How Long Do Braces or Aligners Take at Brown Family Orthodontics?
- Most comprehensive orthodontic treatment takes 18 to 24 months, but the actual range across patients runs from as little as 6 months to as much as 30+ months.
- Phase 1 interceptive treatment for kids ages 7 to 10 typically lasts 6 to 12 months and addresses problems before they become more complex.
- Clear aligner treatment (Invisalign or Spark) often finishes faster than traditional braces for mild-to-moderate cases, with an average of 18 months.
- Patient compliance matters more than treatment type. Wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours per day or following bracket-care instructions can make or break your timeline.
- Your specific timeline is one of the first things we'll review with you at your free consultation, so you can plan around it with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Meet Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess
- The Short Answer: It Depends on Your Treatment Type
- Phase 1: Interceptive Treatment for Children
- Traditional Braces: Comprehensive Treatment
- Invisalign Clear Aligners
- Spark Clear Aligners
- How We Set Realistic Expectations With Every Patient
- Why Gulf Coast Families Trust Brown Family Orthodontics
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
It's almost always the first real question. We've walked through the photos, looked at the bite, and shown the patient what their finished smile could look like. Then, almost without fail, someone in the chair (or the parent in the chair beside them) leans forward and asks the question that's really been on their mind: how long is this actually going to take?
It's a fair question. Orthodontic treatment is a real investment of time, attention, and money, and patients deserve a clear answer before they make a decision. The honest truth is that the answer depends on which treatment is right for the case, how complex it is, and how well the patient sticks to the plan. But within those variables, the typical ranges are quite predictable, and we want every family who walks through our doors to leave their consultation knowing exactly what to expect.
This guide breaks down the typical timelines for each orthodontic treatment we offer at Brown Family Orthodontics across our seven Louisiana and Mississippi locations. Whether you're considering Phase 1 interceptive treatment for your child, comprehensive braces for a teen, or clear aligners for yourself as an adult, here's what the timeline really looks like.
Meet Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess
Dr. Ed Brown III and Dr. Jessica Brown Ulmer lead our practice as a brother-and-sister team, continuing the legacy their father began in 1973. Over five decades later, our family-owned practice has welcomed more than 15,000 patients across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and South Louisiana, and our doctors have built a reputation for honest, individualized treatment plans and a warm, welcoming experience at every visit.
Dr. Ed oversees treatment at our Madisonville, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula offices. Dr. Jess oversees our Chalmette, Mandeville, Metairie, and Marrero locations. Both doctors bring board-level expertise, modern training, and the family-first philosophy that has defined Brown Family Orthodontics since the start. At Brown Family Orthodontics, when you step foot in our home, you become family too.
The Short Answer: It Depends on Your Treatment Type
Orthodontic treatment isn't one thing. It's a family of treatments that range from short, focused interventions to comprehensive multi-year plans. Here's the high-level view before we go into each option.
Phase 1 interceptive treatment for kids: typically 6 to 12 months
Traditional Braces (comprehensive): typically 18 to 24 months
Invisalign clear aligners: typically 12 to 18 months
Spark clear aligners: typically 12 to 18 months
Limited or short-term treatment (single arch, specific tooth): often 6 to 12 months
These are averages, not promises. Every patient is different, and your specific timeline depends on factors like the severity of your bite issues, your age and growth status, and how consistently you wear your appliance. Let's walk through each treatment option in detail.
The typical range for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. A 2024 peer-reviewed study reported a mean of 24 months for traditional braces and 18 months for clear aligners, with significant variation by case complexity and patient compliance.
Source: Reddy et al. (2024), Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences
Phase 1: Interceptive Treatment for Children
Phase 1 treatment, sometimes called interceptive or early treatment, is designed for children, typically ages 7 to 10, whose mouths are still developing. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Most kids don't need Phase 1 treatment, but for those who do, it can address developing problems before they become more complex.
PHASE 1 Interceptive Treatment for Children
Typical duration: 6 to 12 months (sometimes longer with growth tracking)
Early, targeted treatment that uses the natural growth of a child's jaw and developing teeth to address bite or alignment problems before they become more difficult to correct.
Best suited for:
- Crossbites that may benefit from early correction
- Crowded teeth where the jaw is too narrow to accommodate emerging adult teeth
- Significant overbite, underbite, or jaw alignment issues
- Habits like thumb sucking that are affecting tooth or jaw development
- Early signs of airway-related growth concerns
What can shift the timeline:
Phase 1 treatment is followed by a monitoring period (usually 1 to 3 years) while the remaining adult teeth come in. Comprehensive Phase 2 treatment with braces or aligners may follow in early teen years. Phase 1 alone does not eliminate the possibility of needing additional treatment later, but it can simplify it considerably.
Did You Know: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation for every child by age 7. Most evaluations result in a recommendation to "come back in a year or two for another look," not an immediate treatment recommendation. Either way, you'll have peace of mind knowing exactly where your child stands.
Traditional Braces: Comprehensive Treatment
Traditional braces, sometimes called comprehensive orthodontic treatment, remain the most predictable option for complex cases. Modern braces are significantly smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than the braces previous generations wore, and they're still the gold standard for cases that involve significant bite correction, severe crowding, or complex tooth movement.
BRACES Traditional Comprehensive Treatment
Typical duration: 18 to 24 months on average, with a range of 12 to 30 months
The most widely used and predictable orthodontic treatment. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected with wires that gently guide teeth into position over time.
Best suited for:
- Moderate to severe crowding cases
- Significant bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
- Cases requiring complex rotation of multiple teeth
- Teen patients during peak growth periods
- Patients who prefer not to manage a removable appliance
What can shift the timeline:
Most cases finish in 18 to 24 months. Simpler cases may be completed in 12 to 18 months. More complex cases, particularly those involving extractions or growth modification, can extend to 24 to 30 months. Keeping all of your scheduled appointments on track and following your home care instructions makes the biggest difference.
Want a Specific Timeline for Your Case?
Your free consultation at Brown Family Orthodontics includes a personalized treatment timeline based on your specific case. No guessing, no obligation. Call 1-877-230-7841 or schedule a free in-office or virtual consultation today.
→ SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATIONInvisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign has transformed orthodontic care for teens and adults who want a discreet, removable, comfortable alternative to traditional braces. The technology has come a long way over the past two decades, and recent peer-reviewed research suggests that, for the cases Invisalign is best suited to, treatment may actually finish faster than with traditional braces.
INVISALIGN Clear Aligner Treatment
Typical duration: 12 to 18 months on average, with some cases as short as 6 months
A series of custom-made clear plastic trays that gradually move teeth into place. Trays are removable for eating, brushing, and flossing, but must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for the treatment plan to stay on schedule.
Best suited for:
- Mild to moderate crowding or spacing
- Adults and teens who prefer a discreet treatment option
- Patients who want to maintain easier oral hygiene during treatment
- Lifestyle considerations where removable appliances offer practical advantages
- Cases where the patient is highly motivated and committed to compliance
What can shift the timeline:
Compliance is the single biggest factor. Aligners only work when they're being worn. Patients who consistently wear their trays for the prescribed 20 to 22 hours daily typically finish on schedule. Patients who frequently skip wear time can see their treatment extend by months. We use periodic check-ins to keep everyone on track.
Honest Truth: Recent research has found that the average actual length of Invisalign treatment runs slightly longer than the original estimate, sometimes by several months. We always factor this into the timeline we share at your consultation, so you have realistic expectations from the start.
Spark Clear Aligners
Spark Clear Aligners are an excellent clear-aligner option, and we offer them at all seven of our Brown Family Orthodontics locations. Spark uses a different aligner material than Invisalign, with some patients preferring the clarity, fit, or feel of one over the other. The treatment timeline for Spark is generally comparable to that of Invisalign for similar cases.
SPARK Spark Clear Aligners
Typical duration: 12 to 18 months on average, similar to Invisalign for comparable cases
An alternative clear-aligner system using TruGEN aligner material that offers excellent clarity and a smoother fit for some patients. Like Invisalign, trays are removable but must be worn 20 to 22 hours daily.
Best suited for:
- Patients drawn to the Spark material and aesthetic profile
- Mild to moderate alignment and spacing concerns
- Adults and motivated teens
- Patients seeking an alternative to Invisalign for any reason
- Cases where Spark's specific design features fit the treatment plan
What can shift the timeline:
Like all clear aligner treatments, Spark timelines depend heavily on consistent wear. We'll help you choose between Invisalign and Spark at your consultation based on your specific case, preferences, and goals. The right choice is the one that fits you best.
How We Set Realistic Expectations With Every Patient
One of the things we believe most deeply at Brown Family Orthodontics is that patients deserve honest, specific timelines, not vague reassurance or overpromises. Here's how that translates into our patient experience.
Personalized timeline at your consultation: Every new patient receives a custom treatment plan with an estimated timeline based on their specific case, not a generic average
Clear communication about what could extend treatment: We tell you upfront what factors could move your timeline, including compliance with appointments, aligner wear, and home care
Regular progress reviews: At every appointment, we evaluate where you are in your plan and whether anything needs adjustment to stay on schedule
Honest conversations when something changes: If a case needs more time than originally estimated, we tell you why and what's required to move forward
No pressure, no surprises: You'll always know what to expect, when to expect it, and what's required from you. The relationship works best when everyone is on the same page
Why Gulf Coast Families Trust Brown Family Orthodontics
For more than 50 years, Brown Family Orthodontics has been the trusted orthodontic home for families across South Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Here's what sets our practice apart.
Over 50 years of family-owned care: Founded in 1973 and now led by the siblings of the next generation, Dr. Ed Brown III and Dr. Jess Brown Ulmer
More than 15,000 smiles transformed across our community over the decades
Seven convenient Louisiana and Mississippi locations: Chalmette, Mandeville, Metairie, Marrero, Madisonville, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula
Complete treatment options: Traditional braces , Invisalign , Spark Clear Aligners , Phase 1 interceptive treatment, and other specialty services
Advanced technology: iTero digital scanners and modern imaging that make consultations more comfortable and treatment planning more precise
Free consultations with no obligation, available in-office or virtually, with flexible financing designed to fit family budgets
At Brown Family Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic care is about more than straight teeth. It's about confidence, joy, and the lifelong relationships we build with the families who trust us. When you step into one of our offices, you become part of our family too.
Conclusion
So, how long do braces or aligners take? The honest answer is that most patients complete comprehensive treatment in 18 to 24 months, clear aligners in 12 to 18 months, and Phase 1 interceptive work in 6 to 12 months. But your specific timeline is unique to your case, and the best way to know what to expect is to meet with our team and get a personalized plan.
Our team at Brown Family Orthodontics is here whenever you're ready, with seven convenient locations across the Gulf Coast and free consultations available in-office or online. Reach out anytime. Your smile is worth it.
Seven Convenient Gulf Coast Locations
Chalmette| 200 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043 | (504) 455-1625
Mandeville| 2885 Highway 190, Mandeville, LA 70471 | (985) 626-8297
Metairie| 4429 Chastant Street, Metairie, LA 70006 | (504) 455-1625
Marrero| 7301 West Bank Expy, Marrero, LA 70072 | (504) 455-1625
Madisonville| 109 Pine Creek Drive, Madisonville, LA 70433 | (985) 893-1044
Ocean Springs| 8801 Old Spanish Trail, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 | (228) 872-8153
Pascagoula| 4105 Hospital St. #101, Pascagoula, MS 39581 | (228) 762-4403
Main Number: 1-877-230-7841
Website: brownfamilyortho.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Invisalign take less time than traditional braces?
Often, yes, for the cases Invisalign is best suited to. Recent peer-reviewed research has found that Invisalign treatment averages about 18 months compared to 24 months for traditional braces, though that comparison only holds up for cases of similar complexity. For more complex bite issues, traditional braces are usually faster and more predictable because of the precise control they offer. We'll carefully evaluate your case during your consultation and recommend the option that works best for you.
Does my child really need Phase 1 treatment?
Most children don't, and that's important to hear. Phase 1 is appropriate for specific developmental issues that benefit from early intervention, such as crossbites, severe crowding in an underdeveloped jaw, or habits that affect growth. The majority of kids who come in for evaluation are best served by continued monitoring until their adult teeth are mostly in. At your child's evaluation, we'll tell you honestly whether Phase 1 is warranted or whether watching and waiting is the right call.
Can I speed up my orthodontic treatment?
To a degree, yes. The single biggest factor under your control is compliance: wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, keeping all of your scheduled appointments, and following the care instructions we give you for your appliance. Patients who do these things consistently often finish on or ahead of schedule. There are also some accelerated orthodontic technologies that can shorten treatment in select cases. We'll talk through your options at your consultation.
What can make my treatment take longer than expected?
The most common reasons treatment extends beyond the original estimate are inconsistent aligner wear, missed appointments, broken brackets or appliances, and changes that come up during treatment that weren't visible at the start. Some patients also experience slower tooth movement based on individual biology, which is outside our control. We monitor progress at every visit, so any adjustments can be made early.
How often will I have appointments during treatment?
For traditional braces, most patients are seen every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments. For clear aligners, patients are typically seen every 8 to 12 weeks for progress checks. We use modern technology, including iTero scanners, to make appointments efficient and comfortable, and we offer flexible scheduling across all seven of our offices.
Do adults take longer than teens for orthodontic treatment?
Sometimes, but the difference is usually modest. Adult patients no longer have growing bones to work with, so certain bite changes may take longer or require more advanced techniques. However, in many alignment cases, adult treatment times are very similar to those for teens. The decision to treat as an adult is absolutely worth making. At your consultation, we'll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific case.
Sources
- Reddy, S. P. D., et al. (2024). Long-term Outcomes of Traditional Braces versus Invisalign in Orthodontic Treatment. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences , 16(S3), S2446-S2448. Read full study
- Kravitz, N. D., et al. (2023). What percentage of patients switch from Invisalign to braces? A retrospective study evaluating the conversion rate, number of refinement scans, and length of treatment. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics , 163(4), 526-530. View on ScienceDirect
- Mavreas, D., & Athanasiou, A. E. (2008). Factors affecting the duration of orthodontic treatment: a systematic review. European Journal of Orthodontics. View related review
- Aleem, M., et al. (2024). A Comparative Study on the Efficiency of Clear Aligners Versus Conventional Braces in Adult Orthodontic Patients. Read full study
- American Association of Orthodontists. Patient Resources: Treatment Timelines and Orthodontic Care. View AAO resources
This blog is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical, dental, or orthodontic advice. Please contact Brown Family Orthodontics or your healthcare provider with specific questions about your treatment plan, timeline, or orthodontic care.
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