You have chosen to get braces. It is a great step for a healthy, nice smile. You have had your first visit. You are ready to go. But now you have a new question. You are asking, how long does it take to get braces on? You might be a little nervous about the visit. Knowing what will happen can make it all much easier.
This guide is here to give you a clear and simple answer. We will show you the whole way of getting your braces put on. We will cover how long the visit takes. We will also look at the steps that come before and after. By the end, you will have a full idea of the timeline. You will be ready for your big day with a calm and ready mind.
More in Personal Care Category
How Long Does It Take to Get Braces Off
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Braces
How to Get Rid of Gritty Feeling on Teeth
Fact 1: How Long Does It Take To Get Braces On During the Main Appointment?
Let’s start with the main event. This is the visit where the braces are put on your teeth. Many people are surprised to learn that this visit is not as long as they think. It also does not hurt at all.
The exact time can change a little. But there is a general time that most doctors follow.
What is the Average Time for the Braces On Appointment?
For most people, the visit to get braces on takes about one to two hours. It is a very careful job. Your doctor and their team will work together. They will make sure every single part is in the perfect spot.
It might feel like a long time to have your mouth open. But the team will give you breaks if you need them. They are experts at making it as comfy as they can.
What Are the Main Steps of This Appointment?
The visit has a few key steps:
- Cleaning Your Teeth: First, your teeth will be cleaned and dried very well. This is to make sure the braces have a clean spot to stick to.
- Placing the Brackets: The doctor will use a special glue. They will attach a small bracket to the middle of each tooth. This is a very careful step.
- Curing the Glue: They will use a special blue light to make the glue hard. This keeps the brackets in place.
- Placing the Archwire: Once all the brackets are on, they will put a thin metal wire through all the brackets.
- Adding the Elastic Bands: Last, they will use small rubber bands to hold the wire on each bracket. You can often pick the colors for these bands.
How Long Does It Take To Get Braces On and Does It Hurt to Get Your Braces Put On?
No, the process of getting your braces put on does not hurt at all. You will not need any shots. It is a very gentle process.
You might feel a little bit of soreness in your teeth for a few days after the visit. This is normal. It is a sign that the braces are starting to work.
Fact 2: What Happens Before the “Braces On” Day?
Getting braces starts before the big day. There are a few key steps that happen in the weeks before your main visit. These steps are a key part of the answer to how long does it take to get braces on.
These visits before are all about making a special plan just for you.
What is the First Consultation with the Orthodontist?
Your first visit will be a check-up. This is where you will meet the doctor. They will look at your teeth and your bite. They will talk to you about your goals for your smile.
They will also take some records. This often includes:
- X-rays: To see where your roots and your jawbone are.
- Photos: To have a “before” picture of your smile.
- Molds of Your Teeth: To make a model of your mouth.
This visit is all about getting info.
What Are Spacers and Why Might You Need Them?
A week or two before you get your braces on, you might need to have “spacers” put in. Spacers are small rubber bands. They are placed between your back teeth.
Their job is to make a tiny bit of space between these teeth. This space is needed so the doctor can fit the metal “bands” around your back teeth. These bands are the anchors for your braces. You will only wear the spacers for a short time.
How Long Does It Take To Get Braces On After Your Consultation?
The time between your first visit and the day you get your braces on can change. It can be from a few weeks to a month or two.
This time is needed for the doctor to look at your records and make your full treatment plan. It also gives time for any prep work, like putting in spacers.
Fact 3: How Does the Type of Braces Affect the Appointment?
Not all braces are the same. The type of braces you pick can have a small effect on how long the “braces on” visit takes. The basic process is similar. But some types need a little more work.
Let’s look at the different choices.
How Long Does It Take To Get Braces On with Traditional Metal Braces?
The one- to two-hour time is the average for normal metal braces. This is the most common type of braces. It is a very fast and good system.
The process is very clear for a skilled team.
How Long Does It Take To Get Braces On with Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces work in the same way as metal braces. But the brackets are made of a clear or tooth-colored material. This makes them harder to see.
The visit to put on ceramic braces is almost the same length as for metal braces. It might take a few extra minutes. This is because the clear brackets can be a little harder to see and handle.
How Long Does It Take To Get Braces On with Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are a special type of braces. The brackets are placed on the back of your teeth. They face your tongue. This makes them all the way unseen from the front.
The visit to put on lingual braces can take a little bit longer. This is because it is much harder for the doctor to work on the back of your teeth. The process is more complex and needs a special skill.
What About Getting Clear Aligners Like Invisalign?
Clear aligners are a different type of treatment. They do not use brackets and wires. Instead, you wear a set of clear, plastic trays that you can take out.
The first visit for clear aligners is often shorter. The doctor might place a few small, tooth-colored “buttons” on your teeth. These help the aligners grip your teeth. Then, they will show you how to put in and take out your first set of trays.
Fact 4: What Should You Expect in the First Few Days After Getting Braces?
The process does not end when you leave the doctor’s office. The first few days with your new braces are a time to get used to them. Knowing what to expect can make this time much easier.
Your mouth will need a little time to get used to the new parts.
Will Your Teeth Be Sore After Getting Braces On?
Yes, it is very common for your teeth to feel sore for the first few days. This is a sign that the braces are working. They are starting to put a soft pressure on your teeth to move them.
The soreness is often mild. You can handle it with pain pills you can buy at the store, like ibuprofen.
What Kind of Foods Should You Eat in the First Week?
Because your teeth will be sore, you will want to eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Good choices are: Soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs.
- Foods to not eat are: Hard, crunchy, and chewy foods.
After a few days, the soreness will go away. You will be able to eat more normal foods again.
Will the Braces Rub Against Your Cheeks and Lips?
Yes, your cheeks and lips need to get used to the new brackets. The inside of your mouth might get a little sore at first.
Your doctor will give you a special soft wax. You can put a small piece of this wax over any bracket that is bothering you. This will make a smooth surface and help stop sores.
Fact 5: How Can You Help the Process Go Smoothly?
You are a key member of your tooth team. How well you take care of your braces can have a big effect on your treatment. By being a good patient, you can help all go as planned.
These simple habits will help you have a great time with your braces.
Why is Good Brushing and Flossing So Important?
Keeping your teeth and braces clean is very key. Food can easily get stuck in your brackets and wires. This can lead to cavities and gum problems.
You will need to spend a little extra time on keeping your mouth clean. Your doctor will show you how to brush and floss the right way with your new braces.
How Can Following Your Orthodontist’s Instructions Help?
Your doctor is the expert. They have a full plan to give you a great smile. It is very key that you follow all of their words.
If they tell you to wear rubber bands, wear them. If they tell you to not eat certain foods, do not eat them. Following the rules will help your treatment stay on track. For more on this, you can look at school resources, like this guide on orthodontic care from the University of Michigan.
What Should You Do if a Bracket Breaks?
Sometimes, things happen. If a bracket comes loose or a wire is poking you, do not panic. Call your doctor’s office. They will tell you what to do. They will likely have you come in for a quick fix visit.
What is the Final Verdict on How Long Does It Take To Get Braces On?
So, how long does it take to get braces on? The final answer is that the main visit is just one to two hours long. But the whole process is a journey. It starts with a visit and goes on with your care at home.
It is a process that is well worth the time and work.
What is the Most Important Thing to Remember?
The most key thing is that getting braces on is a painless and fun step. It is the start of your journey to a new smile.
What is the Best First Step to Take?
The best first step is to set up a visit with a good doctor. They can answer all your questions and give you a plan just for you.
How Can You Feel Good About Your Braces Journey?
You can feel good by being an active and knowing patient. The question of how long does it take to get braces on is the first of many you will have. By working with your doctor, you can make your braces time a good and winning one.
FAQ – How Long Does It Take To Get Braces On
Does the type of braces affect how long it takes to get them on?
Yes, different types of braces, such as traditional metal, ceramic, lingual, or clear aligners, may have slightly different durations, with some requiring more time for placement due to their design or complexity.
How can I prepare before the day I get my braces on?
Before the appointment, you will have a consultation with the orthodontist, and possibly spacers to create space for bands, which can take a few weeks to a couple of months before the braces are placed.
What steps are involved in the process of getting braces on during the appointment?
The steps include cleaning your teeth, placing brackets using a special glue, curing the glue with a blue light, inserting the archwire, and adding elastic bands.
Is getting braces put on painful?
No, the process of getting braces put on does not hurt at all. You might experience some soreness in your teeth after the appointment, which is normal.
How long does the main appointment to get braces on usually take?
The main appointment to get braces on typically lasts about one to two hours, during which the braces are carefully attached to your teeth.
