So, you are considering metal braces. It is one of the most common orthodontic journeys taken by thousands of people across the UK every year. Whether you are a teenager or an adult, the big question is always the same: how long will this take?
At ODL Dental Clinic, we believe that transparency is the key to a stress-free experience. While every smile is unique, understanding the timeline of your treatment helps you stay motivated. In this guide, we will break down exactly what to expect from your traditional brace journey at our clinic in the heart of London.
Generally speaking, most patients wear metal braces for between 12 and 24 months. However, this is just a ballpark figure. Some straightforward cases can be wrapped up in as little as 6 to 9 months, while complex bite corrections might take up to 3 years.
When you visit ODL Dental Clinic for your initial consultation, our award-winning team uses advanced digital imaging to map out your specific path. We look at everything from the position of your roots to the way your jaw aligns when you speak.
If you are only looking to straighten your front teeth (often called "social orthodontics"), the time is significantly shorter. But if you have issues with how your teeth meet, such as an overbite or underbite, the process requires more time to ensure your mouth functions correctly and the results last a lifetime.
No two mouths are identical, and several factors play a role in how fast your teeth move.
This is the most significant factor. Severe overcrowding, large gaps, or teeth that are impacted (trapped in the gum) require more "manoeuvring" by the wire and brackets. At ODL Dental Clinic, we specialise in handling these complex cases with precision, ensuring that even the most stubborn teeth find their perfect home.
There is a reason why braces are so common in teenagers. When you are younger, your jawbone is still growing and more "malleable," meaning teeth move into position more quickly. However, adult orthodontics is incredibly successful; it just might take a few months longer because the bone has fully hardened.
This is the part you can control! Your treatment at ODL Dental Clinic stays on track when you follow your orthodontist's advice. This includes:
If you develop gum disease or cavities during treatment, we may have to pause your orthodontic progress to fix the underlying health issue. A clean mouth is a fast-moving mouth.
With so many modern options like Invisalign, you might wonder why metal braces are still so popular. The truth is, in many cases, traditional metal braces are actually faster and more efficient.
The fixed nature of the brackets allows for constant, 24/7 pressure that removable aligners sometimes cannot match. At ODL Dental Clinic, we use high-quality, modern stainless steel components that are smaller and more comfortable. They are incredibly reliable for rotating teeth and pulling them into alignment with mechanical certainty.
Understanding the phases can make the 18 to 24 months feel like they are flying by.
This is the "wow" phase. You will notice the most visible changes here as your teeth begin to line up. The archwire starts to pull the teeth into a basic curve.
This is often the longest part of the journey. We focus on how the upper and lower arches fit together. You might start wearing elastics during this stage to shift your jaw position.
Your orthodontist at ODL Dental Clinic will make tiny, precise adjustments to ensure every tooth is perfectly angled. This is the "polishing" stage of your new smile.
Everyone wants their braces off faster. While you cannot rush biology, you can certainly prevent delays.
Not at all. The fitting process at ODL Dental Clinic is painless. You might feel some "tightness" or aching for a few days after the initial fitting and after each adjustment, but this is easily managed with standard over-the-counter pain relief.
In short, yes. Once your treatment at ODL Dental Clinic is complete, your teeth have a natural tendency to want to shift back. A retainer ensures your investment stays perfect.
Absolutely. We simply recommend wearing a mouthguard designed for braces. This protects both your teeth and the brackets from any impact.
At ODL Dental Clinic, we pride ourselves on being affordable. Metal braces start from around £999, and we offer flexible payment plans to help you spread the cost of your transformation.
Waiting for the "perfect time" to get braces usually just means waiting longer for the smile you deserve. At ODL Dental Clinic, our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process, from that very first consultation to the day you finally see your straight, healthy teeth in the mirror.
