Getting braces is a multi-step process that starts with an orthodontist consultation and ends with brackets bonded to your teeth, typically within a few weeks of deciding to move forward. The full journey from first appointment to braces on your teeth involves a dental exam, diagnostic imaging, any needed dental prep work, and finally the bonding appointment itself. Here’s what each step looks like.
Start With an Orthodontist Consultation
Your first appointment is mostly about gathering information. After filling out paperwork about your dental and medical history, the orthodontist will examine your teeth, jaws, and bite. They’ll likely take X-rays to see how your teeth roots and jawbones are positioned beneath the surface, along with photos of your face and teeth to document your starting point.
You may also get impressions of your teeth, either the traditional way (biting into a tray of putty) or through a digital scan. These create a 3D model the orthodontist uses to map out exactly how your teeth need to move. From there, they’ll walk you through a treatment plan, talk about what type of braces would work best, and go over costs and scheduling. Most of this happens in a single visit.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children get their first orthodontic screening at age 7, but adults can start treatment at any age. You don’t need a referral from your dentist to book a consultation, though many people get one that way.
Common Reasons You Might Need Braces
Braces correct problems with how your teeth are aligned and how your bite fits together. The most common issues include:
- Crowding: your teeth are too large or too numerous for the space in your jaw, causing them to overlap or twist
- Overbite: your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth more than they should vertically
- Underbite: your lower front teeth extend beyond your upper front teeth
- Crossbite: some of your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when you close your mouth
Bite problems tend to take longer to correct than straightforward crowding or spacing issues. Your orthodontist will explain which of these apply to you and how they affect the treatment timeline.
Dental Work You May Need First
Before braces go on, your mouth needs to be in good shape. Your orthodontist may recommend a professional cleaning, and any cavities should be filled beforehand since brackets make it harder to do dental work later.
In some cases, tooth extractions are part of the plan. Removing one or more teeth creates space for the remaining teeth to shift into proper alignment. This is typically recommended when keeping all your teeth would result in the front teeth being pushed too far forward or would risk gum recession. If extractions are needed, you’ll get those done and allow a few weeks for healing before your bonding appointment.
Choosing Your Type of Braces
Once you’ve decided on treatment, you’ll choose from several options depending on your case complexity, budget, and how visible you want them to be.
Metal braces are stainless steel brackets bonded to the front of your teeth. They’re the most visible option but also the most affordable, typically ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. They’re the strongest option and are often preferred for complex cases that require significant tooth movement. Most children and teenagers get metal braces.
Ceramic braces work the same way but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with your teeth. They handle moderate to complex cases effectively and are popular with working adults who want something less noticeable. They cost slightly more than metal.
Lingual braces are custom-fitted to the back of your teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They work for a wide range of orthodontic issues but come at a premium price and can take longer to adjust to since they sit against your tongue.
Clear aligners (like Invisalign) are removable plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth. They work well for mild to moderate cases but aren’t always suitable for complex problems. Braces can apply more force than aligners, so for severe crowding or significant bite correction, your orthodontist may recommend fixed braces instead, or suggest finishing with braces after starting with aligners.
What Happens at the Bonding Appointment
The day you actually get braces put on is straightforward and painless, though it takes about one to two hours. The orthodontist places a small amount of glue on the center of each tooth, positions the bracket, then uses a blue curing light to harden the adhesive. For teeth that need bands (metal rings that wrap around the tooth, common on molars), they apply glue to the band, cure it with the light, and slide it into place. Once all the brackets are set, the orthodontist threads an archwire through them and secures it with small elastic ties.
You won’t feel pain during the appointment itself, but your teeth will start to feel sore within a few hours as they begin responding to the pressure. This initial soreness typically peaks around day two or three and fades within a week.
Cost and How to Pay
The average cost of braces in 2025 ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the type you choose, your age, and whether you have insurance. Without dental insurance, expect to pay $4,000 to $8,000. With insurance that includes orthodontic coverage, your out-of-pocket cost typically drops to $1,000 to $3,000.
Most orthodontists offer monthly payment plans at 0% interest, with payments typically running $100 to $250 per month. You can also use a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to pay for braces with pre-tax dollars, which effectively gives you a discount equal to your tax rate. Some practices offer their own in-house savings plans for patients without insurance.
How Long You’ll Wear Them
Most people wear braces for one to three years. Straightforward spacing or crowding cases tend to fall on the shorter end, while significant bite corrections can push toward the longer end. During treatment, you’ll visit the orthodontist roughly every four to eight weeks for adjustments, where they tighten or change the archwire to keep your teeth moving on schedule.
Taking Care of Your Braces
Braces create a lot of new surfaces where food and plaque can hide, so your cleaning routine needs to level up. An orthodontic toothbrush with a V-shaped bristle pattern cleans around brackets more effectively than a standard brush, though an electric toothbrush also works well. You should brush after every meal.
Flossing with braces takes extra effort because you need to thread the floss under the archwire. Floss threaders make this easier, and orthodontic floss comes with a stiff end built in so you can skip the threader entirely. Water flossers are another option: they use a pressurized stream of water to blast food and plaque out of tight spots. Interproximal brushes, which are tiny brushes shaped like pipe cleaners, are useful for cleaning around individual brackets and under the wire.
For comfort, keep orthodontic wax on hand. When a bracket or wire irritates the inside of your lip or cheek, dry off the area, roll a small piece of wax into a ball, and press it over the offending spot. A fluoride rinse (alcohol-free to avoid irritation) helps strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities during the months your braces are on.