A Patient's Guide to the Orthodontic Treatment Timeline
Your total time in treatment usually depends on how much your teeth need to move, how your bite fits together, and how well you follow instructions like wearing rubber bands or aligners as directed. Most people finish active orthodontic care somewhere in the 12 to 24 month range. This can be true for both braces and Invisalign, although more complex bites can take longer.
Below is a simple look at what to expect from start to finish.
Step 1. Your First Visit and Smile Evaluation
Your first appointment is where the journey starts. New patients at Dr. W. Gray Grieve Orthodontics are welcomed by a friendly team and advanced digital imaging. During this visit, the orthodontist looks at tooth alignment, bite balance, jaw position, and overall oral health.
Here is what usually happens at this stage.
- Digital photos or scans are taken. The office uses modern 3D imaging and putty free digital impressions to map your teeth. These scans help design braces and custom Invisalign aligners that fit you.
- You talk about what you want. Maybe you want teeth that are easier to clean. Maybe you want a smile that looks more even. Adults often ask for treatment that is discreet, while teens sometimes want color and style.
- You review treatment choices. Some patients do best with traditional metal braces or Damon Braces. Others prefer clear ceramic braces, WildSmiles Braces that let you pick fun bracket shapes, or INBRACE hidden on the back of the teeth. Many teens and adults choose Invisalign clear aligners for a low profile look.
- You get cost guidance. The practice offers in house financing and works to make treatment affordable, which helps remove stress from the decision.
After this first appointment, you leave knowing if treatment is recommended and what type may fit you best.
Step 2. Orthodontic treatment timeline at Dr. W. Gray Grieve Orthodontics
Once you decide to move forward, your personalized orthodontic treatment timeline begins. The office often explains this process in four main parts. Consultation. Evaluation. Plan. Treatment.
- Consultation
You meet the team, ask questions, and find out if braces or Invisalign are right for you. - Evaluation
Digital scans, X rays, and photos help map where each tooth needs to go. Your bite is measured so the orthodontist can plan how to improve the way your top and bottom teeth fit together. - Plan
You receive a step by step plan. This includes which appliance you will wear, how often you will come in for checkups, and how long the active phase is expected to last. Adults and teens are given choices that fit comfort and style, like ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners that are almost invisible. - Treatment
Your braces are placed or your first sets of Invisalign aligners are delivered. Invisalign patients wear each set of custom trays in a series and switch to the next set on a schedule. Braces patients get brackets and wires that apply gentle pressure to guide teeth into better positions.
Step 3. Life During Active Treatment
Active treatment is the part most people think about. This is when your teeth are actually moving.
What to expect with braces
- You come in for regular visits so wires can be adjusted.
- You may be asked to wear rubber bands. Rubber bands help fix bite alignment, like overbites or crossbites, and are important for staying on schedule. Not wearing them can slow things down.
- You will get tips to keep teeth clean around brackets and wires. Good brushing and flossing protect your gums and keep your smile healthy during treatment.
- If you want style, WildSmiles Braces and colored elastics let you show personality while still getting the same clinical results as traditional braces.
What to expect with Invisalign
- You wear aligners most of the day and night.
- You remove them to eat, which means no food list to avoid.
- You switch to a new set of aligners as directed so your teeth continue moving.
- You still come in for checkups. These visits make sure your progress matches the digital plan.
No matter which option you choose, the team supports you through each stage so you stay comfortable and confident. Patients of all ages are treated, including adults who want a more discreet look and younger patients who may need early orthodontics to guide jaw growth.
Step 4. Braces Off, Aligners Done, What Happens Next
Getting your braces off or finishing your last Invisalign tray feels amazing. Your teeth look straight. Your bite feels better. You can smile in every photo. But you are not quite finished.
After active treatment, you move into the retention phase. You will be given custom retainers to hold your teeth in their new position. Retainers act like gentle guards that remind your teeth where they belong. Without them, teeth can slowly drift back.
Most patients are asked to wear retainers at night long term. This step protects all the time and effort you already invested. If a retainer is lost or feels too tight, you should contact the office right away so your smile does not start to shift.
Your Smile Timeline Starts With One Visit
Your path to a better smile does not have to feel confusing or stressful. Dr. W. Gray Grieve Orthodontics in Eugene, OR uses advanced imaging, modern options like Damon Braces, clear ceramic braces, WildSmiles Braces, INBRACE, and Invisalign, plus supportive follow up with retainers. Book an appointment now.
The goal is simple. Help you get a confident, healthy smile and make the experience positive at every stage, from first consult to final retainer.