Having braces is for a perfect, straight smile. When you get your braces on and start to adjust to them, it’s helpful to know what happens at each stage of braces treatment. The entire process requires time, effort, and patience, but in the end it’s very much worth the outcome.
Your smile will definitely become straighter after the whole process!
Here’s a breakdown of the different phases of the process and a closer look at how braces move your teeth gradually into their proper position.
The 5 phases of your braces journey includes:
Stage 1: Getting Your Braces On
The first stage is the day you get your braces. Your orthodontist cleans your teeth. They dry them very well.
You can get ceramic braces in Orlando or metal braces. Your orthodontist puts little brackets on each tooth.
A wire goes over all the brackets to straighten and move your teeth. This process takes an hour or two, and it’s painless. You’ll just feel a sense of pressure in your mouth and then possibly some pain. It can last several days but typically stops before then.
Stage 2: The Alignment Phase
This stage starts right after you get braces. Your teeth start to move into a line. This makes your teeth look straighter.
You may ask, “How long does each stage of braces take?” Generally, this phase takes three to six months. During this time, your orthodontist near you tightens your wires.
You visit every four to eight weeks. At each visit, they adjust your braces. Your teeth might feel sore for a day or two after each visit.
Stage 3: The Levelling Phase
Your teeth are now in a line. But they need to be level. The roots need to point the right way.
What happens at each stage of braces treatment? During this phase, your orthodontist in Orlando works on the roots. They use different wires.
This phase takes several months. Your teeth get straighter. Your bite starts looking better.
Stage 4: The Closing Spaces Phase
Your teeth are fairly straight at the moment but may be slightly apart. This procedure will help to remove the gap between the teeth. Elastics and springs are used by the orthodontist. These braces exert continuous but modest pressure that pulls the teeth together and closes them weekly. The closing of the space can appear dramatic if integrated over a 2- to 3-month period. Your lovely new smile is beginning to show.
As the spaces become smaller, you may feel mild pressure or tightness, which is normal and great news, as it means the treatment is working! Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully. You need to wear elastics as prescribed if you wish to get the best results on time. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also vital in this stage for the health of your teeth and gums. At the end of this phase, your smile will be more aligned, balanced, and confident-looking.
Stage 5: The Finishing and Retention Phase
Your teeth are now straight and in the right spot. Everything looks perfect.
How long does each stage of braces take? The finishing phase is fast, just a few weeks. At this stage, the orthodontist will make any necessary last adjustments. At this stage, the braces are polished and cleaned up. Once the braces are removed, they put a retainer in your mouth to keep them straight. You need to wear it every day, forever without fail. Without retainers, you may not be able to maintain the result you have achieved during this whole process.
Start Your Braces Journey Here at All About Smiles Ortho
Each stage moves your teeth closer to perfect. The total time takes about two to three years. But the result is worth it. You get a beautiful smile that lasts forever.
Getting ceramic braces is an investment in your smile. All About Smiles Ortho specializes in braces for everyone. Our team creates plans for your smile. We check your progress at every visit. We make sure your teeth become straight and beautiful. Call today to schedule your braces consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do braces hurt?
The braces won’t hurt when they’re put on. However, for the first few days, your teeth may ache a bit, as pressure is being put on your teeth.
What can you eat with braces?
Don’t eat hard or sticky foods. Stick with soft foods like pasta, bread, and fruit. Make sure to clean your teeth each time you eat.
How often do you visit?
Appointments must be made every four to eight weeks. Each visit can last about 30 to 45 minutes.
When do braces come off?
The orthodontist will tell you when you are finished with your treatment. Your teeth are straight, and your bite is properly aligned. That’s when you have your braces removed.