The duration of orthodontic treatment can generally be divided into two periods: the active orthodontic treatment period, involving the active movement of teeth using mobile appliances, transparent aligners, fixed appliances (braces) and the retention period of the therapeutic result using a fixed retainer or removable appliances. The duration of active orthodontic treatment depends on various factors, many of which cannot be fully controlled by both the orthodontist and the patient. Each case is unique, and each patient reacts differently to treatment. The severity of the case, the extent of orthodontic movement, the treatment method, and importantly the patient's consistency in attending appointments and following recommended instructions play a significant role. We employ the most modern methods to achieve the desired therapeutic result as quickly as possible. Due to these factors, it is often challenging to provide an exact duration for the treatment. Treatment is considered complete when the therapeutic goals are achieved. In general, most cases treated with fixed appliances/braces are completed within a range of 16-24 months, while minor aesthetic adjustments in adults using transparent aligners require an average of 9-12 months. Of course, there are cases that may require less or more time. A more accurate duration estimation can be given after the first diagnostics appointment.

After the active tooth movement phase, the stabilization and maintenance of the therapeutic results become crucial. Unfortunately, the oral cavity is subject to lifelong complex factors and mechanisms that may lead to relapse or unwanted tooth movements after orthodontic treatment. For this reason, a lifelong commitment to using a fixed retainer or removable stabilization appliance is recommended for complete maintenance of therapeutic results. It is essential to emphasize that the most critical period for stabilization is the first 6-24 months after active treatment. Although the risk of relapse diminishes over time, it is never completely eliminated. Practically, this means a strong recommendation for retention protocols during the initial 6-24 months, and after two years, patients (or their families) consciously decide whether to continue stabilization, change the retention protocol, or discontinue it entirely. A 100% guarantee of maintaining therapeutic results without some lifelong retention protocol does not exist. Each case is unique, and the level of stabilization need varies with different risk of relapse.

The ideal age for the first orthodontic examination is 7 years old. Both the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and international literature recommend this age since the first signs of jaw (facial bone) and tooth development (deciduous or permanent) become apparent.

However, passing this age does not mean it is too late for orthodontic evaluation. Prevention and early diagnosis are crucial, so scheduling the first contact with an orthodontist between the ages of 7-9 is advisable. This initial visit also allows children to become familiar with the examination process, the orthodontist, the environment, and other aspects. Many orthodontic abnormalities can be diagnosed early at the age of 7, and personalized treatment can be applied at the right time with the right means. It is essential to note that not all children after the first examination will undergo treatment. The first orthodontic assessment helps determine the appropriate age to start the treatment if any needed. Modern literature suggests that only a few indications require intervention around the age of seven. The timing of orthodontic intervention is possibly one of the most critical factors in the success of orthodontic treatment in children and adolescents. Orthodontic abnormalities related to the development of facial bones, known as skeletal problems, are challenging to address after a certain age and usually their treatment becomes more invasive later on. Some extreme cases may even require surgical correction. There are international guidelines on which orthodontic pathologies should be treated early and how. In some cases, it is necessary to undergo treatment in stages, in different time periods. An early phase occurs during the mixed dentition stage (deciduous and permanent teeth), followed by a second phase later, when almost all permanent teeth have erupted with a gap of several years between the two phases.