Most children are ready to begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 9 and 14, once most or all of their permanent teeth have come in. At this stage, appliances—typically braces or aligners—are placed on the upper and lower teeth to begin guiding them into proper alignment.
After appliances are placed, follow-up adjustment appointments are scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks. These visits are usually quick, lasting about 20 to 30 minutes. While the average duration of active orthodontic treatment is less than two years, treatment time can vary depending on the individual case and may range from one to three years.
Once active treatment is complete, most patients are given retainers to help maintain the results and ensure that their teeth remain in their new, corrected positions.
