One of the first questions people ask about clear aligners is: How long will it take? The honest answer is that it depends. Treatment duration varies based on the complexity of your case, how well you follow the wear schedule, and the specific system your provider uses. That said, most clear aligner treatments fall in a predictable range—and understanding the factors that affect timeline can help you set realistic expectations. Here's what you need to know.
Typical Timeline: 6 to 18 Months
For many patients, clear aligner treatment takes between 6 and 18 months. Simple cases—minor crowding, small gaps, or slight alignment issues—may be completed in 6–12 months. More complex cases—significant crowding, bite correction, or multiple issues—often require 12–18 months or longer. Your orthodontist will give you an estimate after evaluating your teeth and creating your treatment plan.
What Affects Treatment Length?
Case Complexity
The more movement required, the longer treatment typically takes. Closing a small gap is quicker than correcting severe crowding or a significant overbite. Your provider will assess the scope of change needed and estimate accordingly.
Wear Time
Aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure. They need to be worn 20–22 hours per day for that pressure to be effective. If you wear them less—skipping hours here and there, or leaving them out for meals and forgetting to put them back—treatment slows down. Compliance is one of the biggest factors in staying on schedule.
Aligner Change Schedule
Most systems use aligners that are changed every 1–2 weeks. Each new set moves your teeth a small amount. The total number of aligners depends on your plan. Some patients have 20–30 sets; others have 40 or more. Your provider will outline your specific schedule.
Refinements
Sometimes additional aligners (refinements) are needed to fine-tune the result. This can add a few months to the overall timeline. It's a normal part of treatment for many patients—not a sign that something went wrong.
What Does the Process Look Like?
- Consultation — Evaluation, discussion of goals, and treatment plan.
- Impressions or scan — Digital scan or impressions to capture your teeth.
- Treatment plan — Your provider (or the aligner company) designs your custom aligner sequence.
- Aligners arrive — You receive your first sets and begin wearing them.
- Progress — Change aligners on schedule; attend periodic check-ins.
- Completion — Final aligners; transition to retainers to maintain results.
The Bottom Line
There's no one-size-fits-all timeline—but your orthodontist can give you a personalized estimate. The key is to wear your aligners as directed and attend your check-ups. Do that, and you'll be on track for a straighter smile in the timeframe you expect.