Short answer: Every smile is different, but adult orthodontic treatment typically takes anywhere from several months to around two years, depending on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment you choose.
The most important thing to remember is that there isn’t a “standard” treatment time.
Your journey will be planned around your smile, your goals and achieving a healthy, lasting result—not simply finishing as quickly as possible.
One of the first questions almost everyone asks is:
It’s a perfectly reasonable question.
After all, you’re planning around work, holidays, family life and everyday commitments.
The challenge is that orthodontic treatment isn’t like buying a product with a fixed delivery date.
Every smile is unique.
Two people could choose the same type of brace on the same day and finish treatment months apart because the movements required are completely different.
That’s why we always provide a personalised estimate after assessing your smile.
Several factors influence how long orthodontic treatment is likely to take.
A small gap between two teeth may require much less movement than correcting significant crowding or bite problems.
The more movement required, the longer treatment is likely to take.
Some patients are looking for subtle improvements.
Others want a more comprehensive transformation.
Your goals influence the treatment plan and, therefore, the expected timescale.
Different orthodontic systems work in different ways.
The most appropriate appliance depends on your smile rather than the speed you’re hoping to achieve.
We’ll explain the options available and recommend the treatment that’s most suitable for your individual case.
If you’re wearing clear aligners, following the recommended wear schedule is essential.
Removing them for extended periods can delay progress.
Fixed braces don’t rely on being removed and replaced, but attending review appointments and following advice remains just as important.
Everyone responds slightly differently to orthodontic treatment.
Some teeth move more quickly than others.
That’s completely normal.
Our priority is always moving your teeth safely rather than moving them as fast as possible.
One of the biggest misconceptions about orthodontics is that the fastest treatment is automatically the best treatment.
We don’t believe that’s true.
Our goal isn’t simply to finish treatment quickly.
It’s to achieve a healthy, stable result that you’re still enjoying many years from now.
Sometimes that means taking a little longer.
We think that’s worth it.
Occasionally.
If your teeth respond particularly well and everything progresses exactly as planned, treatment may finish slightly earlier than estimated.
However, we prefer to give realistic expectations rather than optimistic promises.
Patients generally appreciate knowing what to expect rather than being disappointed if treatment takes longer than originally hoped.
Sometimes.
There are many reasons this might happen, including:
If anything changes during your journey, we’ll explain why and discuss what it means for your treatment.
Most patients attend regular review appointments throughout treatment.
These visits allow us to:
They’re an important part of achieving the best possible result.
We think so.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t a race.
The aim is to create a smile that’s healthy, functional and designed to last.
Most patients tell us that once treatment has finished, the extra few months they may have spent wearing braces become almost insignificant compared with the years they’ll enjoy their new smile.
All adult braces take two years.
Treatment length varies depending on your smile and goals.
The quickest treatment is always the best.
The right treatment balances efficiency with achieving a healthy, long-lasting result.
Everyone finishes treatment on exactly the predicted date.
Treatment plans are personalised, and small adjustments along the way are sometimes necessary.
Some techniques claim to reduce treatment time, but suitability varies. We’ll always discuss evidence-based options that are appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Not necessarily. The complexity of the tooth movement is usually a much more important factor than age.
Usually not, provided appointments are planned in advance and you continue following your treatment plan.
Missing appointments can sometimes extend treatment, particularly if important adjustments are delayed.
If you need to rearrange, let us know as soon as possible and we’ll help minimise any impact.
Our comprehensive guide explains every stage of treatment, from your first consultation to wearing retainers after your braces are removed. It’s designed to help you make an informed decision with confidence.
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
If you’re considering straightening your teeth, our complete guide to adult braces explains the different treatment options, costs, treatment times and what to expect before making a decision.
Read our complete guide to adult braces.
The time needed to straighten your teeth depends on your starting position, the type of treatment and your individual goals.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we’ll assess your teeth, discuss the options and explain the likely treatment timescales before you decide how to proceed.
Find out more about adult braces at Evolve Dentistry
A consultation isn’t about committing to braces.
It’s an opportunity to understand your smile, discuss your goals and receive a personalised treatment plan—including an estimate of how long your orthodontic journey is likely to take.
Read our CQC report
BRACES
BONDING
Dental Health Plan
We are accepting new patients, book an introduction call today
Book An Introduction Call 💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚
Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.
We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨
At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.
And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!
If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.
💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued
📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.
Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!
📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.
⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.
💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!
#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’re considering replacing an amalgam filling, you may have come across the term SMART.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a protocol designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapour and particles while an amalgam filling is being removed.
At Evolve, SMART amalgam removal is available for adults who have made an informed decision to replace their amalgam fillings.
Importantly, we don’t suggest that everyone should have their amalgam fillings removed, and we don’t make claims that removing them will improve your general health.
Swipe through for a simple explanation of what the SMART approach involves.
#SMARTAmalgamRemoval #AmalgamFillings #DentalCare #EvolveDentistry
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.
We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.
We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.
But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.
Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.
The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.
#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
🦷 Day one, first clinic!
Carol has sent us the first photos from her trip — and what a first day it’s been!
Working alongside five other dentists, the team saw an incredible 197 patients in just one day. ❤️
In Carol’s words:
“I’ve taken out more teeth today than I have in the past year!”
A very different day in dentistry from the ones Carol is used to back home at Evolve, and a reminder of just how much need there is for the care the team is providing.
We’re so proud of her — and we’ll be sharing more updates and photos from Carol’s trip as they come in. 🌍🦷
#EvolveDentistry #DentalOutreach #Dentistry #MakingADifference
Ever run your tongue over your teeth and wonder why they suddenly feel rough?
There are a few possible reasons, from plaque build-up to changes in the surface of a tooth.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the common causes and when it’s worth mentioning it to your dentist.
Noticing small changes in your mouth is useful. You don’t need to diagnose them yourself, but do tell us if something feels different.
#DentalHealth #OralHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry