Orthodontic treatment consists of repositioning the facial bones—including the jaws and teeth—and guiding them into proper alignment. Safe and effective treatment requires precise planning, application, and monitoring by a trained orthodontic specialist.  Orthodontic treatment is unique to each patient. The length of treatment will depend on factors like the severity of the problems needing correction and the patient age. The type of appliance used as well as patient participation and adherence to guidance will also affect treatment duration time.   However, most orthodontic treatment plans will follow the same process of a planning phase, active phase, and retention phase.  During the planning phase, the orthodontist evaluates your dental and medical health and takes several images of your mouth and jaws—digital, x-ray, or computer-generated, or a combination of all three—to determine the exact issues that need to be addressed and the best way forward for treatment. This is also when the orthodontist will decide on the best appliance for your situation as well as if you will need teeth extractions or additional corrections for spacing. The majority of orthodontic treatment—anywhere between six and 30 months—takes place during the active phase. This phase includes the actual application of the orthodontic devices and the subsequent routine appointments during which the orthodontist will make necessary adjustments and evaluate your progress.  The retention phase begins once the teeth have been correctly aligned. Permanent devices like braces are removed and replaced with a custom retainer that will help support the teeth as they reform around the newly-realigned bone. These retainers must be worn for specified periods during the next few months or years to ensure the teeth do not shift back into their previous positions.