September 25, 2025
Key takeaways:
Steps in getting braces
Cleaning and preparation: Your orthodontist will clean and dry your teeth, then apply a special etchant solution to roughen the tooth surface slightly to help the bonding agent stick better.
Bonding agent: A primer and bonding agent are applied to condition the teeth, followed by the dental adhesive on the back of each bracket.
Bracket placement: The individual brackets are then carefully placed onto each tooth using specialized pliers.
Curing: A high-intensity blue light is used to harden and cure the adhesive quickly, locking the brackets in place.
Archwire installation: An archwire, the main force for tooth movement, is threaded through the brackets.
Archwire installation: An archwire, the main force for tooth movement, is threaded through the brackets.
Securing the archwire: Tiny rubber bands called ligatures, or O-rings, are used to hold the archwire in place. Self-ligating braces, which feature built-in doors, skip this step.
Adjustments: The orthodontist will trim the ends of the archwire to prevent it from irritating your gums.
Instructions: You will receive instructions on how to care for your braces and maintain good oral hygiene during your treatment.
Table of Content
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Common symptoms after getting braces
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Why are braces needed?
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Diagnosis: The first step before braces
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The braces process: Step by step
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How long does it take to get braces?
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Clear aligners: A modern alternative
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Prevention and maintenance during treatment
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When to call your orthodontist?
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Introducing Caspersmile Clear Aligners for teeth straightening
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Final thoughts: Your path to a healthier, straighter smile
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FAQs
Common symptoms after getting braces
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, straighter smile, but it's also an adjustment for your mouth. Knowing what to expect can help you handle the initial discomfort and prevent unnecessary worry.
Pain and soreness
It's completely normal for your teeth and jaw to feel tender for a few days after braces are applied. This soreness happens because your teeth are starting to shift into their new positions. Some people describe it as a dull ache or pressure. Over-the-counter pain relievers or orthodontist-recommended gels can ease discomfort and make the first few days much more manageable.
Speech and eating adjustments
Your mouth may feel different at first. Eating, especially foods that are crunchy, sticky, or hard, might feel awkward. You might also notice a slight lisp or changes in speech for a few days as your tongue and lips get used to the brackets and wires. Don't worry, most people adjust quickly.
Sensitivity
Teeth can become more sensitive to hot or cold foods for several days. A soft-bristled toothbrush, gentle brushing, and avoiding extreme temperatures in food and drinks can reduce discomfort.
Why are braces needed?
Braces for teeth aren't just about achieving a perfect smile; they have important functional benefits, too.
Orthodontic treatment
Braces are necessary when teeth are misaligned or when your bite is off. Misalignment can make chewing difficult, lead to uneven tooth wear, and even cause jaw pain over time.
Cosmetic and functional benefits
A straight smile boosts confidence and helps prevent long-term dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and jaw problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Braces also help balance your facial structure, enhancing both appearance and function.
Diagnosis: The first step before braces
Initial consultation
Every orthodontic journey starts with a comprehensive consultation at your orthodontist's office. This appointment is not just a quick check; it's the foundation for your entire treatment plan. During this visit, the orthodontist will:
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Examine your teeth and bite: They'll check how your upper and lower teeth fit together, looking for crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
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Take X-rays: These provide a clear view of your jawbone, tooth roots, and the position of teeth that may not have erupted yet.
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Create impressions or digital scans: These detailed models show the exact shape and alignment of your teeth, helping the orthodontist map out precise treatment steps.
These assessments provide your orthodontist with the necessary information to design the most effective and safe treatment plan for your smile.
Treatment Plan
Once your orthodontist has gathered all the information, they create a customized treatment plan. This plan is tailored specifically to your teeth and bite, and typically includes:
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Type of braces best suited for you: Options may include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners.
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Estimated treatment time: While treatment lengths vary, most range between 12 and 36 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
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Adjustment schedule and follow-up visits: These visits are essential for tightening wires, changing elastics, or progressing to new aligners.
A carefully designed plan ensures your treatment is efficient, effective, and customized to your goals.
The braces process: Step by step
Understanding each stage of getting braces can help reduce anxiety and set realistic expectations. Here's a closer look:
Cleaning and preparation
Your teeth are polished and dried to remove any plaque or buildup that might prevent the adhesive from working properly. A cheek retractor is placed to keep your lips, tongue, and cheeks out of the way, giving the orthodontist a clear, dry surface to work with.
Adhesive application
A bonding agent is applied to the surface of each tooth. Sometimes, a mild etching solution is used first to roughen the enamel, allowing the adhesive to grip more effectively. Patients may notice a slightly sour taste, but it disappears quickly.
Bracket placement
Small brackets (metal or ceramic) are positioned carefully on each tooth. These act as “handles” for the orthodontist to guide your teeth into alignment. Once placed, a curing light hardens the adhesive, ensuring the brackets stay in place.
Archwire installation
A flexible archwire is threaded through the brackets. This wire applies steady, gentle pressure to guide teeth into their ideal positions over time. The wire may look simple, but it's the key driver of tooth movement.
Securing the wire
The archwire is fastened with tiny elastic bands (ligatures) or through a clip system in self-ligating braces. The color of the elastics can often be customized, which many younger patients enjoy.
After the procedure
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Mild soreness is normal for a few days as your teeth adjust to the new pressure.
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Follow-up visits every 4-6 weeks allow the orthodontist to tighten wires, change elastics, or make adjustments to keep your progress on track.
How long does it take to get braces put on?
The application process generally lasts 1-2 hours. The exact time depends on the complexity of your case and whether additional steps, such as spacers, are needed beforehand. Adjustment appointments afterward are shorter, typically 20-60 minutes.
Clear aligners: A modern alternative
For patients who prefer a less noticeable treatment, clear aligners provide a discreet option. The process looks a bit different:
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Digital scans: A 3D scan of your mouth is used to design custom-fit trays.
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Gradual shifts: The aligners are worn for a prescribed period before moving on to the next tray in the series.
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No brackets or wires: Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners do not involve fixed brackets, making them easier to clean and more comfortable for eating and speaking.
Not sure whether braces or clear aligners are right for you?
Thinking about straighter teeth?
Take our free smile assessment today and see if clear aligners are the right choice for your perfect smile transformation.
Prevention and maintenance during treatment
Orthodontic success depends on proper care. Here's what to focus on:
Oral hygiene
Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around brackets and wires. Special floss threaders or water flossers make cleaning easier.
Diet adjustments
Avoid foods that can break or loosen braces, such as nuts, hard candies, popcorn, or sticky gum. Soft foods such as pasta, yogurt, and smoothies are braces-friendly options.
Regular adjustments
Never skip orthodontic appointments. These visits are vital to keeping treatment on track and ensuring your teeth are moving safely and efficiently.
When to call your orthodontist?
While minor soreness is normal, certain issues require professional attention:
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Severe, persistent pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication.
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Broken brackets or wires that cause discomfort or delay progress.
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Unexpected changes, such as gums swelling or teeth not shifting as planned.
Addressing problems quickly helps prevent setbacks in your treatment timeline.
Introducing Caspersmile Clear Aligners for teeth straightening
At Caspersmile, we offer clear aligners designed to discreetly and comfortably straighten your teeth without the hassle of metal brackets or wires. Custom-made to fit snugly, these virtually invisible trays gently shift your teeth into alignment while allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. With Caspersmile clear aligners, you can achieve the smile you've always wanted, conveniently and comfortably.
Ready for a smile transformation?
Discover how clear aligners can straighten your teeth discreetly, comfortably, and affordably.
Final thoughts: Your path to a healthier, straighter smile
Getting braces is a careful, step-by-step process involving preparation, bonding, and adjustment. While there may be some discomfort, the long-term benefits, improved oral health, better bite function, and a confident smile, are worth the effort.
Whether you choose traditional braces or clear aligners, the first step is always the same: a thorough consultation with a skilled orthodontist. From there, you'll receive a treatment plan that's designed just for you. Ready to begin your journey toward a healthier, more beautiful smile? Schedule a consultation today and discover whether braces or clear aligners are the right fit for you!
Frequently asked questions
References
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(https://www3.aaoinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Adult_Orthodontics15-cons-hl-1.pdf). Accessed 1/13/2023.
American Dental Association. Braces
(https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces). Accessed
1/13/2023.
American Dental Association. Chewing Gum
(https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum). Accessed
1/13/2023.
Lin E, Julien K, Kesterke M, Buschang PH. Differences in finished case quality between Invisalign and
traditional fixed
appliances
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35168256/). Angle Orthod. 2022 Mar 1;92(2):173-179. Accessed
1/13/2023.
Turner S, Harrison JE, Sharif FN, Owens D, Millett DT. Orthodontic treatment for crowded teeth in children
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34970995/). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Dec 31;12(12): CD003453. Accessed
1/13/2023.
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