Getting braces put on takes a single appointment. Your teeth are cleaned and dried, brackets are bonded with a special glue, and a wire is threaded through them. It does not hurt, though teeth often feel sore for a few days afterward.
For many teens, the day braces go on is the first big step after months of thinking about treatment. Knowing exactly what will happen in the chair takes most of the nerves out of it. Below we walk through the appointment step by step, explain what the first week feels like, and share the habits that make the adjustment easier for kids, teens and adults alike.
What Happens Before the Braces Go On?
Braces day is not the first visit. It follows a consultation where the orthodontist examines your teeth, takes photos and appropriate X-rays, and talks through your options. At NC Tooth Docs Orthodontics & Kids Dentistry, that first orthodontic consultation is complimentary, and our orthodontic services include same-day treatment, so some patients are able to begin soon after their consultation rather than waiting for a separate appointment.
By the time you sit down to get braces, you will already have picked the type. We offer three: traditional metal braces, Iconix aesthetic braces with gold or champagne-colored brackets, and Clarity clear braces with ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth. Our article comparing metal, gold and clear braces covers how families choose between them.
Planning also relies on technology. NC Tooth Docs uses the iTero Element, a 3D digital scanner that creates an accurate impression of your teeth and gums without old-style plaster molds. You can read more on our technology page.
What Happens During the Braces Appointment?
The appointment follows a predictable order. First, the teeth are polished and cleaned so the glue bonds well. A cheek retractor keeps the lips and cheeks out of the way, and the teeth are dried, because moisture is the enemy of a good bond. A conditioning solution is applied to the spots where the brackets will sit, then rinsed and dried again.
Next, each bracket is placed with a special type of non-toxic glue and positioned carefully on the tooth. A curing light helps set the glue. Once every bracket is in place, the orthodontist threads the archwire through them and secures it with small elastic bands, which many kids and teens choose in fun colors. Some patients also need bands around the back molars or other appliances, depending on their plan.
Once the wire is placed, the team checks for anything that pokes, trims the ends of the wire if needed, and shows you how to clean around your new braces. For the patient, the process is mostly about holding still and keeping your mouth open, not about pain.
| Step | What happens | How it feels |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning and drying | Teeth are polished and kept dry with a retractor | A little awkward, not painful |
| Bonding brackets | Brackets are glued on and set with a curing light | Pressure and a slight taste |
| Placing the wire | The archwire is threaded through and held with elastic ties | Snug as the wire settles in |
| Final check and instructions | Wire ends are checked and care is explained | Ready to go home |
Does Getting Braces Hurt?
Putting braces on does not hurt. There are no needles or drilling. The soreness comes later, usually starting a few hours after the appointment, as the wire begins to apply gentle pressure and the teeth start to move. Your lips, cheeks and tongue may also feel irritated for one to two weeks while they get used to the brackets.
Our life with braces page recommends dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water and swishing for a couple of minutes to ease tenderness. A pain reliever can help for a day or two if the soreness is stronger. Dental wax, which you can get from our office, covers any bracket that rubs and leaves a smooth surface.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose?
A little looseness is normal. Braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the proper position. Once your teeth have been repositioned and treatment is complete, they will no longer feel loose.
What Should You Eat After Getting Braces?
Soft foods make the first few days much easier. Think pasta, soft cooked rice, mashed potatoes, soup, yogurt, pudding, soft cheese, scrambled eggs, bananas and smoothies. Cold foods like milkshakes and ice cream without nuts can also feel soothing on sore teeth.
For as long as you wear braces, avoid foods that can damage the brackets or bend the wire: chewy foods like bagels and licorice, crunchy foods like popcorn, chips and ice, sticky foods like caramel and gum, hard foods like nuts and hard candy, and foods you have to bite into, like corn on the cob or whole apples. Our guide to foods to avoid with braces has a longer list.
How Do You Care for Braces in the First Weeks?
Brushing takes longer with braces, and it matters more. Food collects around brackets, so brush after meals, angle the brush above and below each bracket, and floss daily with a threader or orthodontic floss. Our brushing and flossing page shows the technique.
You will visit the orthodontist every four to six weeks so the braces can be adjusted and your teeth keep moving in the right direction. If a wire or band comes loose between visits, contact the office as soon as possible, and save any piece that comes off to bring with you. Our post on braces emergencies explains what to do in the meantime.
Can You Shorten Time in Braces?
One of the most common questions at a braces appointment is how to finish sooner. The biggest factor is in your hands: following directions. Treatment time depends on your diagnosis, how quickly your teeth move, and whether you keep your adjustment visits, avoid foods that break brackets and wear any elastics as instructed. Every broken bracket or missed appointment can add time.
Technology can help in some cases. NC Tooth Docs offers AcceleDent Aura, a lightweight, removable mouthpiece used for 20 minutes a day that releases gentle micro-pulses to promote tooth movement, and Propel, a minimally invasive procedure designed to speed up orthodontic treatment. Whether either option makes sense for you is something to ask Dr. J at your consultation, since it depends on your treatment plan.
Active kids and teens can keep playing sports with braces. An orthodontic mouthguard is specially shaped to protect braces and other appliances during physical activity, and our team can talk with you about the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to put braces on?
It is a single appointment. The length depends on how many teeth are bonded and whether bands or other appliances are needed, and our team will tell you what to plan for when you schedule.
Can I go to school after getting braces?
Yes. Braces normally do not affect your day-to-day routine, so you can head back to school. Pack soft foods for lunch and keep some wax handy for the first week.
How long will my teeth be sore?
Soreness usually eases within a few days. It may return briefly after adjustments, and saltwater rinses and soft foods help each time.
How long will I wear braces?
Treatment time varies based on your diagnosis and how quickly your teeth move. On average, treatment is completed in one to three years.
Start With a Free Orthodontic Consultation
Dr. Jonathan Wells, DMD, known to patients as Dr. J, is a board-certified orthodontist with the American Board of Orthodontics. If you or your teen is ready to learn about braces, request a free orthodontic consultation or call 704.456.9166. You can also learn more about braces for teens at our practice.