Braces
getting braces · orthodontic braces · fixing my bite
An orthodontist glues small brackets to your teeth and joins them with a wire. The wire slowly moves the teeth into the right place.
For crooked teeth, a wrong bite, or gaps between teeth, in children and adults.
⏱ Duration: putting them on usually takes 1 to 2 hours; treatment usually lasts 1.5 to 2.5 years
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Exam. Usually first, X-rays of the teeth, molds or a scan are taken, and a treatment plan is made.
- Dental treatment. Before braces go on, cavities must be treated and a professional cleaning done.
- Food. Eat before your visit. After the braces go on, your teeth may ache for the first few days.
What to bring
- Your dental X-rays, if you had them
- A toothbrush
How it goes
- Your teeth are cleaned and dried
- Your lips and cheeks are held back with a special holder
- Glue is put on the teeth and the brackets are placed
- The glue is hardened with a special lamp
- The wire is put into the brackets
- The doctor shows you how to brush with braces
What you'll feel
- It does not hurt, but keeping your mouth open for a long time is tiring
- For the first 3 to 5 days, your teeth ache, especially when chewing
- The brackets may rub your cheeks. Special orthodontic wax helps
Afterwards
- For the first few days, soft food
- During the whole treatment, avoid hard, sticky, and chewy food. Brackets can come off
- Brush after every meal, using a small interdental brush
- Orthodontist visits are usually every 4 to 8 weeks
- After the braces come off, you wear a retainer so the teeth do not move back
Common questions
Do braces hurt?
Your teeth ache for the first days and after each tightening. Usually it gets easy after a few days.
How long do I wear braces?
Usually from one and a half to two and a half years. The orthodontist will tell you exactly.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. Teeth can move at any age if the gums and bone are healthy.