Treatment time and visitsQuestion before treatment

How long does it take to have braces fitted?

Answered byDr Ivelina Ivanova-Koycheva, Orthodontist (MSc)Master's degrees in orthodontics in Rome and in aligner treatment in Turin, international lecturerPublished on 12 November 2026

The time it takes to fit braces depends on the method the orthodontist uses. There are two main approaches – direct and indirect. With the indirect method, the brackets are positioned in advance in a laboratory and then bonded in the mouth using a special transfer tray. With the direct method, the orthodontist places each bracket individually during the procedure. Both methods give good results. The procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours per jaw.

This answer is for general information. Your own case needs an examination by an orthodontist.