Getting braces can seem like a daunting journey, but understanding exactly how they work can make the process less intimidating. From the initial consultation to the final removal, braces gradually move your teeth into the desired position. This guide explains each step, what to expect, and how to care for your braces throughout treatment.
What Are Braces and How Do They Work?
Braces are orthodontic devices designed not only to straighten teeth but also to correct bite issues and enhance overall oral health. Misaligned teeth or jaw problems can lead to difficulties in chewing, speech issues, and even long-term dental complications. Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure on the teeth over time, encouraging them to move gradually into their correct positions.
Braces consist of several essential components, each with a specific function:
Brackets
These small attachments are bonded to each tooth with dental adhesive. They act as handles, guiding the teeth as they shift. Brackets can be made from metal, ceramic, or even plastic for a more discreet appearance.
Archwires
These thin wires run through the brackets and are the main force behind tooth movement. The archwire is adjusted periodically to ensure consistent pressure is applied in the right direction.
Elastics
Also known as rubber bands, elastics connect brackets across different teeth to correct bite alignment, such as overbites or underbites. They are often changed daily or at each appointment.
Ligatures
These tiny bands or clips secure the archwire to the brackets. They can be made from rubber or metal. Coloured ligatures are popular among younger patients for a fun, personalised touch.
Bands
Metal rings that are sometimes placed around molars to provide extra support. Not every patient needs bands, but they can help stabilise certain tooth movements.
The science behind braces is grounded in bone remodelling. When pressure is applied to teeth, the bone around them slowly adapts. On the side where pressure is applied, bone tissue is broken down, while on the opposite side, new bone forms to support the tooth’s new position. This gradual process ensures safe and lasting results, which is why orthodontic treatment often takes several months to years.
When Should You Get Braces?
Braces are commonly associated with teenagers, but adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist may recommend braces if you have:
- Crowded or crooked teeth that make cleaning difficult
- Gaps between teeth that affect your smile or bite
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite issues
- Jaw alignment problems causing discomfort or difficulty chewing
- Difficulty speaking clearly due to misaligned teeth
Early intervention—usually during childhood or adolescence—often makes treatment simpler and quicker, as children’s teeth and jaws are still developing. However, adults can achieve excellent results with modern orthodontic solutions, and treatment options today are more discreet and comfortable than ever.
How Do Braces Work at the Initial Fitting?
The first appointment is the foundation of your orthodontic journey. Here’s what typically happens:
Consultation and Examination
Your orthodontist will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw alignment. They often take X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions to understand your bite, tooth positioning, and any underlying issues that may affect treatment.
Treatment Planning
Based on your assessment, the orthodontist develops a personalised plan detailing the type of braces, expected treatment duration, and estimated outcome. This plan is tailored to your needs and lifestyle, and may include considerations for specific appliances or additional treatments.
Teeth Preparation
Before brackets are attached, your teeth are cleaned and dried. In some cases, spacers are inserted between molars to create room for bands. This step is painless but may feel unusual for a few days.
Bracket Placement
Brackets are bonded to each tooth using a special adhesive. This process is precise to ensure the teeth will move correctly. The orthodontist may use a curing light to harden the adhesive quickly.
Archwire Fitting
Once brackets are in place, the archwire is threaded through and secured with ligatures or clips. The archwire is what applies pressure to move teeth gradually into alignment.
First Adjustments
Elastics or other auxiliary devices may be attached during the initial fitting to guide bite correction from the start.
The first appointment can take up to an hour or more, and mild discomfort or soreness is common in the first few days as your teeth start adjusting.
What Happens During Regular Adjustments?
Braces require regular visits to maintain consistent pressure and monitor progress. Typically, appointments occur every 4–8 weeks and involve:
- Tightening or replacing archwires to continue tooth movement
- Changing ligatures or clips to secure the archwire
- Adjusting elastics to fine-tune bite correction
- Monitoring progress with X-rays or photographs
After each adjustment, it’s normal to experience soreness for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and a soft-food diet.
How Long Does Treatment Usually Take?
The duration of braces varies depending on the severity of your dental issues, age, and compliance with treatment instructions:
- Mild alignment issues: 6–12 months
- Moderate issues: 12–24 months
- Severe or complex cases: 24–36 months or more
Staying consistent with appointments, wearing elastics as instructed, and maintaining good oral hygiene can significantly influence treatment time.
Can You Eat Normally with Braces?
Eating with braces requires some adjustments to avoid damaging brackets and wires. Certain foods should be avoided:
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candies, raw carrots
- Sticky foods: caramel, chewing gum
- Chewy foods: bagels, tough meats
Safe and comfortable foods include soft fruits, cooked vegetables, pasta, rice, yoghurt, and tender meats. A balanced diet helps maintain oral health and can reduce discomfort after adjustments.
How Do Braces Affect Oral Hygiene?
Braces create additional nooks and crannies where food particles and plaque can collect. Proper oral care is essential to avoid cavities and gum problems:
- Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel
- Floss carefully with a floss threader or specialised orthodontic floss
- Consider an interdental brush or water flosser for hard-to-reach areas
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings
Neglecting oral hygiene can prolong treatment and compromise results.
What About Pain and Discomfort?
Some discomfort is common with braces, especially after adjustments. Typical issues include:
- Sore teeth and gums
- Irritation from brackets or wires rubbing against the inside of your mouth
- Mild headaches
Ways to relieve discomfort:
- Rinse with warm saltwater to soothe gums
- Apply orthodontic wax over brackets causing irritation
- Stick to soft foods for a few days after adjustments
- Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed
Most discomfort decreases as you get used to wearing braces.
How Do Braces Move Teeth?
Braces move teeth through controlled, continuous pressure. The process involves:
- Resorption: Bone on the pressure side of the tooth breaks down
- Deposition: New bone forms on the opposite side of the tooth
This slow, precise movement allows teeth to shift safely over months to years. Orthodontists monitor progress regularly to ensure teeth are moving as planned.
Are There Different Types of Braces?
Yes, there are several types available today:
- Traditional Metal Braces: Highly effective, visible, and durable
- Ceramic Braces: Tooth-coloured, less noticeable but slightly more fragile
- Lingual Braces: Placed behind teeth, nearly invisible but may be harder to clean
- Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign): Removable, discreet, require strict compliance
Your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable type based on your teeth, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.
What Happens When Braces Are Removed?
Once treatment is complete, braces are removed carefully:
Bracket and Wire Removal
Brackets are gently detached, and adhesive is cleaned from each tooth. This is painless but may feel slightly strange.
Polishing
Teeth are polished to remove any remaining residue and restore a smooth surface.
Retainer Fitting
Retainers are crucial to maintain your new smile. Options include:
- Fixed retainers: Bonded to the back of the teeth
- Removable retainers: Worn nightly or as directed by your orthodontist
Retainers prevent teeth from shifting back to their previous positions, preserving your results.
How Do You Care for Your Teeth After Braces?
Even after braces are removed, proper care is essential:
- Wear your retainer as instructed
- Continue brushing and flossing regularly
- Attend follow-up appointments with your orthodontist
- Avoid habits like nail-biting or chewing hard objects that can move teeth
Consistent care ensures your smile remains straight and healthy for years to come.
Can Braces Fix All Dental Problems?
While braces are highly effective for most alignment issues, they cannot correct every dental problem. Severe jaw discrepancies, missing teeth, or other complex conditions may require additional treatments such as:
- Orthognathic surgery
- Dental implants
- Specialised orthodontic appliances
Your orthodontist will review all options during your initial consultation and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Key Takeaways
Braces are more than just a cosmetic tool—they are a carefully designed system that improves your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. By applying gentle, continuous pressure over time, braces guide teeth into their correct positions, helping to prevent long-term dental problems while creating a confident, healthy smile.
Understanding each step—from the initial fitting, regular adjustments, and daily care, to the final removal and retainer phase—makes the journey feel much more manageable. While treatment may take months or even a few years, the process is precise and monitored closely by your orthodontist to ensure safe and lasting results.
With the right type of braces, consistent care, and dedication to oral hygiene, most patients can enjoy a beautifully aligned smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, braces can transform not only your smile but your overall dental health, giving you both confidence and function that endure long after the braces come off.
