What to Expect Before, During, and After Starting Orthodontic Treatment!

Orthodontic treatment has three main steps: the planning phase, which includes your consultation and any necessary dental procedures; the day your braces or aligners are fitted; and an adjustment period as your mouth gets used to the new hardware. 

From pre-treatment X-rays and digital scans to minor soreness and diet adjustments after your braces or aligners are in place, each phase has its own steps. This way, even if you choose clear braces or any type of braces, you know what to expect at each step. This guide covers what happens before, during, and in the first few weeks after starting orthodontic treatment, so you know exactly what to expect next.

What Should You Do Before Starting Orthodontic Treatment?

The first step in orthodontic treatment is a consultation, during which you will receive any required dental care such as a cleaning or cavity filling, and will be put into a planning phase in which you and your orthodontist decide on the proper appliance for your needs. This preparation period can take many weeks and will lay the foundation for the rest of your treatment.

What Happens at Your First Orthodontic Consultation?

During your initial appointment, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and bite, discuss your goals, and clarify which orthodontic treatment alternatives may suit you. This is also a good time to ask questions about the timeline, cost, and what day-to-day life will look like with braces or aligners.

Do You Need X-Rays, Photos, or Digital Scans?

Your orthodontist will take digital X-rays, photos, and a digital scan or mold at a follow-up visit or during your consultation to help create a plan for how your teeth and jaw should move. This is the basis for the entire treatment plan.

Do Cavities or Gum Problems Need Treatment First?

Cavities or gum issues need treatment before braces or Aligners are placed. Because they’re harder to treat once the hardware is in place, before you start treatment, your orthodontist may ask you to see your dentist for a cleaning, filling, or other dental work.

What Should You Ask Before Choosing a Treatment Plan?

It is advisable to ask questions before deciding on a treatment plan, including how long the treatment will take, the cost of treatment and payment options, how many appointments you will need, and what you can expect results to look like. With these questions, you can compare options such as traditional braces versus clear aligners and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.

What Happens on the Day Your Are Started?

The appointment usually lasts about 1-2 hours, and most people don’t experience sharp pain while getting their braces or aligners on. Soreness usually doesn’t occur during the appointment, but later in the day.

What Happens When Braces Are Placed?

Getting braces isn’t painful, but it takes time to install properly, with brackets attached to each tooth and a wire threaded through them. At the end of the appointment, you will be equipped with your braces and some simple guidelines for the days to come.

What Should You Expect When Starting Clear Aligners?

The first steps in starting clear aligners include getting your first set of custom-made trays, instructions on how to use them (usually 20-22 hours daily), and how to move on to the next set as you progress. Your orthodontist will also teach you how to put the aligners in and take them out properly.

Will Starting Orthodontic Treatment Hurt?

When orthodontic treatment is begun, there is no pain during the appointment, but it may be slightly uncomfortable within the first few hours after starting treatment when the teeth have started to react to the new appliance. This is normal and usually improves within a few days.

What Should You Expect During the First Few Weeks?

During the first few weeks, it’s normal to feel some soreness in your teeth, cheeks, and lips, adjust your diet, and get used to cleaning your teeth with braces or aligners. Most people get into a routine within 3-5 days after the initial adjustment.

How Will Your Teeth Feel After Treatment Begins?

Your teeth may be tender or sensitive for 3 to 5 days after you start treatment, especially when you bite down or chew harder foods. Warm salt-water rinses, soft foods and orthodontic wax can all help minimize this early discomfort.

What Foods and Habits Should You Avoid?

Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods, including chewing gum, popcorn, hard candy, and similar items, during treatment. They may damage brackets and wires or loosen aligners. Don’t bite or chew on pens, because it puts undue stress on the appliance.

How Do You Keep Your Teeth Clean With Orthodontic Appliances?

Brushing after meals, using an orthodontic flosser or water flosser to remove food particles around wires and brackets, and sticking to a regular routine even when it’s inconvenient will keep your teeth clean while you wear orthodontic appliances. The American Dental Association says proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can help prevent dental issues such as cavities or gum disease that may delay treatment.

Orthodontic Treatment Timeline at a Glance

The average time to see active orthodontic treatment, based on the American Association of Orthodontists’ own member census data, is about 22 months. But it varies by case and depends on the degree of complexity and each patient’s commitment to following instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at the first orthodontist appointment?

Your first orthodontist appointment usually includes an exam of your teeth and bite, a discussion of your goals, and an overview of the best treatment options for you. You may also take X-rays, photos, or scans during this visit or at a follow-up appointment.

Do you get braces on your first orthodontist visit?

Most people don’t get braces at their first orthodontist visit. This appointment focuses on an exam, records, and planning, with no hardware placed. You’ll need a separate appointment for braces or aligners once your treatment plan is finalized.

Do I need X-rays before getting braces?

X-rays are typically needed before braces, as they give your orthodontist a clear view of your tooth roots, jawbone, and any teeth that haven’t erupted yet. This information helps create the best treatment plan.

Do cavities need treatment before braces?

You need to treat cavities before getting braces because it becomes much harder to access and treat teeth after brackets and wires are placed. Treating cavities first also helps prevent problems during treatment.

How long does it take to get braces put on?

Getting braces can take 1 to 2 hours, depending on how many teeth need brackets and how complex your case is. The appointment is painless, though it can take some time.

Does getting braces hurt?

Getting braces doesn’t hurt during the appointment because there is no drilling or injections during the bonding process. Mild soreness usually develops a few hours later and finishes in 3 to 5 days.

What should I eat after getting braces?

You can eat soft foods like pasta, eggs, smoothies, and mashed potatoes after getting braces, especially during the first few days while your teeth feel tender. You can slowly take hard foods again after the initial soreness fades.

How often do you need orthodontic appointments?

You need orthodontic appointments every 4 to 10 weeks during active treatment. It depends on whether you are wearing braces or aligners and what your treatment plan is. During these visits, your orthodontist makes adjustments or gives you new aligner trays.

What happens after braces are removed?

After removing braces, your orthodontist cleans your teeth and takes impressions or scans for your custom retainer. Most people feel their teeth are smooth for a few days after years of wearing braces.

Do I need to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment?

Wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment is a must, as teeth naturally shift back to their original position with no ongoing support. Most orthodontists suggest wearing a retainer nightly, often for life, to keep results on track.

Final Thoughts

Orthodontic treatment has three main stages: planning and preparation before treatment begins, an adjustment period after placing braces or aligners, and a retention phase for the maintenance of your results after treatment is end. Knowing what to expect at each step, from X-rays and consultations to soreness and retainer care, will make the process more manageable. At Half Moon Orthodontics, we provide affordable, efficient, personalized care and guide you through every step of treatment with confidence.