, aligners or any query with respect to your dental health, let us know – the sooner we are aware of a problem, the sooner we can provide a solution. 

4. Treatment method

Different orthodontic appliances work at different speeds. Both braces and Invisalign effectively straighten teeth, but their speed depends on the case.

• Invisalign braces and Angel aligners often achieve results faster for simple cases, thanks to advanced digital planning and customised aligner trays. Ideal for teens and adults.
• Braces are better suited to complex orthodontic issues and may take longer but can correct a wider range of problems.

A consultation with our Christchurch orthodontics team will give you clarity. We’ll compare your options and provide a realistic timeframe.

5. Oral health and hygiene

This is perhaps the most important reason why orthodontic treatment is delayed. As a trusted dentist in Christchurch, we will not give patients braces of any kind until we are happy with your oral health. Braces and aligners require a healthy foundation to work properly. Your oral health is always Duxton Dental’s priority.

Gum disease, tooth decay, or missed cleaning appointments compromise the progress of orthodontic treatment. That’s why we focus on quality dental care before and during braces – it saves you time and money.

Can teeth straightening treatment be sped up?

While there are no shortcuts to safe orthodontics, you can reduce delays by:

• Attending all scheduled appointments at your dentist.
• Maintaining excellent dental hygiene to avoid complications.
• Following dietary advice (avoiding sticky or hard foods that damage traditional metal braces).
• Wearing appliances exactly as prescribed.

Patients who commit to their treatment plan often finish months earlier than those who don’t.

Why choose Duxton Dental clinic in Christchurch?

Straightening your teeth is about more than looks, it’s about long-term dental health. Correcting misalignment reduces the risk of decay, gum disease, jaw pain, and uneven tooth wear. At our Christchurch dental clinic, we combine expert orthodontics with the full spectrum of dental services patients need for a healthy smile.

• Comprehensive orthodontic treatment from traditional braces to Invisalign.
• Cosmetic dentistry services including professional teeth whitening and veneers for a complete smile makeover.
• Preventive dental health care so your teeth and gums stay healthy for life.
• Highly experienced Riccarton dentists and trusted providers of quality dental care in Christchurch.

Whether you’re searching for a family dentist in Christchurch NZ, a clinic that offers advanced cosmetic dentistry, or a solution for your snoring, our team provides the personalised care you deserve. Every smile is different, and the right dental treatment plan can save you time, discomfort, and unnecessary expense – and make you look and feel fabulous. We’re committed to delivering quality dental care that transforms smiles while protecting your oral health.

Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier, more confident smile. Call 03 348 5488 today.