New Year, New Smile: Planning Your Orthodontic Treatment Timeline—Can I Be Braces-Free by Summer in Encino?

As we head into the New Year, many people in Encino and Tarzana set a goal for a new smile. One of the first questions patients ask is: “How long will this really take?”

The truth is, your treatment time depends on your individual needs—mainly the complexity of your case, not just whether you choose traditional braces or Invisalign® clear aligners.

In this guide, the team at Kahan Orthodontics shares realistic timelines for both options and explains how new technology and patient commitment can actually speed up results. If your case is mild, you might complete treatment in as little as six months! Starting now in December can give you a head start on a beautiful, confident smile by summer.

The Key Factors: What Determines Your Smile Finish Line

Every smile journey is unique. That’s why Dr. Kahan creates a fully personalized treatment plan for each patient. The total duration of your treatment depends on three key factors:

1. Complexity of Your Case
2. Mild crowding or spacing usually means a shorter treatment. Severe crowding, bite correction, or jaw alignment issues require more time.
3. Your Compliance (Effort Matters!)
4. Following your treatment instructions is essential. Brace patients must wear rubber bands as directed, while Invisalign users should wear aligners at least 22 hours per day—removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Skipping wear time always slows results.
5. Advanced Technology
6. Modern digital scanning and treatment planning tools eliminate guesswork, helping your orthodontist move teeth more precisely and efficiently than ever before.

Traditional Braces Timetable: Setting Realistic Expectations

Traditional braces are highly effective in correcting a wide range of bite and alignment issues, including complex cases. Because they stay fixed to your teeth, progress is constant and predictable.

Average Treatment Duration for Braces:

1. 12–18 months: For mild to moderate cases with minor spacing or crowding.
2. 24–36 months: For more complex issues involving significant bite or jaw correction.

While braces may take longer for certain cases, they remain one of the most powerful tools for achieving lasting, stable results. Plus, you never have to worry about forgetting to wear them!

Invisalign Timeline: The Clear Advantage for Shorter Treatment

Invisalign® clear aligners are popular in Tarzana and Encino for their comfort and discretion. These nearly invisible trays gradually move your teeth as you switch to a new set every one to two weeks.

Average Treatment Duration for Invisalign:

1. As little as 6 months: Ideal for mild crowding or spacing in adults and teens.
2. 12–18 months: Typical for moderate alignment cases.
3. 18+ months: Needed for complex bite corrections or rotations.

It’s a common myth that Invisalign takes longer than braces. In reality, Invisalign can be just as fast—or even faster—thanks to advanced digital mapping that plans every movement precisely.

The Role of Early Intervention (Phase I Orthodontics)

For younger patients, early treatment can make a big difference. Phase I Orthodontics focuses on guiding jaw growth and addressing early bite issues—often before age 10.

Phase I treatment typically lasts 3–12 months and helps make Phase II (full braces) shorter and easier later on. While the total time spent in orthodontics may be similar overall, early care can help prevent more serious problems down the road.

Your Power to Speed Things Up

Regardless of the treatment you choose, your daily habits significantly impact your results. Here’s how you can keep things moving efficiently:

1. Wear Your Aligners Consistently
2. For Invisalign users, wear your trays 20–22 hours a day. Taking them out too long will slow tooth movement.
3. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
4. Cavities or gum issues can interrupt orthodontic progress. Brush and floss thoroughly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
5. Follow Instructions Exactly
6. Switch to your next aligner or attend adjustment appointments exactly as directed by Dr. Kahan. Don’t rush or skip steps—it can delay your results and cause discomfort.

Conclusion: The Best Time to Start Is Now

If your New Year’s resolution includes a new smile, there’s no better time to begin. Starting in December gives you a head start on planning and lets you take advantage of year-end benefits before they reset.

At Kahan Orthodontics, you’ll receive a customized plan, a clear timeline, and even a digital simulation showing what your final smile could look like—before treatment begins.

Whether your transformation takes six months or two years, Dr. Kahan and her team are here to make every step comfortable, efficient, and rewarding.

Call our Tarzana or Encino office today to schedule your free consultation and start the countdown to your beautiful, confident smile!

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice from your orthodontist. Results and treatment timelines may vary by patient.