Woman looking at her new smile in the mirror

Port City Ortho's Guide to Your Smile Timeline

From genetics to daily habits, discover what determines how long you'll be in braces

Introduction

What Is an Orthodontic Timeline?

What Affects How Long You'll Wear Braces or Aligners?

Genetics: The Starting Point of Your Smile Journey

How a Customized Orthodontic Plan Impacts Treatment Time

Different Treatments, Different Timelines: Braces vs. Aligners

How Compliance Influences Progress

The Impact of Age on Treatment Duration

Why New Patient Exams Are So Important

Common Delays in Treatment and How to Avoid Them

Speeding Up Treatment: What's Possible, What's Not

Port City Ortho's Approach to Accurate Time Estimates

Why Choose Port City Ortho for Your Smile Journey

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction

Ever wondered how long you'll be in braces or Invisalign®? At Port City Ortho, one of the first questions we hear from new patients is, "How long will treatment take?" While we'd love to offer a one-size-fits-all answer, the truth is, your smile timeline is as unique as your fingerprint.

Serving Southeastern North Carolina with three convenient locations in Wilmington (Mayfaire and Shipyard) and Southport, our expert team—including Dr. Bill Gierie, Dr. Gregory Richardson, and Dr. Steven Hancock —is committed to providing every patient with a clear, customized understanding of their orthodontic journey.

As Top 1% Invisalign Providers, we specialize in crafting individualized plans that deliver real results, on time and on budget. So, what determines how long you'll be in treatment? Let's break it down.

What Is an Orthodontic Timeline?

Your orthodontic timeline is the estimated length of time it takes to complete your braces or aligner treatment, from the day your appliances are placed to the day your retainers go in. This includes everything from initial assessments to final refinements and follow-ups.

At Port City Ortho, this timeline is never generic. It's built specifically around your mouth, your goals, and your lifestyle. Some patients may complete the process in under a year, while others may require 18 to 30 months for more complex corrections.

An accurate orthodontic timeline helps:

Set realistic expectations
Guide treatment planning
Coordinate care around life events (like weddings or graduations)
Keep you motivated and on track

And remember—your smile timeline doesn't end with getting your braces off. Retention (wearing retainers) is a crucial phase that ensures your results last a lifetime.

What Affects How Long You'll Wear Braces or Aligners?

No two patients are alike, so the timeline for your smile journey depends on several factors:

Complexity of your case: Minor spacing or alignment may only take 6–12 months. More complex cases involving bite correction or jaw positioning can take 24–30 months or more.
Type of treatment: Traditional braces and Invisalign® can have similar timelines, but some situations favor one over the other for efficiency.
Patient compliance: Wearing aligners as directed, attending appointments, and avoiding broken brackets all play a significant role in staying on track.
Age: Teenagers often experience faster movement due to still-developing bones, while adults may require more time.
Tooth and bone response: Everyone's mouth responds differently. Some patients' teeth move more quickly than others, even with identical treatment.

That's why our experienced doctors at Port City Ortho take the time to craft a customized orthodontic plan just for you. We assess every variable to provide you with the most accurate treatment estimate possible—and adjust it as needed along the way.

Genetics: The Starting Point of Your Smile Journey

You didn't choose your jaw size, tooth spacing, or bone density, but they all affect how long your treatment will take. Genetics play a powerful role in orthodontics. If your parents or siblings needed longer treatment, your path might be similar.

Here are a few genetic factors that influence treatment time:

Tooth size and position
Jaw growth patterns
Bone density and thickness
Impacted or missing teeth

Some patients come in with beautifully aligned teeth and only need minor spacing fixes. Others may have severe crowding, overbites, or underbites that take longer to correct. That's why Port City Ortho uses comprehensive diagnostic tools—like 3D imaging and digital scans—to evaluate your starting point in detail.

Understanding your genetics enables us to create a more personalized treatment plan. It's not about rushing—it's about working with your biology for a healthier, more stable outcome.

How a Customized Orthodontic Plan Impacts Treatment Time

No two patients are the same, and neither are their treatment plans. At Port City Ortho, we don't use cookie-cutter orthodontics. Instead, we design every plan to match your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle. This individualized approach plays a significant role in determining the duration of your treatment.

A customized orthodontic plan includes:

The type of appliance best suited to your case (braces vs. Invisalign®)
Strategic movement of individual teeth
Monitoring milestones and built-in adjustments
Timing for any necessary extractions or jaw procedures
Consideration of age, lifestyle, and long-term retention

When we tailor treatment in this way, we avoid unnecessary steps that could slow down the process. Instead of guessing, our orthodontists make informed decisions using precise diagnostics. This means faster results, fewer unexpected delays, and a smile that holds up over time.

Your treatment plan also includes realistic goals. If your primary concern is aesthetics and you want improvements in time for a major event, we can tailor your plan to fit that timeline. At Port City Ortho, we keep you involved and informed every step of the way.

Different Treatments, Different Timelines: Braces vs. Aligners

Choosing between braces and aligners is a significant decision, and yes, each option affects the duration of your treatment. Fortunately, Dr. Gierie, Dr. Richardson, Dr. Hancock, and Dr. Jamison will help you determine which route will get you to your dream smile the fastest and most effectively.

Traditional Braces

Braces are incredibly efficient for complex cases, including:

Severe crowding
Rotated teeth
Major bite issues
Jaw positioning corrections

The average treatment time with braces ranges from 18 to 30 months, depending on the complexity of your case and how well you maintain your care (including no broken brackets and consistent checkups).

Invisalign® Aligners

As a Top 1% Invisalign Provider, Port City Ortho delivers advanced aligner treatment using the latest technology.

Invisalign® is great for:

Mild to moderate crowding
Spacing issues
Aesthetic corrections
Adults and teens wanting a discreet option

Invisalign® timelines vary from 6 to 24 months. However, compliance is crucial—you must wear your aligners 22+ hours a day to stay on schedule.

Ultimately, the right treatment isn't just about speed—it's about long-term stability, comfort, and what fits your lifestyle. That's why we'll walk you through every option during your new patient exam.

How Compliance Influences Progress

Here's the secret to a faster smile transformation: follow the plan. Compliance—or how closely you adhere to your orthodontist's instructions—can significantly impact your timeline.

Here's how:

Invisalign Users: Not wearing aligners for at least 22 hours per day can add weeks or even months to your treatment.
Braces Wearers: Skipping appointments or breaking brackets can slow tooth movement and delay the entire process.
Oral Hygiene: Poor brushing or flossing can lead to inflammation or cavities, which may require postponing dental work.
Wearing Elastics: If your plan includes rubber bands, wearing them as prescribed keeps your bite on track.

Our team at Port City Ortho is here to support you with clear guidance, regular check-ins, and helpful reminders. But ultimately, the best results come from teamwork—us guiding your plan, and you sticking to it.

Compliance = Progress. And progress means a shorter, more successful smile journey.

The Impact of Age on Treatment Duration

Age plays a significant role in how long orthodontic treatment will take—but maybe not in the way you think. While it's true that younger patients often experience faster tooth movement, adults can still achieve outstanding results with a well-planned approach.

Teens and Children

In children and adolescents, the jaw is still growing. This provides orthodontists with more flexibility to guide teeth into their proper positions through natural development.

Treatments such as:

Early interceptive care
Phase I treatment (before all permanent teeth erupt)
Bite correction during growth spurts

…often lead to faster timelines and reduce the need for more extensive work later. Many of our younger patients at Port City Ortho complete their braces or Invisalign treatment in 12–24 months, depending on the specific issue.

Adults

Adults can still move teeth effectively, but the process can take slightly longer due to:

Denser bone tissue
No ongoing jaw growth
Past dental work or bone loss
More complex aesthetic goals

That said, adult patients are typically more compliant—wearing aligners as directed and taking better care of their teeth—which helps offset the longer biological timeline. Whether you're 14 or 64, Port City Ortho creates a personalized, age-specific plan to ensure your treatment progresses smoothly.

Why New Patient Exams Are So Important

Your new patient exam is where your smile journey truly begins. It's not just a consultation—it's a comprehensive diagnostic and planning session designed to provide you with an honest and accurate look at your future smile.

At Port City Ortho, every new patient exam includes:

A thorough review of your dental and medical history
In-depth oral examination by Dr. Gierie, Dr. Richardson, Dr. Hancock, or Dr. Jamison
Digital X-rays and 3D scans
Bite evaluation and jaw alignment check
A preview of your estimated treatment timeline

This exam sets the tone for everything that follows. We walk you through your options, answer all your questions, and present a detailed, customized treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals.

Whether you're starting with braces or Invisalign®, this appointment is where we get to know you and help you understand every step of your orthodontic journey before it begins.

Common Delays in Treatment and How to Avoid Them

Even the best treatment plan can hit a few bumps. But the good news? Most delays are preventable. At Port City Ortho, we work closely with you to keep everything running on time.

Here are the most common causes of delays:

Missed appointments: Skipping check-ins can push your timeline back by weeks.
Broken brackets or appliances: Every repair resets progress a little.
Poor hygiene: Inflammation, gum disease, or cavities can necessitate a pause in treatment.
Not wearing aligners or elastics: Inconsistent wear slows tooth movement.
Delays in follow-up treatments: Waiting on wisdom tooth removal or additional dental work can stall progress.

How to Stay on Track:

Stick to your appointment schedule
Follow all care instructions
Keep your mouth clean and healthy
Communicate with our team if issues arise

Remember—your smile timeline is a team effort. You do your part, and we'll do ours to make sure your treatment is smooth, steady, and successful.

Why Choose Port City Ortho for Your Smile Journey
Expertise You Can Trust

With over 195 glowing 5-star reviews and a reputation as Southeastern NC's Top 1% Invisalign Provider, Port City Ortho has earned the trust of thousands of families across Wilmington and Southport. From the moment you walk in, you'll know you're in expert hands.

Multiple Locations for Maximum Convenience

Choose from three state-of-the-art locations:

📍 Mayfaire (Wilmington) – 910-256-8590

📍 Shipyard (Wilmington) – 910-452-7988

📍 Southport – 910-457-0020

Each location offers the same expert care, warm atmosphere, and advanced technology to keep your treatment moving efficiently.

A Personalized Experience Every Time

We don't do one-size-fits-all orthodontics. Whether you're a teenager starting braces or an adult interested in Invisalign®, your treatment is tailored to your smile, lifestyle, and goals.

Flexible Scheduling & Support

Life is busy—we get it. That's why we offer flexible scheduling, efficient check-ins, and a friendly team that's always ready to answer your questions or help troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Conclusion

Your smile timeline isn't just about dates and months—it's about you. From genetics and daily habits to treatment choices and provider expertise, every element plays a role in shaping your journey. At Port City Ortho, we ensure that your journey is personalized, supported, and as smooth as possible.

Whether you choose braces or Invisalign®, you'll get a clear plan, expert guidance, and a result that's worth every minute. Ready to start your transformation? 📞 Call Mayfaire at 910-256-8590, Shipyard at 910-452-7988, or Southport at 910-457-0020, or visit portcityorthodontist.com to book your consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the average time to wear braces or aligners?

Most patients wear braces or aligners for 12 to 30 months, depending on the complexity of their case, age, and compliance with treatment instructions.

Can I speed up my orthodontic treatment?

Yes, you can help by following all instructions carefully, avoiding broken appliances, and maintaining great oral hygiene—but there's a biological limit to how quickly teeth can safely move.

Are braces or Invisalign® faster?

Invisalign® and braces have comparable timelines for many cases. However, the right choice depends on your specific needs. As a Top 1% Invisalign Provider, Port City Ortho offers expert advice on which is best for you.

How will I know how long my treatment will take?

Your orthodontist will provide a detailed estimate after your new patient examination, based on x-rays, scans, and a clinical evaluation.

What if my treatment takes longer than expected?

Sometimes treatment is extended due to factors such as missed appointments, broken appliances, or slower-than-expected tooth movement. At Port City Ortho, we continuously monitor progress and adjust your plan as needed.