Getting braces starts with an orthodontic consultation, where a specialist evaluates your teeth and bite, then recommends a treatment plan tailored to your situation. The whole process from first appointment to braces on your teeth typically takes a few weeks, and most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months depending on the complexity of their case. Here’s what each step looks like and what you’ll need to decide along the way.
Start With an Orthodontic Consultation
Your first move is booking a consultation with an orthodontist. While general dentists can technically place braces, orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of specialized training after dental school, totaling roughly 3,700 hours focused exclusively on tooth movement, jaw positioning, and bite correction. That extra expertise matters, especially for anything beyond minor crowding.
Many orthodontists offer free or low-cost initial consultations. During this visit, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and jaw, take X-rays and digital scans or impressions, and assess your bite. They’ll then explain what needs correcting, which type of braces would work best, how long treatment will likely take, and what it will cost. If you’re comparing options, there’s nothing wrong with visiting two or three offices before committing.
Get Your Teeth Ready First
Before braces go on, your teeth and gums need to be in good shape. That means any cavities should be filled, gum disease should be treated, and you’ll likely need a professional cleaning. Orthodontic brackets and wires make it harder to brush and floss, so starting with healthy teeth prevents problems from getting worse during treatment. Your orthodontist may refer you back to your general dentist to handle these issues before scheduling your placement appointment.
Choose the Right Type of Braces
You’ll have several options, and the right choice depends on your budget, the complexity of your case, and how much you care about visibility.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel brackets and wires. They’re the most noticeable option, but also the most versatile and affordable, typically costing between $2,750 and $7,500. Metal braces handle everything from simple spacing issues to severe crowding, rotated teeth, and complex bite problems. They’re also the most durable, meaning fewer emergency visits for broken brackets. Treatment usually runs 18 to 24 months, and you can choose colorful elastic bands to make them a bit more fun.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are made from clear or tooth-colored material that blends in with your smile. They typically cost $3,000 to $8,500. The tradeoff is that ceramic brackets are more fragile than metal, which can mean slightly longer treatment times of 20 to 30 months. They also require more careful hygiene because the brackets can stain if you’re not diligent about cleaning.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are placed on the back surfaces of your teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They’re the most expensive option at $5,000 to $13,000 and come with a steeper adjustment period. Your tongue will need time to adapt, and some people notice temporary changes in their speech at first. Treatment may also take longer because the brackets are harder for the orthodontist to access and adjust.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners like Invisalign are removable plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth. They’re nearly invisible and let you eat whatever you want since you take them out for meals. However, they’re not the best fit for every case. If you have severe crowding, significant jaw misalignment, deep overbites, or teeth that need substantial rotation, traditional braces provide stronger, more continuous force and more precise control. Your orthodontist will tell you honestly whether aligners are a realistic option for your situation.
What Happens on Placement Day
The appointment where your braces are actually placed takes about one to two hours. The orthodontist cleans and dries your teeth, applies a bonding agent to each tooth, and attaches the brackets one by one. Then an archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured with small elastic ties. The process is painless, though your mouth may feel crowded and unfamiliar afterward.
Over the next few days, expect some soreness as your teeth begin adjusting to the pressure. Soft foods, cold drinks, and over-the-counter pain relief help during this initial period. Most people feel back to normal within a week.
What Treatment Looks Like Month to Month
You’ll visit your orthodontist roughly every four to eight weeks for adjustments. During these appointments, the orthodontist tightens or replaces the archwire and swaps out elastic bands to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. Each visit is usually quick, around 15 to 30 minutes.
Total treatment time depends on what needs fixing. Mild alignment issues like minor gaps or slight crowding can be resolved in 6 to 12 months. Moderate cases involving more significant crowding or bite correction typically take 12 to 18 months. Complex cases with severe crowding, jaw misalignment, or major bite problems can take 18 to 24 months or longer.
How to Pay for Braces
Most dental insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage will pay a portion of the cost, but coverage varies widely by plan. Some plans cap orthodontic benefits at a fixed dollar amount, and many only cover braces for dependents under 18, not adults. Call your insurance provider before your consultation to find out exactly what’s covered.
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use those funds toward braces. FSA accounts reimburse prepaid orthodontic expenses like down payments, diagnostic fees, and monthly payments as long as they’re made during your benefit period. You’ll need to submit documentation including your treatment plan, the date braces were placed, total cost, and proof of payment. If you also have dental insurance, your FSA reimbursement will be reduced by whatever your insurance already covered.
Nearly every orthodontic office offers in-house payment plans that let you spread the cost over the length of treatment, often interest-free. Some offices also work with third-party financing. Don’t hesitate to ask about these options during your consultation, as the sticker price rarely needs to be paid all at once.
After Braces Come Off: Retainers
Getting your braces removed isn’t the end of treatment. Your teeth have a strong tendency to drift back toward their original positions, so you’ll need to wear a retainer. There are three main types.
- Hawley retainers are the classic design: a piece of molded acrylic that sits against the roof of your mouth (or under your tongue for the lower arch) with a metal wire that holds your teeth in place. They’re removable and durable.
- Clear retainers are thin, transparent plastic trays similar to aligners. They’re less noticeable but can wear out faster.
- Fixed retainers are thin wires permanently bonded to the back of your front teeth. You don’t have to think about wearing them, but they require careful flossing.
Your orthodontist will likely ask you to wear your retainer full-time at first, then transition to nighttime-only wear after several months. The reality is that retainers are a lifelong commitment if you want your results to last. The frequency of wear typically decreases over time, but stopping entirely risks your teeth slowly shifting back.