Braces Recovery
Metal or ceramic, the process is the same. Here’s what the first few weeks feel like.
The Full Guide
Metal or ceramic brackets are bonded to each tooth, connected by an archwire that gradually guides teeth into place, using small elastic ties (or self-ligating clips) to hold the wire in the brackets. Ceramic brackets work the same way as metal. The difference is purely cosmetic, not procedural.
Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean, put less uneven stress on your bite, and often address crowding or spacing issues that get harder to fix the longer they're left alone. Braces work well for a wide range of cases, including ones too complex for clear aligners alone.
Wondering if braces or clear aligners are the better fit? Book a consultation and we'll help you decide.
No special prep needed. Braces don't require anesthesia.
No numbing needed for this procedure.
Teeth are cleaned and dried, then brackets are bonded on with dental adhesive. An archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured with tiny elastic ties.
The whole appointment usually takes 1–2 hours.
Expect extra saliva for the first hour or so, and your lips or tongue may feel like there's suddenly a lot in your mouth. This settles within days.
Teeth feel sore or tender. Take ibuprofen as needed. A slight lisp is common and usually resolves within days. Cheeks and lips may need a day or two to stop catching on the brackets; dental wax over any bracket that's rubbing helps a lot.
Stick to soft foods (pasta, yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes). Permanently avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods (ice, popcorn, caramel, hard candy, whole apples or carrots (cut them up instead)), for the whole time you're in braces, since they can break a bracket and set treatment back.
Expect 1–2 days of renewed soreness afterward, same pattern as the first days.
Brush after every meal and floss daily (a floss threader or water flosser helps). Cleanings and checkups are typically recommended every 3–4 months instead of the usual six, since brackets and wires trap plaque more easily. Typical treatment runs 18–24 months, and a retainer (full-time at first, then nights), is essential once braces come off.
a bracket or wire breaks or pokes you (wax can buffer it in the meantime), or soreness is severe enough that over-the-counter pain relief isn't helping.
A note on this guide: this is general guidance. Your treating doctor's specific instructions for your individual case always take priority over anything written here. If something feels off or you're unsure, call us. Don't wait it out.
Orthodontic care
Questions about your recovery?
We're always happy to talk through anything that feels uncertain. Never hesitate to call.