What to Expect on the Day You Get Braces: A First-Time Patient's Guide

Oct 12

8 min read

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a straighter, healthier smile, but it's completely normal to have questions before your first appointment. You may be wondering what happens when braces are placed, how long the appointment takes, whether getting braces hurts, or what you'll be able to eat afterward.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, we understand that starting orthodontic treatment can feel like a big milestone for children, teens, adults, and parents alike. Our team is committed to providing personalized orthodontic care and helping patients feel informed and comfortable throughout their treatment. 😄

With convenient North Hills and South Hills locations, we help patients throughout the Pittsburgh area take the next step toward a confident smile. Here's what you can generally expect on the day you get braces, along with practical tips to help you prepare for your first appointment.

Before Your Braces Appointment: How to Prepare

Knowing what to expect before your braces appointment can help make the day feel less overwhelming.

Before visiting your orthodontist, consider these simple tips:

Brush your teeth beforehand. Starting with clean teeth helps your orthodontic team prepare for the appointment.
Eat a regular meal beforehand. Your teeth may feel tender after braces are placed, so eating a comfortable meal beforehand can be helpful.
Ask questions. If you have concerns about discomfort, eating, brushing, or your treatment timeline, your orthodontic team can explain what to expect.
Follow any instructions from your orthodontist. Your preparation may vary depending on your individual treatment plan.

If you have already completed your orthodontic consultation at Cyterski Orthodontics, your team will guide you through the next steps based on your treatment plan. 😄

What Happens During a Braces Appointment?

If this is your first time getting braces, you may be surprised by how straightforward the process can be. Although the exact steps and appointment length vary by patient and treatment plan, a braces placement appointment generally includes preparing the teeth, placing the brackets, and checking the appliance.

1. Preparing Your Teeth

Your orthodontic team will prepare your teeth for bracket placement. This generally involves cleaning and drying the tooth surfaces so the brackets can be attached properly.

Keeping your teeth clean before and after your appointment is important for maintaining good oral health throughout orthodontic treatment.

2. Placing the Brackets

Brackets are the small attachments placed on your teeth that help guide tooth movement during braces treatment.

Our orthodontists carefully positions the brackets according to your treatment plan. An orthodontic adhesive is used to secure them to the teeth.

3. Placing the Archwire

After the brackets are attached, an archwire is placed through them. The wire works with the brackets to apply controlled forces that gradually move your teeth toward their planned positions.

Depending on your braces system and treatment plan, small elastic ties may also be used to hold the wire in place. These ties are where you may get to choose fun colors for your braces! 😄

Learn more about different color combos for braces by reading our blog, "🎨 The Braces Color Wheel: What’s the Best Color for You?"

4. Reviewing Your Braces Care Instructions

Before you leave, your orthodontic team will explain how to care for your new braces. This may include brushing and flossing techniques, foods to avoid, and what to do if a wire or bracket becomes uncomfortable.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, understanding how to care for your braces is an important part of helping you maintain a healthy smile throughout treatment. Don't hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear. 😄

How Long Does It Take to Get Braces?

Many patients wonder how much time to set aside for their braces appointment.

The length of a braces placement appointment can vary depending on the patient's treatment plan, the type of braces being used, and any additional steps needed.

Our orthodontic team can provide a more specific estimate when your appointment is scheduled.

It is helpful to arrive on time and allow enough time for both the appointment and any questions you may have before heading home.

Once your braces are in place, you'll have periodic adjustment appointments so our orthodontists can monitor your progress and make changes as needed.

Learn more about to expect regarding the treatment length of braces by reading our blog, "How Long Do Braces Take? A Complete Guide to Orthodontic Treatment Time"

Learn more about the importance of attending your monthly orthodontic appointments by reading our blog, "What Happens If You Miss an Orthodontic Appointment?Importance of Regular Visits"

Does Getting Braces Hurt?

One of the most common questions patients ask is whether getting braces hurts.

Placing braces is generally not painful, although you may experience pressure during the appointment. Afterward, your teeth may feel sore or tender as they begin adjusting to the braces.

This discomfort is common during the first few days and generally improves as your mouth gets used to the appliance. You may also notice that the brackets feel unfamiliar against the inside of your lips and cheeks at first.

Here are a few ways to make the adjustment period more comfortable:

Choose softer foods while your teeth feel tender.
Use orthodontic wax as directed if a bracket rubs against your cheek or lip.
Continue brushing gently and carefully around your brackets.
Follow our orthodontist's guidance if you have questions about managing discomfort.

At Cyterski Orthodontics, our goal is to make orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible while providing care tailored to each patient's needs. 😄

If you experience severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, or another unexpected problem, contact our orthodontic team for guidance.

Learn more about tips to keep your braces comfortable by reading our blog, "How to Make Braces More Comfortable: Simple Tips for a Smooth Adjustment"

What Can You Eat After Getting Braces?

Your teeth may feel sensitive after your braces are placed, so softer foods are often easier to manage during the first few days.

Foods That Are Often Easier to Eat

Consider options such as:

Yogurt and smoothies
Scrambled eggs
Mashed potatoes
Pasta
Soft-cooked vegetables
Oatmeal
Soup that has cooled to a comfortable temperature
Soft fruits, such as bananas

You do not need to limit yourself to these foods, but choosing softer options while your teeth are tender can make eating more comfortable.

Foods to Avoid With Braces

Certain foods can bend wires, loosen brackets, or damage your braces.

During treatment, it is generally best to avoid:

Hard candy and ice
Sticky or chewy candy
Popcorn kernels
Hard pretzels and very crunchy snacks
Nuts and other particularly hard foods
Biting directly into hard apples or raw carrots

You can often still enjoy many of your favorite foods by cutting them into smaller pieces and chewing carefully. Our orthodontic team can explain which foods to avoid with your specific braces.

For more guidance, follow the braces-care instructions provided by our orthodontic team.

Learn more about braces-friendly foods by reading our blog, "Braces-Friendly Foods: What to Eat and What to Avoid"

How to Brush and Floss With New Braces

Good oral hygiene becomes especially important once you have braces.

Food and plaque can collect around brackets and wires, so taking time to clean your teeth thoroughly helps protect your teeth and gums throughout treatment.

Keep these habits in mind:

Brush after meals when possible. Pay attention to the areas above and below each bracket.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently along the gumline and around your braces.
Clean between your teeth daily. Floss threaders or orthodontic flossing tools can help you clean around the archwire.
Check your teeth in the mirror. Look for food particles around brackets and along the gumline.
Keep up with regular dental visits. Your general dentist remains an important part of your oral health care during orthodontic treatment.

If you are unsure how to brush or floss with braces, ask our orthodontic team to demonstrate the proper techniques.

What to Expect During Your First Few Days With Braces

The first few days after getting braces are an adjustment period. Your teeth may feel tender when chewing, and your lips and cheeks may need time to get used to the brackets.

These changes are generally temporary. As you become more familiar with your braces, eating and speaking often begin to feel more natural.

A few reminders can help you through the first week:

Keep softer foods available in case your teeth feel sensitive.
Continue brushing and flossing even if your mouth feels tender.
Use orthodontic wax as instructed if brackets irritate your cheeks or lips.
Avoid chewing on pens, fingernails, ice, or other hard objects.
Contact our orthodontic office if something breaks or your discomfort seems unusual.

Remember that every patient's experience is different. Our orthodontic team can help answer questions and guide you through the adjustment period.

What If a Bracket or Wire Bothers You?

Occasionally, a bracket may loosen or a wire may begin irritating your cheek or lip. If this happens, contact our orthodontic team for instructions rather than attempting to repair your braces yourself.

Orthodontic wax may help protect the inside of your mouth from irritation while you wait for guidance. Avoid cutting or bending wires unless your orthodontic team specifically instructs you to do so.

If you are a Cyterski Orthodontics patient and have a concern about your braces, contact our office so our team can help determine the appropriate next step.

If a bracket breaks or a wire becomes loose, learn what to do next in our guide, "What to Do If Your Braces Break: A Guide to Broken Brackets, Poking Wires & More"

Starting Braces Treatment at Cyterski Orthodontics

Choosing an orthodontist is an important decision for you or your family. At Cyterski Orthodontics, we provide personalized orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults, with options that include traditional braces and Invisalign®.

Our experienced team is committed to helping patients understand their treatment, feel comfortable asking questions, and maintain good oral health throughout their smile journey.

With more than 30 years of orthodontic experience and a board-certified orthodontist, we strive to provide thoughtful, individualized care.

We welcome patients from throughout Pittsburgh's North Hills and South Hills communities.

Our North Hills office in Allison Park serves patients from surrounding communities, including Hampton Township, Shaler, Glenshaw, Fox Chapel, McCandless, and Gibsonia.

Our South Hills office in Pleasant Hills serves patients from nearby communities, including Jefferson Hills, Bethel Park, Whitehall, Baldwin, Brentwood, and South Park.

Both locations offer convenient access to orthodontic care, complimentary consultations, and free on-site parking.

Whether you are exploring braces for your child or considering orthodontic treatment as an adult, our team is here to help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.

Ready to Begin Your Smile Journey?

Getting braces is the beginning of a process that can help improve your smile and bite. Knowing what to expect, how to care for your braces, and when to ask for help can make the experience feel much easier.

If you are considering braces in Pittsburgh or looking for an orthodontist serving the North Hills or South Hills, Cyterski Orthodontics is here to help.

Thinking about starting orthodontic treatment? Book your free consultation on our website today or call either of our office locations!

Our Locations

📍 Allison Park Office

4485 William Flinn Highway

Allison Park, PA 15101

📞 (412) 492-8700

📍 Pleasant Hills Office

67 Old Clairton Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15236

📞 (412) 655-8200

Proudly Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area

North Hills: Allison Park, Fox Chapel, Hampton Township, McCandless, Glenshaw, Ross Township, Shaler, Wexford, Gibsonia

South Hills: Pleasant Hills, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Whitehall, Baldwin, Brentwood, South Park, Jefferson Hills, Castle Shannon, Dormont,

Central & Surrounding Areas: Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, East Liberty, Greenfield, Oakland, Regent Square, Penn Hills, Point Breeze, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, and more.