How Do Braces Work? A Simple Guide for First-Time Patients

If you’re getting braces for the first time, welcome! Starting your orthodontic journey is a big step, and it’s completely normal to have questions or feel a little nervous.

Millions of people, kids, teens, and adults, get braces each year to improve their smiles and oral health. Braces are a common, safe, and effective way to straighten your teeth and fix bite problems. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7, and many adults choose to start treatment later in life too. [1] 

In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What braces are made of
• How they gently move your teeth
• What you can expect during treatment

What Are Braces Made Of?

Braces may look a little complicated at first, but they’re actually made of a few basic parts that work together to gently move your teeth into a better position.

1. Brackets

These are the small squares that your dentist or orthodontist attaches to the front of each tooth. Brackets act like little handles, holding the wires that help move your teeth. [2] 

2. Archwire

The archwire is a thin metal wire that connects all the brackets together. It’s the part that gently guides your teeth into place by applying steady pressure. [3] 

3. Ligatures or Elastic Bands

Ligatures are tiny rubber bands that hold the archwire in place on each bracket. They can come in fun colors, or you can pick clear ones if you want something more subtle. [2] 

4. Optional Add-Ons: Rubber Bands or Other Appliances

Sometimes your orthodontist may add extra rubber bands that stretch between your top and bottom teeth. These help fix bite problems like overbites or underbites. [3] 

5. Clear or Ceramic Braces

If you’d rather have something less noticeable, ask about clear or ceramic braces. These work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored materials, so they blend in better with your smile. [2] 

No matter which type of braces you choose, all these parts work together to gently and safely move your teeth, giving you a straighter, healthier smile over time.

How Braces Straighten Your Teeth

Braces work by using gentle, steady pressure to slowly move your teeth into the right position. This might sound surprising, but teeth actually shift because the bone around them can change shape over time.

When your braces apply pressure, the bone on one side of the tooth softens to let the tooth move. Then, new bone grows behind it to hold the tooth in its new spot. This natural process is called orthodontic tooth movement. [4] 

To keep everything moving properly, you’ll need to visit your orthodontist for regular adjustments. During these visits, the archwire may be tightened or replaced to gently guide your teeth further along. These small changes help ensure your teeth are moving safely and on schedule. [2]  

Most people wear braces for about 1 to 3 years, depending on how much correction is needed. Your orthodontist will give you a treatment plan that’s made just for you. [5] 

What to Expect During the Process

Getting braces is a journey, and knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared.

1. Initial Placement: What Happens at Your First Appointment

At your first braces appointment, your orthodontist will clean and dry your teeth, then attach the brackets using a special dental glue. Next, they’ll connect the brackets with an archwire and secure it with small rubber bands or clips. This process usually takes about 1–2 hours and is painless. [2] 

2. Adjustments: Why You’ll Need to Visit Regularly

You’ll visit the orthodontist about every 6 to 10 weeks for adjustments. During these visits, your doctor may tighten the wire or replace it to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. These checkups are important to make sure everything is working as planned. [6] 

3. Mild Soreness: Common Side Effects and How to Manage Discomfort

It’s normal to feel a bit of soreness or pressure in the first few days after getting braces or having them tightened. This means the braces are doing their job. You can ease the discomfort by eating soft foods, using orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen if needed. [7] 

4. Oral Hygiene: Brushing and Flossing Tips While Wearing Braces

Braces create small spaces where food and plaque can get stuck, so brushing and flossing are more important than ever. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush after every meal, and don’t forget to floss daily using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser. [2] 

5. Foods to Avoid: Sticky, Hard, or Chewy Foods Can Damage Braces

To protect your braces, it’s best to avoid foods like gum, caramel, popcorn, nuts, and hard candies. These can break brackets or bend wires, which may delay your treatment. [6] 

Taking care of your braces and following your orthodontist’s advice will help keep your treatment on track, and get you to your new smile faster!

Benefits of Getting Braces

Getting braces isn’t just about having straighter teeth, it also improves your oral health and overall well-being in many ways.

1. Straighter Teeth Improve Your Smile and Self-Confidence

When your teeth are aligned, your smile looks more balanced and attractive. This can boost your self-esteem, especially in social or professional situations. Many people feel more confident after completing their orthodontic treatment. [2] 

2. Correcting Bite Issues Helps Prevent Jaw Pain and Uneven Wear

Braces can fix bite problems like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. When your bite is off, it can put too much pressure on certain teeth and even strain your jaw muscles. Straightening your bite helps prevent jaw pain, tooth damage, and headaches over time. [8] 

3. Easier Cleaning Reduces Risk of Cavities and Gum Disease

Crowded or crooked teeth can be harder to clean, which raises your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Once your teeth are straight, brushing and flossing become easier and that means better long-term oral health. 

Braces are more than a cosmetic fix, they’re an investment in a healthier smile for life.

When Should You See an Orthodontist?

Not sure if you or your child needs braces? There are some clear signs that it’s time to visit an orthodontist.

1. Signs You or Your Child Might Need Braces

If you notice crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, or problems with the way the teeth fit together when biting, it may be time to get an orthodontic checkup. Other signs include difficulty chewing, teeth that stick out, or jaw pain. These are all issues that braces can help correct. [2] 

2. Early Evaluations: Why Age 7 Is Recommended

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if their teeth still seem fine. At this age, a mix of baby and permanent teeth makes it easier for the orthodontist to spot early problems and guide jaw and tooth development in the right direction. [9] 

Early treatment isn’t always needed, but it can help avoid bigger issues later on.

3. It’s Never Too Late for Adult Braces

Many adults think they’ve missed their chance but that’s not true! It’s never too late to improve your smile. More and more adults are choosing braces or clear aligners to straighten their teeth and feel more confident. As long as your gums and teeth are healthy, you can start treatment at any age.[10] 

Why Choose Englewood Dental for Your Orthodontic Care

Choosing the right dental team for your braces is an important part of your smile journey. At Englewood Dental – The Center for Implants and Aesthetics, we’re here to make that journey smooth, comfortable, and tailored to you.

1. Personalized Orthodontic Treatment Plans

No two smiles are the same, which is why we take time to create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you’re correcting crowding, bite issues, or alignment, our team will guide you through every step with care and expertise. Personalized care leads to better, faster results.  

2. Options for Traditional, Ceramic, or Invisalign Braces

We offer a variety of braces to suit your style and comfort:

• Metal braces for proven, durable results
• Ceramic braces that blend in with your teeth
• Invisalign for a nearly invisible, removable option

   

These choices help you feel more confident during treatment while still achieving great results. 

3. Friendly, Supportive Team to Guide You Every Step of the Way

Our team understands that getting braces can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we focus on gentle care, clear communication, and answering all your questions with patience. You’re never alone on your smile journey.

4. State-of-the-Art Technology for Comfort and Precision

We use advanced tools and digital imaging to plan your treatment with accuracy and efficiency. This means fewer surprises, more comfortable visits, and results you can trust. Technology plays a big role in improving orthodontic care today. 

Contact Us Now at Englewood Dental, NJ!

Starting braces may feel like a big step, but it’s a step worth taking. Straightening your teeth takes time and commitment, but the results can last a lifetime.

Braces are more than just a cosmetic change. They help improve your oral health, fix bite issues, and make it easier to keep your teeth clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Straight teeth can also boost your confidence, helping you feel more comfortable smiling, talking, and laughing.

At Englewood Dental in New Jersey – The Center for Implants and Aesthetics, we’re here to support you through every stage of your orthodontic journey. Our friendly team will make sure you understand your options and feel confident about your care.

Ready to take the first step toward a healthier, straighter smile? Book your consultation today with Englewood Dental. NJ, we’d love to help you get started.