How Are Braces Put On?

Having braces fitted is one of the stages that marks the beginning of active fixed orthodontic treatment. However, before brackets are bonded to the teeth, an orthodontic examination, necessary diagnostic records and an individualized treatment plan are required.

In fixed orthodontic treatment, brackets are bonded to the tooth surfaces using orthodontic materials. An orthodontic archwire is then placed through the brackets so that controlled tooth movements can begin according to the treatment plan.

The way braces are fitted, the type of bracket system used and any additional mechanics required may differ between patients. The procedure is planned according to the orthodontic diagnosis and treatment objectives.

What Happens Before Braces Are Put On?

The process begins with an orthodontic assessment.

The positions of the teeth, crowding or spacing, eruption patterns and the relationship between the upper and lower teeth are evaluated.

When necessary, diagnostic records such as photographs, radiographic images and digital intraoral scans may also be used.

Are Braces Put On at the First Orthodontic Appointment?

Not always.

The primary purpose of the first consultation is to evaluate the orthodontic problem and establish an appropriate treatment plan.

If other dental procedures are required before active orthodontic treatment, these may need to be completed first.

Why Is Dental Health Important Before Braces?

Because fixed brackets are bonded to the teeth, the health of the teeth and surrounding tissues should be evaluated before treatment begins.

If active caries, gum problems or other dental needs are present, they may need to be addressed before orthodontic treatment starts.

The aim is to carry out orthodontic treatment in a healthy oral environment.

Can Professional Cleaning Be Needed Before Braces?

Depending on the condition of the teeth and gums, professional cleaning or other periodontal care may be recommended.

This is not required for every patient and is determined through clinical assessment.

Are Impressions or Digital Scans Taken Before Braces?

Traditional impressions or digital intraoral scans may be used to record the teeth and dental arches during orthodontic planning.

These records can help document the starting positions of the teeth and support treatment planning.

Do Teeth Have to Be Extracted Before Braces?

No. Tooth extraction is not a routine part of every orthodontic treatment.

The need for extraction depends on factors such as the amount of crowding, available space, tooth positions, bite relationships and overall treatment objectives.

The decision between extraction and non-extraction treatment should be made through individualized orthodontic planning.

What Are the Main Steps in Putting Braces On?

Placement of fixed orthodontic appliances generally involves several clinical stages:

• Preparing the tooth surfaces
• Determining bracket positions
• Bonding the brackets to the teeth
• Placing the orthodontic archwire
• Checking the bracket and wire system
• Providing instructions for the first days of treatment and oral care

The exact procedure may vary depending on the orthodontic system being used.

1. How Are the Teeth Prepared for Brackets?

The surfaces where the brackets will be bonded need to be prepared appropriately.

The teeth are cleaned and prepared according to the bonding system being used.

This step is important for achieving stable attachment of the brackets to the tooth surfaces.

2. How Is the Position of Each Bracket Determined?

Brackets are not placed randomly on the teeth.

Each bracket is positioned according to the planned movements of the individual tooth during treatment.

Bracket positioning is therefore an important part of the mechanical planning of fixed orthodontic treatment.

3. How Are Brackets Bonded to the Teeth?

Brackets are attached to the tooth surfaces using orthodontic bonding materials.

Once the bracket is positioned correctly, the bonding material is hardened according to the requirements of the system being used.

This process does not involve placing screws into the teeth or drilling the teeth in order to attach the brackets.

Are Teeth Cut or Shaved to Put Braces On?

Standard bracket placement does not require the teeth to be cut down or reduced simply to attach the braces.

The brackets are bonded to the prepared tooth surfaces using orthodontic bonding materials.

4. How Is the Orthodontic Wire Placed?

After the brackets have been bonded, the orthodontic archwire is positioned through the appropriate part of each bracket.

Depending on the bracket system, the wire may be secured using different mechanisms.

The archwire is one of the main components used to transmit controlled orthodontic forces to the teeth.

How Does the Orthodontic Wire Move the Teeth?

The bracket and wire system applies controlled forces to the teeth.

These forces create a biological response in the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone.

Tooth movement then occurs gradually through this biological process.

Is the First Wire Also the Final Wire?

Not usually.

Different types of orthodontic wires may be used during different stages of treatment.

The characteristics and purpose of the wires used at the beginning of treatment may differ from those used later.

Wire selection and timing are determined according to the individual treatment plan.

Are Elastics Used When Braces Are First Placed?

Different methods may be used to hold the archwire within the brackets depending on the orthodontic system.

Some systems use small elastic ligatures, while others secure the wire through a different bracket mechanism.

Interarch orthodontic elastics used between the upper and lower teeth serve a different purpose and may be prescribed separately when clinically indicated.

Does Every Tooth Receive a Bracket?

The number and distribution of brackets depend on the treatment plan.

The same bracket configuration is not necessarily required for every patient.

The orthodontic problem and treatment objectives determine which teeth need to be included in the active appliance system.

Are Orthodontic Components Also Placed on the Back Teeth?

Fixed orthodontic systems may include brackets, tubes or other orthodontic components on the posterior teeth.

These components help guide and control the archwire throughout the dental arch.

How Long Does It Take to Put Braces On?

The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of treatment, the type of bracket system, the number of teeth involved and any additional clinical procedures required.

For this reason, the same appointment duration does not apply to every patient.

Does Getting Braces Put On Hurt?

Bonding the brackets to the teeth is different from the adaptation period that follows the application of orthodontic forces.

The brackets themselves are attached without actively moving the teeth during the bonding procedure.

After the archwire is placed and orthodontic forces begin to act, some patients may experience temporary pressure or sensitivity.

Is Local Anaesthesia Needed to Put Braces On?

Standard bracket bonding generally does not involve surgical treatment of the tooth structure.

If another dental procedure is performed during the same appointment, the requirements of that procedure are considered separately.

What Can You Feel During the First Hours After Getting Braces?

The teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue begin adapting to the new orthodontic appliances inside the mouth.

Some patients may notice a feeling of pressure or simply become more aware of the brackets and wires.

The adaptation experience varies between individuals.

Can Teeth Feel Sensitive After Braces Are Put On?

Temporary tooth sensitivity may occur once orthodontic forces begin to act.

This may be particularly noticeable while chewing.

Severe, unexpected or persistent pain should be discussed with the orthodontist managing the treatment.

Can Brackets Rub Against the Lips or Cheeks?

During the early adaptation period, the soft tissues of the mouth may need time to adjust to the brackets.

Some patients may experience temporary irritation on the inside of the lips or cheeks.

The orthodontist can provide advice on appropriate protective measures when needed.

What Is Orthodontic Wax Used For?

Orthodontic wax can be placed temporarily over a bracket or wire area that is irritating the soft tissues.

Patients may be shown how to use orthodontic wax during their appointment.

What Can You Eat on the Day Braces Are Put On?

If the teeth feel sensitive during the first days, foods that require less chewing may feel more comfortable.

Throughout fixed orthodontic treatment, patients should also follow recommendations regarding hard or sticky foods that may damage brackets or wires.

Can You Eat Normally After Getting Braces?

As patients adapt to the orthodontic appliances, they can generally continue with their daily diet while taking care to protect the fixed appliances.

Biting very hard foods directly with the brackets or consuming sticky foods may place unwanted stress on the orthodontic components.

Individual dietary advice should be followed according to the orthodontist's recommendations.

How Should You Brush Your Teeth After Getting Braces?

Oral hygiene becomes more detailed once fixed brackets are present.

In addition to the tooth surfaces, the areas around the brackets, gumline and orthodontic wires need to be cleaned regularly.

Maintaining good oral hygiene throughout treatment is important for both dental and periodontal health.

How Do You Clean Between the Brackets?

Brackets and wires can create areas that are more difficult to reach with standard toothbrushing alone.

Interdental brushes or other oral hygiene aids may be recommended according to the patient's individual needs.

The most appropriate cleaning method can be demonstrated clinically.

What Should You Do If a Bracket Comes Off?

If a bracket becomes detached from the tooth, the orthodontist should be contacted.

The bracket may remain attached to the wire or may separate completely.

Patients should not attempt to rebond the bracket themselves.

What Should You Do If the Wire Is Poking?

If part of the orthodontic wire is irritating the soft tissues, the clinic should be contacted.

Orthodontic wax may provide temporary protection, but the underlying problem should be evaluated orthodontically.

Can You Play Sports After Getting Braces?

Recommendations depend on the type of sport and the risk of trauma to the mouth.

For contact sports, an appropriate mouthguard may need to be considered to help protect both the teeth and the orthodontic appliances.

Can Braces Affect Speech?

With brackets placed on the front surfaces of the teeth, some patients may initially notice a different sensation inside the mouth.

Adaptation usually occurs as the lips and cheeks become accustomed to the appliances.

The effect on speech can vary according to the type of orthodontic system used.

Why Is the First Follow-Up Appointment Important?

Orthodontic treatment is not a one-appointment procedure.

After the brackets and initial archwire have been placed, treatment continues with regular clinical monitoring.

During these appointments, the appliances, tooth movement, bite relationships and oral hygiene may be evaluated.

Is the Wire Changed at Every Appointment?

No.

There is no rule requiring an archwire change at every follow-up visit.

The orthodontist evaluates the current treatment stage and tooth movements before deciding whether the wire or other mechanics need to be adjusted.

What Does “Tightening Braces” Actually Mean?

The phrase “tightening braces” is commonly used to describe adjustments made to wires or other orthodontic mechanics during treatment.

The objective of modern orthodontic treatment is not simply to apply more force, but to manage controlled forces according to the planned biomechanics.

When Do Teeth Start Moving After Braces Are Put On?

Once orthodontic forces are applied, biological changes begin in the tissues surrounding the teeth.

However, the time at which a patient notices visible changes depends on the starting tooth positions, the movements being performed and individual biological response.

This should be distinguished from the total duration of orthodontic treatment.

Is Putting the Braces On the Most Important Part of Treatment?

Bracket placement is one of the most visible starting stages of fixed orthodontic treatment, but treatment outcome does not depend solely on attaching the brackets.

Accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, appropriate biomechanics, regular follow-up, oral hygiene and patient compliance all contribute to the treatment process.

Does the Bracket Brand Alone Determine the Treatment Result?

No.

The bracket system is one of the tools used during orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic diagnosis, planning of tooth movement, biomechanical decisions and clinical monitoring remain fundamental parts of treatment.

Are Metal and Ceramic Brackets Put On in the Same Way?

Both systems generally involve bonding brackets to the tooth surfaces.

However, material properties, bracket design and some details of the clinical procedure may differ.

The appropriate system should be selected according to the individual patient's needs.

Braces or Clear Aligners: Which Should Be Chosen?

Fixed braces and clear aligners are different orthodontic systems.

The choice should not be based only on appearance. The type of orthodontic problem, required tooth movements, bite relationships and expected patient compliance should all be considered.

The differences between clear aligners and fixed orthodontic treatment should be evaluated individually.

What Happens After the Braces Are Put On?

After the brackets and initial archwire have been placed, active treatment continues with regular follow-up appointments.

As the teeth move through the planned stages, wires or auxiliary mechanics may be adjusted according to the treatment plan.

Once active treatment has been completed, a retention phase may be planned.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Braces

Are the teeth drilled when braces are put on?

No. In standard fixed orthodontic treatment, brackets are bonded to the tooth surfaces using orthodontic bonding materials. The teeth do not need to be drilled simply to attach the brackets.

Is anaesthesia needed when braces are put on?

Standard bracket bonding generally does not require surgical treatment of the tooth structure. If another dental procedure is required, its needs are considered separately.

Does getting braces hurt?

Bonding the brackets and the later adaptation to orthodontic forces are different stages. Temporary pressure or sensitivity may develop after the archwire is placed.

Can braces be put on in one appointment?

The way the procedure is organized depends on the treatment plan and clinical requirements. The same appointment structure is not necessary for every patient.

Can you eat immediately after getting braces?

Recommendations vary according to the system used and the clinical procedure. Some patients may prefer softer foods during the initial period of tooth sensitivity.

What happens if a bracket comes off?

If a bracket detaches, the planned mechanical effect on that tooth may be altered. The orthodontist should be contacted so that the situation can be assessed.

Why are follow-up appointments necessary after braces are fitted?

Tooth movement, appliance condition, bite relationships and oral hygiene need to be monitored clinically throughout orthodontic treatment.

Content Last Updated: 2 September 2026

Content Reviewed By: Orthodontist Çağrı Şibal

This content has been prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace a clinical diagnosis or personalized treatment recommendation. The suitability of fixed orthodontic treatment, the bracket system used, the placement process and the follow-up schedule are determined through clinical examination, necessary diagnostic assessments and individualized orthodontic treatment planning.