What to Expect Before Getting Braces?

Starting braces is a big step, and it’s normal to have questions before you begin. At Total Orthodontics in Lone Tree, Colorado, we meet patients every day who want to know what braces will really be like. Common concerns include discomfort, food restrictions, how long treatment takes, and what happens if something breaks.

The good news is this: braces are much easier when you know what to expect. With the right habits and the right orthodontic team, treatment becomes a routine part of life, not something you have to dread.

In this article, Dr. Brooks Barefoot, Dr. Kevin Theroux, and Dr. Elizabeth Donahue share key information every patient should understand before starting braces. Whether you’re a teen preparing for your first set of braces or an adult considering treatment later in life, these tips will help you know what to expect and how to stay on track throughout treatment.

What should I know before getting it?

Before getting braces, you should know how the first week feels, how to care for your teeth and braces daily, and what habits can speed up or slow down treatment. Most discomfort is temporary, and most problems are preventable with simple daily care.

Braces work by applying gentle pressure over time. That pressure slowly moves teeth into healthier positions and improves how the bite fits together. When patients understand the process and follow instructions closely, they often experience fewer delays and fewer emergency visits.

Will braces hurt and how long does the soreness last?

Yes, braces can cause soreness, especially during the first week and after adjustments. Most patients feel tenderness for 2 to 5 days, and it gradually fades as the mouth adapts.

The soreness usually feels like pressure rather than sharp pain. It can make chewing uncomfortable at first, which is why we recommend planning softer meals during the first few days.

What typically helps:

• Soft foods like pasta, yogurt, soups, eggs, smoothies
• Orthodontic wax to reduce irritation
• Warm saltwater rinses
• Over-the-counter pain relief if needed

What foods will I need to avoid with braces?

With braces, you should avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can break brackets or bend wires. Cutting foods into smaller pieces and choosing softer options helps protect your braces.

A lot of patients assume braces mean giving up all their favorite foods. In reality, most foods are still possible with small changes in how you eat them.

Foods most likely to damage braces include:

• Ice
• Popcorn kernels
• Hard candy
• Caramel and taffy
• Gum
• Crunchy chips or pretzels that snap hard
• Whole apples (unless sliced)

   

How do I brush and floss with braces without missing spots?

To clean your teeth with braces, brush carefully around brackets and at the gumline, and floss under the wire daily. Most patients benefit from tools like floss threaders or a water flosser.

Braces create more surfaces where plaque can build up. That means your brushing routine needs to be more detailed than it was before.

A simple routine we recommend at Total Orthodontics:

• Brush along the gumline
• Brush above and below each bracket
• Brush chewing surfaces
• Floss under the wire
• Rinse thoroughly

   

What happens if a bracket breaks or a wire pokes me?

If a bracket breaks or a wire pokes you, it’s usually not an emergency, but you should contact your orthodontist. Wax can protect your mouth until you can come in for a repair.

This is one of the most common “surprises” for new braces patients. Braces problems happen, and most of them are easy to fix.

Here’s a quick guide:

If something feels uncomfortable or “off,” call our Lone Tree, CO. office. It’s always better to fix issues early so your treatment stays on track.

How can I fix a poking braces wire at home?

Most poking braces wires can be managed at home temporarily by gently pushing the wire back into place, covering it with orthodontic wax, or carefully bending it away from the cheek. If the wire continues to irritate your mouth or you are unsure what to do, contact your orthodontist for help.

For a step-by-step guide from our doctors, read Some Pointers for Poking Wires to learn safe, simple tips from Total Orthodontics.

How often will I need orthodontic appointments?

Most braces patients need appointments about every 4 to 8 weeks. These visits allow your orthodontist to adjust wires, monitor progress, and make changes that keep your treatment moving forward.

Many patients are surprised that most appointments are quick. They are routine, but they matter. Skipping visits or delaying adjustments can extend treatment time.

How long do braces take and what affects the timeline?

Braces typically take 18 to 24 months, but treatment time depends on the complexity of your case and how closely you follow instructions. Wearing elastics as directed and avoiding broken brackets can help prevent delays.

Factors that can affect how long braces take:

• Crowding or spacing severity
• Bite correction needs
• Missed appointments
• Broken brackets or bent wires
• Elastic wear (if prescribed)
  

At Total Orthodontics, we build treatment plans that fit each patient. We also explain what milestones you should expect so you always know what progress looks like.

Do I really have to wear rubber bands if I get them?

Yes. If your orthodontist prescribes rubber bands, wearing them as instructed is essential for correcting your bite. Not wearing elastics can significantly slow progress and extend treatment.

Braces move teeth, but elastics often guide how the upper and lower teeth fit together. Many adults and teens need elastics for bite alignment, not just cosmetic straightening.

If elastics are part of your plan, our doctors will show you:

• Exactly where to hook them
• How many hours per day to wear them
• How often to replace them

   

Think it’s too late for braces as an adult?

Adults can straighten their teeth at almost any age, and orthodontic treatment can improve both appearance and long-term oral health.

One of the biggest myths we still hear is that braces are only for kids and teens. That stereotype is outdated. 

At Total Orthodontics, we regularly treat adult patients who:

• Didn’t have the chance to get braces earlier
• Had braces years ago and teeth shifted back
• Want to improve their bite and jaw comfort
• Want to feel more confident about their smile

   

What types of braces work best for adults?

The best braces option for adults depends on your bite needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Many adults choose less noticeable options, but the right choice is always based on what will deliver the healthiest result.

Treatment options may include:

• Conventional metal braces
• Ceramic braces (blend in more with teeth)
• Lingual braces (placed behind the teeth in some cases)
• Invisalign Clear aligners for qualifying patients

   

Are adult braces only cosmetic?

No. Straight teeth are not just about looks. Orthodontic treatment can also support oral health by making teeth easier to clean and improving bite function.

Health-related benefits can include:

• Less plaque and tartar buildup because teeth are easier to brush and floss
• Easier chewing and less uneven enamel wear
• Reduced strain on the jaw that can contribute to headaches, jaw pain, or TMD symptoms in some patients

   

Ready to feel confident about braces in Lone Tree?

Braces can be life-changing, but they are also a process. When you know what to expect, you can avoid common frustrations and stay on track from start to finish.

At Total Orthodontics, our team is here to guide you through every stage of treatment. Whether you’re a teen preparing for braces or an adult finally ready to straighten your smile, Dr. Brooks Barefoot, Dr. Kevin Theroux, and Dr. Elizabeth Donahue will help you understand your options and feel supported.

If you’re considering braces in Lone Tree, CO, we invite you to schedule an orthodontic consultation with Total Orthodontics today.