If you or your child is considering braces, you’re probably wondering how long the process will take. After all, no one wants to have a metal mouth for longer than necessary! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process from the first appointment to the actual appointment where the braces are glued to the teeth.
The first appointment
The first appointment is usually just a consultation. The orthodontist will examine your teeth and jaw and talk to you about your treatment options. This appointment usually takes less than an hour.
The second appointment
The second appointment is when the orthodontist actually puts the braces on. This appointment will take about an hour as well.
First, the orthodontist will clean your teeth and apply a bonding agent to them.
Then, the orthodontist will attach the brackets to your teeth with special adhesive. Once the brackets are in place, they will connect them with wires. Finally, they will adjust the wires and tighten them so that they put pressure on your teeth and begin moving them into their new position.
How much do braces hurt?
The third appointment
The third and final appointment is when you go back to get your braces adjusted. This appointment is usually shorter than the others, taking only about 30 minutes.
The orthodontist will simply remove the old wire and replace it with a new one. They will also tighten the screws holding the brackets in place and check to make sure that everything is fitting correctly.
You will need certain supplies to ensure proper care for your braces. Read on to check off your list of the items you will need:
Concluding Thoughts
And there you have it! Putting braces on usually takes about two hours total, spread out over three appointments. And don’t worry – we promise it’s not nearly as bad as it sounds!