The length of orthodontic treatment varies with the complexity of the case. The main stages of treatment are straightening the teeth, correcting the bite, finishing, and making sure the teeth meet properly.
The average length of treatment with braces has been calculated at 19.9 months, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the individual case:
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Treatment with braces without extractions – about 20 months;
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Treatment with removal of two premolars – 25 months on average;
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Treatment with removal of four premolars – approximately 26 months;
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Combined orthodontic and surgical treatment – about 26.8 months;
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Treatment with removable appliances (plates) – 13 months on average.
Treatment with clear aligners has no fixed average length, as it depends on the complexity of the case. For correcting minor imperfections, aligners can be the quicker solution, but when the bite needs correcting they often take longer than braces.
The factors that affect how long treatment takes are:
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The patient's age;
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How severe the bite problem and the irregularities in the alignment of the teeth are;
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The patient's cooperation (attending appointments regularly, wearing elastics, keeping up good oral hygiene);
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Whether teeth need to be extracted.
Treatment is usually shortest in children and young people who have milder problems and don't need any extractions.
This answer is for general information. Your own case needs an examination by an orthodontist.