Braces: What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment
If you or your child are considering orthodontic treatment, it’s completely normal to wonder what the experience of wearing braces will be like. Many patients visiting us at Ocean Orthodontics in Torquay ask questions such as:
- How long will braces take to work?
- Will braces hurt?
- What happens during orthodontic appointments?
Understanding the process can make starting treatment much easier and less intimidating, and at our orthodontic practice we serve patients across Torquay and Devon. We guide them through every stage of their braces journey. In this article, I’ll explain what you can expect from your first consultation through to the final results.
The First Step: Your Orthodontic Consultation
Every orthodontic treatment begins with a consultation and during this appointment, we assess your teeth and discuss your goals for treatment.
What happens during the consultation?
Your orthodontic consultation typically includes:
- A full examination of your teeth and bite
- Digital scans or impressions of your teeth
- Photographs and sometimes X-rays
- A discussion about treatment options
These records help us create a personalised orthodontic treatment plan designed to achieve the best results.
Getting Your Braces Fitted
Once your treatment plan is agreed, the next step is fitting your braces which usually takes around 45–60 minutes.
What happens during the fitting appointment?
During this visit we will:
- Carefully clean and prepare the teeth
- Attach small brackets to each tooth
- Place a thin wire through the brackets
- Secure the wire with small elastics or clips
This process is completely painless, although it may feel slightly unusual at first. According to the British Orthodontic Society, braces work by applying gentle, controlled pressure to move teeth gradually into the correct position.
The First Few Days With Braces
After braces are fitted, patients often experience:
- Slight pressure on the teeth
- Mild soreness when biting or chewing
- A feeling of tightness in the mouth
This happens because the teeth are beginning to move, most patients find the discomfort settles within a few days to a week and eating softer foods during this time can help.
Living With Braces Day to Day
Once you have adjusted to braces, most patients quickly adapt to their new routine and to protect braces and prevent damage, it’s best to avoid certain foods such as:
- Hard sweets
- Sticky toffees or chewing gum
- Very crunchy foods
- Ice cubes
The Oral Health Foundation recommends avoiding foods that could damage orthodontic appliances and maintaining excellent oral hygiene during treatment.
Brushing and oral hygiene
Keeping teeth clean with braces is extremely important and we advise patients to:
- Brush after every meal if possible
- Use an orthodontic toothbrush or electric toothbrush
- Clean carefully around brackets and wires
- Floss daily using orthodontic flossing tools
Good oral hygiene helps prevent problems such as plaque build-up or gum irritation during treatment.
Regular Orthodontic Adjustment Appointments
Orthodontic treatment involves regular appointments so we can monitor progress and typically patients visit the clinic every 6 to 8 weeks.
What happens during adjustment visits?
During these appointments we may:
- Adjust or replace the orthodontic wire
- Change elastic bands
- Check tooth movement
- Ensure braces are working as planned
These small adjustments are what gradually move teeth into their ideal position and appointments are usually quick and straightforward.
How Long Do Braces Take to Work?
The length of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the cases and most braces treatments take between 12 and 24 months, however, this can vary depending on:
- The severity of the alignment problem
- The type of braces used
- How well instructions are followed
Patients who attend appointments regularly and maintain good oral hygiene usually achieve the best results.
Alternatives to Traditional Braces
Some patients prefer more discreet orthodontic treatments and at Ocean Orthodontics we offer a variety of options depending on individual needs.
Patients looking for a nearly invisible option may be interested in Invisalign clear aligners, which use removable transparent trays to gradually move teeth. Adults who want to improve their smile later in life can also explore adult orthodontic treatments designed to fit around work and daily routines. We will always recommend the treatment option that is most effective for your specific orthodontic needs.
The Final Stage: Retainers
Once braces are removed, treatment is not quite finished, teeth need time to stabilise in their new position, which is why retainers are essential.
Why retainers matter
Retainers help:
- Prevent teeth from shifting back
- Maintain the results of treatment
- Protect the investment you have made in your smile
Patients who wear retainers as instructed are much more likely to maintain their orthodontic results long-term.
Braces Treatment at Ocean Orthodontics
At Ocean Orthodontics in Torquay, we provide expert orthodontic care for patients across Devon. Whether you are exploring braces for yourself or for your child, our team will guide you through every step of the treatment process. Orthodontic treatment is a journey, and we are committed to making that journey as comfortable, predictable, and successful as possible.
If you are considering braces and would like professional advice tailored to your needs, our team is here to help. Book your consultation and take the first step towards a straighter smile. Call us on 01803 613311 or alternatively, you can email us at info@oceanorthodontics.co.uk.