When Will I Be Done?

The #1 Ortho Question — Answered Honestly

If we had a nickel for every time we heard, “When will I be done?” — we’d have a whole lotta nickels — and a lotta straight teeth.

We get it. Whether you’re in braces or Invisalign®, orthodontic treatment takes time, effort, and patience. And when you’re eager to see that final smile in the mirror (without wires or trays in the way), it’s natural to want to know exactly when that day will come.

But here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all finish line.
At Kirby Nelson Orthodontics, our team builds customized treatment plans for every smile — and that means the timing depends on you, your biology, and your treatment complexity.

Let’s break it down.

🧬 1. Your Smile’s Unique Biology

Everyone’s body moves and adapts differently. Some teeth respond quickly to treatment, while others take a little longer to cooperate. Your jawbone density, age, and even genetics all play a role in how fast your smile shifts.

It’s not about being “ahead” or “behind” — it’s just your smile doing its thing, in its own time. And we’re here to guide you through it with the best tools and care possible.

🧩 2. How Complex Is Your Case?

A simple spacing issue? You might be done faster than someone dealing with a deep bite or crossbite. The more movements needed (and the more teeth involved), the longer your treatment may take.

At your initial consultation — whether you’re in Maple Valley or Enumclaw — our team will give you an honest estimate based on your smile goals and what’s needed to get you there. But even that estimate comes with a big ol’ asterisk…

⏱️ 3. The Secret to a Faster Finish? YOU.

The #1 factor in finishing on time (or even early)? Compliance.
If you want to finish fast, the best way to do that is to stick to your treatment plan — aligners in, rubber bands on, and all.

Every skipped tray or forgotten band adds time. It’s like hitting the snooze button on your smile.

We’re not here to nag — we’re here to support you. But we’ve seen firsthand how small daily habits lead to big smile milestones.

So… When Will You Be Done?

The answer is: it depends.
But one thing’s for sure — we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. Our team makes it a priority to explain where you’re at in your treatment, what’s next, and how to keep things moving forward.

We’ll celebrate the wins, guide you through the tough spots, and make sure you always KNOw what’s going on (see what we did there 😉).

Thinking About Starting Treatment?

📅 Book a free virtual or in-person consultation with the trusted team at Kirby Nelson Orthodontics.
We’ll answer your questions, give you a personalized treatment overview, and help you figure out what’s next — no pressure, just clarity.