Are you about to get your braces put on, or thinking about taking that step? Feeling a mix of excitement for a future beautiful smile, but also a little uncertain or nervous about what to expect? You're not alone. Many people feel this way when starting their orthodontic journey, and this guide is here to help you know what to expect with braces.
What are braces?
Braces are orthodontic appliances that are placed to straighten teeth and correct bite issues by slowly moving teeth into their desired positions using a series of wires, brackets, and elastic bands.
The changes to your teeth before and after braces are not just cosmetic, but will give you a healthier bite, teeth that are easier to clean, and confidence that your smile looks its best.
Before Getting Braces: The Preparation Phase Explained
At docbraces we provide complimentary consultations with our Certified Orthodontists where your best treatment options will be discussed. This is the first step on your smile journey!
Your Orthodontist will review your photos, and analyze measurements from your x-rays to determine your personalized treatment plan. You will learn all about braces, the types of braces we offer, the process of getting braces, getting used to braces, the cost of treatment and more!
Getting Braces: Step-by-Step Process & What Happens During Your First Appointment
The big day is here and you are going to have your braces placed, but you are not sure exactly how braces are put on. Here is an idea of what you can expect the day your braces are placed.
Your teeth are polished, and a special primer is placed on the front surface of your teeth to prepare the enamel. A special adhesive made for orthodontics is placed on the back of the braces, and each bracket is placed in a specific spot on your tooth, as prescribed by your Orthodontist. The adhesive is cured, or hardened by a UV light in seconds.
Next, your wire is placed on your braces which is held in place by the coloured elastic ligatures, or some braces have clips that hold it in place instead. That’s all there is to getting new braces!
After your braces are placed, our team will review with you in detail how to care for your braces, and what food and drinks to avoid with braces. We will show you how to get braces clean properly, and give you special brushes to help.
If you forget some of the techniques that we showed you, not to worry you can review them on our QuickTips - click here
The appointment to have your braces placed typically takes 1-2 hours, and you are welcome to bring headphones and listen to music while your braces are put on.
First Week with Braces: What to Expect and the Best Foods to Eat
Your teeth will be tender, especially when biting down and chewing for a few days to a week after your braces are placed.
We recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed during this time if you have braces pain, one that also contains anti-inflammatory properties is beneficial.
We often get asked “What can I eat with braces on the first day?”, and we have some tips for you. It usually takes about 2 hours before you start to feel some pain from the braces, so we recommend eating a hearty meal shortly after the braces go on.
By the next mealtime, you may be feeling some braces pain and may not want to eat a big meal. Stick to soft foods, or things that you can cut up into small pieces.
Cut your food into small pieces and stick to soft foods, such as pasta, fish, yogurt, soup and smoothies until the tenderness subsides. Try to avoid foods that you have to bite into, or chew a lot like burgers, steak, pork chops or sandwiches for a few days.
Life After Getting Braces: Adjustments, Follow-Ups, and Tips
You will have regularly scheduled adjustment appointments with us, typically every 8 to 12 weeks, and most are about 30 minutes. We may replace the wire of your braces to another size, or retie the same wire to reactivate it.
If your braces have coloured elastic bands around them, you can pick a new colour each visit.
At these appointments we will be monitoring your braces progress, making sure everything is on track.
Braces FAQ: Common Questions About Pain, Eating, and Smile Journey Progress
Does getting braces hurt?
No! Getting braces placed does not require any needles or freezing. Many patients bring headphones and listen to music during the braces process so that they are not bored.
Are braces painful?
When teeth are moving you can expect some braces pain or tenderness when biting down and chewing for a few days to a week after braces are placed.
When you have your regular appointments during treatment, there may be some discomfort for a day or two after, but the braces pain is generally mild.
How bad do braces hurt?
Your teeth will be tender when biting down and chewing, but can be managed with soft foods and over the counter pain relievers. Getting braces should not interfere with your daily routine of going to school or work.
How long do braces hurt for?
Most people find that the first day braces pain is the worst, and it gets better each day after day 2. It typically takes a few days to a week for the braces pain to subside. We provide you with Orthodontic wax to place on the braces in case they rub against your cheeks. People with significantly crowded or crooked teeth may take longer to have the tenderness fully go away.
What is the most painful day of braces?
Most people find later on the first day braces are placed, and day 2 to have the most tenderness, and it gets better each day after that.
How long do braces take to put on?
To place upper braces usually takes around one hour, and you can expect 2 hours for both upper and lower braces.
How quickly do teeth move with braces?
You may start to visibly see changes in your teeth within the first couple of weeks, and the most noticeable changes happen in the first 6 months.
Are teeth 100% straight after braces?
Our goal is to have your teeth as straight as possible before we remove your braces, and in the best position for your bite. We will always ask you if you are happy with the way your smile looks before we take your braces off.
What should I know before getting braces?
One thing that is important to remember is that everyone’s teeth and treatment are different, and your Orthodontist will always recommend what is best for you.
Do braces change your face shape?
Braces change the shape of your smile, and how your top and bottom teeth line up with each other. This may influence your face shape but the changes are typically subtle and natural looking. The amount of change seen will vary depending on the severity of the crowding or jaw alignment issues.
If you want to know more about how braces can transform your smile, schedule your free consultation today!
