Orthodontic treatment, including braces, is individualized care that is unique to each patient. Factors such as your age, your specific condition, how well you care for your teeth, and how closely you follow your orthodontist’s instructions can all affect the length of your specific treatment plan.  Relying on constant, gradual, and strategically-placed pressure, orthodontic treatment plans take time—anywhere from six to 30 months—to implement safely. While many patients begin to see improvements in their teeth within the first month of treatment, seeing your plan through to the end is critical. Pausing or ending a treatment plan too soon can cause your teeth to shift back into their previous, misaligned position or cause even more problems than you had before you began treatment.