If you’ve been thinking about braces or clear aligners for yourself or your child, one of the first questions you probably have is: “How long will treatment take?” It’s a great question — and one our team at Whitehead Orthodontics hears every day here in Lexington, SC. Treatment time can vary based on age, smile needs, technology, and how teeth respond, but the good news is this: modern orthodontics has made treatment faster, more precise, and more comfortable than ever before.
Whether you’re considering braces, Invisalign®, Spark™, or in-house clear aligners, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about treatment timelines and what to expect along the way.
Why Treatment Time Varies From Person to Person
Every smile is unique — which means every orthodontic plan is too. Some patients need simple alignment. Some need bite correction. Some need early intervention followed by a final phase.
On average, orthodontic treatment tends to fall within these ranges:
Mild alignment: 6–12 months
Moderate crowding/spacing: 12–18 months
Bite corrections or complex cases: 18–30 months
Two-phase treatment for children: varies by case
But these numbers only tell part of the story. Let’s break down the biggest factors that affect how long treatment takes.
1. The Type of Orthodontic Treatment You Choose
At Whitehead Orthodontics, we offer several treatment options, each with different timelines.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are strong, reliable, and effective for all types of cases — from minor alignment to full bite correction. Braces often provide the most predictable movement for complex issues.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but blend in with your natural tooth color. They offer great results with a more discreet look, especially for teens and adults.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Invisalign uses custom-made, virtually invisible aligners to gently move teeth. Treatment speed depends on how consistently aligners are worn — usually 20–22 hours per day.
Spark™ Clear Aligners
Spark aligners use TruGEN™ material, making them clearer, more comfortable, and highly effective. They can sometimes achieve tooth movement faster due to their material design.
In-House Clear Aligners (Clearform)
Our custom aligners are created right here in our Lexington office using 3D printing technology. Because we make them in-house:
You avoid long wait times
New sets can be printed quickly
Minor corrections can be done faster
This is one of the biggest time-saving advantages for patients in Lexington.
2. The Complexity of Your Smile Needs
Treatment time really depends on what your teeth and bite need.
Faster Cases Include:
Minor crowding
Mild spacing
Minimal rotation
Cosmetic improvements
These can often be completed in 6–12 months with braces or aligners.
Longer or More Involved Cases Include:
Overbites
Underbites
Crossbites
Significant crowding
Tooth extractions
Impacted teeth
Jaw growth concerns
These may require 18–30 months depending on the plan.
At Whitehead Orthodontics, Dr. Whitehead performs a full evaluation and uses digital technology to map out the most efficient path to your best result.
3. Age Matters… But Maybe Not Why You Think
Younger patients generally have faster tooth movement because their jaws are still developing. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial checkup by age 7.
However, adults can still achieve outstanding results — sometimes just as quickly — thanks to modern technology and precise planning.
With today’s options, it’s never too late for a healthy, confident smile.
4. Patient Cooperation Plays a Huge Role
Good news: you have more control than you think! Your choices can significantly impact treatment time.
These habits speed up treatment:
Wearing aligners as directed
Avoiding broken brackets
Keeping all scheduled appointments
Maintaining excellent brushing and flossing
Following elastics (rubber bands) consistently
These habits slow down treatment:
Skipping aligner wear
Not wearing elastics
Breaking brackets
Rescheduling appointments
Poor oral hygiene
The better the cooperation, the faster the results — and our team is always here to support you.
5. Technology Makes Treatment Faster
One of the biggest benefits of choosing Whitehead Orthodontics in Lexington is our commitment to cutting-edge technology.
3D Scanning Instead of Impressions
Digital scans are fast, comfortable, and incredibly accurate.
Digital Treatment Planning
This advanced planning allows Dr. Whitehead to move teeth efficiently and precisely, reducing delays.
In-House Aligners (Clearform)
Because we design and print your aligners right here, your treatment moves at the speed of your progress, not a remote lab’s schedule.
Technology = faster, more predictable smiles.
A Realistic Timeline: What Patients Can Expect
Here’s a general breakdown of a typical orthodontic journey:
1. Consultation (Free!)
We take digital scans, photos, and go over your options.
2. Begin Treatment
Some patients even start the same day.
3. Monthly or Bi-Monthly Checkups
These keep teeth moving in the right direction.
4. Treatment Completion
Anywhere from 6–30 months depending on the case.
5. Retainers to Protect Your Results
Retainers keep your smile straight for life — the final (and most important!) step.
How Whitehead Orthodontics Helps Shorten Treatment Time
We take several steps to help patients finish as efficiently as possible:
Personalized treatment
Advanced digital monitoring
In-house aligner production
Close progress tracking
A friendly, supportive team who helps keep you on track
Our goal isn’t just to straighten your teeth — it’s to give you the best smile in the shortest, healthiest timeline.
Is Now the Right Time to Start? Absolutely.
There’s never a perfect time to start orthodontic treatment — but there is a perfect time to begin your smile journey, and that time is now.
Whether you’re considering braces, Invisalign, Spark, or custom aligners, Dr. Whitehead will create a plan tailored to your needs so you can love your smile sooner.
Click “Start My Smile” today to schedule your free consultation at Whitehead Orthodontics in Lexington, SC.
Your confident, beautiful smile is closer than you think.
