Braces straighten teeth and correct bites by applying steady, gentle pressure that moves teeth into a better position over months. If you are about to start, the unknowns are usually the worry: will it hurt, what can I eat, how long will it take, and how do I keep everything clean. This guide walks through the whole journey so you know what to expect from fitting day to the day they come off.
Key takeaways
- Fitting braces does not hurt, but teeth feel tender for a few days afterward and after each adjustment.
- Most courses run 12 to 24 months, depending on how much movement is needed.
- Soft foods, paracetamol and orthodontic wax handle the early soreness well.
- Cleaning takes longer with braces, and skipping it causes white spots and decay.
- A retainer after braces is essential or the teeth drift back.
Fitting day
Having braces put on is painless. The teeth are cleaned and dried, a bonding gel holds each bracket in place, and a wire is threaded through and secured. It takes around one to two hours and involves no drilling or injections. You leave with everything in place and a slightly strange new feeling of fullness in the mouth. The tenderness starts later that day as the teeth begin to respond to the pressure.
Will braces hurt?
The honest answer is that braces are sore rather than painful, and only at certain points. The first three to five days after fitting are the most tender, then it eases as you adjust. After each adjustment visit, expect a day or two of similar tenderness as the new wire takes effect. Brackets can also rub the cheeks and lips early on until the skin toughens. Paracetamol or ibuprofen following the packet directions, soft foods, and orthodontic wax over any sharp spot cover almost all of it. If a wire is poking or a bracket comes loose, your orthodontic team can settle it quickly.
How long do braces take?
Most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Simple cases such as mild crowding can finish sooner, while significant bite correction takes longer. The timeline depends on how far the teeth need to move, how your teeth respond, and how well you look after the braces and keep appointments. Missed visits and broken brackets add time. For an idea of how braces compare with aligners, see clear aligners versus Invisalign and how to straighten crooked teeth.
What you can and cannot eat
Food choices matter because hard and sticky foods break brackets and lengthen treatment.
| Best to eat | Eat with care | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta, soft cooked vegetables, eggs, yoghurt, soup | Soft bread, ripe fruit, tender cooked meat | Hard nuts, ice, hard lollies, toffee, chewing gum |
| Smoothies, mashed potato, soft cheese | Apples and carrots cut into small pieces | Whole apples, crusty bread, popcorn, sticky caramel |
In the sore first week, lean on the soft column. After that, the main rule is to cut hard foods small and steer clear of sticky ones.
Keeping braces clean
Brackets and wires trap food, so cleaning is the single most important habit during treatment. Brush after meals where you can, angle the brush to clean above and below each bracket, and use an interdental brush to reach between the wire and the tooth. Floss with a threader or a water flosser. Neglecting this is what causes the permanent white marks some people end up with when braces come off, so it is worth the extra few minutes. Our guide to brushing properly applies doubly with braces.
Adjustment visits
You will see your orthodontic team every six to ten weeks. At each visit the wire is changed or tightened to keep the teeth moving, elastics may be added, and progress is checked. Visits are short. Expect the familiar day or two of tenderness afterward each time. Keeping these appointments is the easiest way to keep treatment on schedule.
After braces come off: retainers
The day the braces come off is a great moment, but it is not the end. Teeth have a strong tendency to drift back toward where they started, and more than half of people relapse within a decade without retention. Wearing a retainer as directed, often nightly long term, is what protects the result you spent months achieving.
What braces cost
Fees vary with the complexity of the case, the type of braces, and the length of treatment. As a general guide, comprehensive braces in Australia run into the several thousands, usually with payment plans. We do not list our own prices here. For a plan and a written quote, see our offers page or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Do braces hurt when they are put on?
No. Fitting is painless. The soreness comes a few hours later as the teeth begin to move and lasts a few days.
How do I stop brackets cutting my cheeks?
Press a small piece of orthodontic wax over any sharp bracket. The skin toughens within a couple of weeks and the rubbing settles.
Can I play sport with braces?
Yes, with a mouthguard made to fit over braces. It protects both your lips and the brackets from impact.
What happens if a bracket breaks?
Call your orthodontic team. A loose bracket should be repaired promptly because the tooth stops moving correctly and treatment can stall.
How often will I need appointments?
Usually every six to ten weeks for an adjustment, plus a check if anything breaks. Keeping these visits is key to finishing on time.
The takeaway
Braces are very manageable once you know the rhythm: a tender first week, soft foods and wax to ease it, careful cleaning throughout, regular adjustments, and a retainer at the end. If you are weighing up braces, our team at Lumi Dental can assess your bite and provide a written quote. Start on our offers page or read about bite problems.
This article is general information and not a substitute for an individual orthodontic assessment.
