Getting Braces? What to Expect and What Patients Ask
Nobody starts braces without a few questions.
Will it hurt? What can you eat? How often do you need to come in?
We hear these every day, and we want you to feel completely informed before you start. Here’s a clear, honest guide to the questions patients ask most at Alinea Orthodontics in Santa Monica.
Braces FAQs: Pain and Discomfort
Do Braces Hurt When They’re First Put On?
Getting your braces placed doesn’t hurt. There are no shots and no drilling. The appointment takes about one to two hours while our team bonds the brackets to your teeth and places the wire.
Any soreness comes later. Within a few hours, as your teeth start to respond, you may feel some mild tenderness. It usually lasts two to four days, and over-the-counter pain relief keeps it manageable.
What About After Adjustments?
You might feel light tenderness for a day or two after each adjustment. Each visit gently guides your teeth toward their new positions, and most patients find the soreness gets easier to handle over time. Soft foods help during these stretches.
Will Brackets Irritate My Cheeks or Lips?
They can at first. Your mouth needs a short adjustment period, usually about one to two weeks. We’ll give you orthodontic wax to help, and once your mouth adapts, most patients stop noticing their braces altogether.
Braces FAQs: Food Restrictions
What Foods Should I Avoid?
The goal is to protect your brackets and wires. Skip:
- Hard foods like ice, hard candy, raw carrots and popcorn
- Sticky foods like caramel, gum and chewy candy
- Crunchy foods like chips and pretzels
- Whole foods you’d bite into, like apples or corn on the cob (cut them into pieces instead)
What Can You Still Eat?
Plenty. Most everyday meals are completely fine, including pasta, rice, eggs, yogurt, cooked vegetables, fish, chicken and soft breads. Once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.
Why Does This Matter?
Broken brackets and bent wires can slow your progress, and even small setbacks can add time to treatment. Following these guidelines keeps your treatment efficient and on track. For more tips, check out our guide to caring for your braces.
Braces FAQs: Adjustments and Timeline
How Often Are Appointments?
Most patients come in every six to eight weeks. These visits are quick, about 20 to 30 minutes, and give our orthodontist time to check your progress and make precise adjustments.
At Alinea, all routine visits are included, so there are no surprise fees.
What If Something Breaks?
Give us a call right away. A loose bracket means that tooth isn’t moving as planned, and the sooner we fix it, the easier it is to keep your treatment on schedule.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Most cases take 12 to 24 months. More complex cases may take longer.
Your timeline depends on:
- How complex your case is
- How consistently you keep your appointments
- How closely you follow your care guidelines
Staying on track makes a real difference.
Braces FAQs: After Treatment
Will I Need Retainers?
Yes, always. Teeth naturally shift over time, and retainers keep your results in place.
We provide your first set when treatment wraps up and walk you through exactly how to wear them for long-term stability. Learn more about orthodontic retainers at Alinea.
Can I Switch to Invisalign Later?
In some cases, yes. It depends on where you are in treatment. If you’re considering it, our orthodontist will give you a clear, honest look at your options. As a Blue Diamond Invisalign provider, Alinea offers Invisalign for teens and adults.
Still Have Braces Questions? Let’s Talk.
Every smile is different, and your treatment should be too.
Your free consultation at Alinea Orthodontics in Santa Monica includes:
- A comprehensive orthodontic exam and any needed images
- A personalized treatment plan from board-certified orthodontist Dr. Jose Enrique Ortiz
- Time to ask every question on your mind
We welcome kids, teens and adults from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Culver City and nearby communities. If you’re exploring options, we’ll help you figure out what’s right for you.
Book your free consultation online or call us at (424) 428-0008 to get started.