Ask anyone around Windermere or Orlando how long braces take, and you’ll hear answers that range from “a few months” to “forever.” The truth sits somewhere in between, and it depends on more than just the type of braces or aligners you choose. Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics have helped patients from St. Cloud to Clermont understand what really shapes the timeline for results that last. To start, let’s look at the factors that influence how long orthodontic treatment actually takes.
What Determines Treatment Duration
No two orthodontic timelines are exactly the same, but understanding what shapes yours can make the process feel easier to follow. Dr. Lauris Johnson at MyFamily Orthodontics looks at several factors before designing a plan that fits your smile and your schedule.
Treatment time can depend on things like age, bite complexity, and the appliance being used, like metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners such as Invisalign® and 3M Clarity. Staying consistent with appointments and following home care instructions also play a major role in how smoothly everything moves along.
Families from Orlando to Ocoee often find that once they understand these variables, the experience feels more predictable. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how long different types of orthodontic treatments usually last for patients in the Windermere area.
Average Treatment Times by Type
Families often ask how long treatment really takes once braces or aligners are chosen. While every plan is customized by Dr. Lauris Johnson, most timelines fall within familiar ranges that help set expectations early on.
- Metal Braces: These tried-and-true brackets usually stay on for about 18 to 30 months, depending on how much movement is needed.
- Ceramic Braces: Chosen for their more subtle look, these may take a little longer since adjustments are made more gently.
- Clear Aligners: Both Invisalign and 3M Clarity aligners typically range from 12 to 18 months, offering flexibility for busy families in Windermere, Winter Garden, and beyond.
Since Orlando-area schedules can get packed with school events, sports, and community activities, keeping appointments consistent helps stay on track. Next, let’s look at how everyday habits can make a noticeable difference in how quickly treatment moves forward.
How Habits Affect Your Progress
The secret to keeping orthodontic treatment on schedule often comes down to small, everyday choices. Dr. Lauris Johnson reminds families that what happens between visits matters just as much as what happens in the chair. Staying consistent can make the difference between finishing early and adding a few extra months.
Helpful habits that keep things on track include:
- Wearing aligners for the full recommended hours each day
- Brushing and flossing carefully to avoid repair delays
- Skipping sticky or crunchy foods that can damage brackets
- Coming to scheduled check-ins, even during busy weeks
Families from Windermere to Lake Buena Vista often share that once these routines become second nature, treatment seems to move faster than expected! After all, good habits don’t stop when braces come off, which brings us to the next important phase: retainers and how they keep your results steady.
The Retainer Phase
Getting braces or aligners off is a major milestone, but treatment isn’t truly finished until retainers have done their part. Retainers are the final step that helps keep your results steady once the active phase of movement is complete. Dr. Lauris Johnson and the MyFamily Orthodontics team provide clear instructions so families know exactly what to expect after the big day.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers make it easy to keep up with cleaning and wear schedules. They’re often worn full-time for the first few months, then just at night as teeth stabilize. Many Windermere patients appreciate being able to take them out during meals or special occasions.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers, also called bonded retainers, stay in place behind the teeth. They’re an excellent option for patients who prefer something low-maintenance. With simple cleaning routines and regular check-ins, they quietly do their job in the background.
Patients across Orlando and Winter Garden often say that once they’ve settled into retainer care, it becomes a simple part of their routine. Next, let’s look at what regular check-ins and appointment rhythm mean for keeping your treatment right on schedule.
Appointments and Progress Check-Ins
Regular appointments play a big role in keeping orthodontic treatment on time. These visits let Dr. Lauris Johnson make small adjustments, check progress, and answer any new questions that come up along the way. The team at MyFamily Orthodontics works hard to keep these visits efficient and easy for families to fit into their routines.
Here’s what most patients can expect during check-ins:
- Quick evaluations to track tooth movement and appliance condition
- Digital scans for a faster, cleaner experience
- Helpful reminders for home care and what to expect before the next visit
With a convenient Windermere office near Sunset Park Elementary and Piesanos, and another in Orlando, it’s easy for busy families to stop by between school and work commitments. Up next, let’s bring it all together with what patients around Central Florida can expect when planning their orthodontic timeline.
What Patients Around Central Florida Can Expect
Orthodontic timelines vary from person to person, but most patients in Windermere, Orlando, and nearby communities finish treatment within one to three years. Factors like appliance type, consistency with appointments, and home care all play a part in how smoothly progress unfolds.
Progress feels clearer when patients and the MyFamily Orthodontics team work together, celebrating each milestone along the way. With thoughtful planning and ongoing communication from Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics, patients can feel confident that their treatment is progressing right on schedule.
Patience Pays Off in Central Florida
Orthodontic treatment takes time, but it’s time well spent when progress feels steady and supported. Around Windermere and Orlando, families trust Dr. Lauris Johnson and the MyFamily Orthodontics team for care that’s convenient and flexible. When you’re ready to see how your timeline could look, book your free consultation and start planning care that moves at the right pace for you!