Braces 101: What to Expect at Every Stage of Treatment

Have you been second-guessing whether now is the right time to start braces? Whether you're excited, a little nervous, or just curious, knowing what to expect can make the entire process feel a lot less overwhelming—and even a little exciting.  

Getting braces is a big step, but it’s one that can lead to a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. From your very first appointment to the moment your braces come off, every stage has its own purpose, milestones, and moments to look forward to. 

Knowing the road ahead helps you feel prepared, stay motivated, and move through each phase with confidence. Every adjustment, every appointment, and every small change brings you closer to the smile you’ve been waiting for. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through what you can expect during braces treatment so you can feel confident and ready for what’s ahead. 

The Initial Consultation and Preparation 

Before any brackets go on, your braces journey starts with building a strong foundation. This first phase is all about understanding your smile, creating a personalized plan, and setting you up for success from day one. 

What Happens During the Initial Consultation? 

Your initial visit is more than just a quick check—it’s a thorough look at your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment to make sure everything is ready for treatment.  

Here’s what you can expect during this important first step: 

• A full examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment 
  
  
• Digital X-rays, photos, and impressions (or digital scans) of your mouth 
  
  
• A conversation about your goals, concerns, and treatment options 
  
  
• A custom treatment plan with estimated duration and cost 
  
  
• Insurance verification and financial planning if needed 
  
  

By the end of this visit, you’ll have a clear understanding of the plan and what’s needed to create your healthiest, most confident smile. 

Pre-Treatment Steps You Might Encounter 

Depending on your needs, there may be a few steps to complete before braces are officially placed. These preparations help create the ideal conditions for your treatment to work smoothly: 

• Scheduling a dental cleaning or filling cavities before braces can be placed 
  
  
• Having baby teeth removed if needed for younger patients 
  
  
• Spacers placed between molars to make room for bands 
  
  
• Instructions on oral hygiene and diet changes for braces care 
  
  

Taking care of these early steps helps make sure your braces journey starts strong and stays on track. 

Active Treatment and Final Removal 

Once your braces are placed, the real transformation begins. This is where your teeth gradually shift into the right positions, guided by expert adjustments and your dedication to the process. 

What to Expect During Braces Adjustments 

Regular visits to the orthodontist keep your treatment moving forward at the right pace. Each appointment builds on the progress you’ve already made and brings you one step closer to your goal. 

Here’s what typically happens during adjustment appointments: 

• Routine visits every 4–8 weeks for tightening or wire changes 
  
  
• Mild soreness or pressure after adjustments  
  
  
• Rubber bands to guide bite correction 
  
  
• Encouragement to stick to braces-safe foods and good hygiene practices 
  
  
• Progress checks to ensure everything is moving according to plan 
  
  

These check-ins are quick, important, and a great opportunity to celebrate how far you’ve come. 

Getting Braces Removed 

When your teeth have reached their final positions, it’s time for the big moment: braces removal. And yes—it’s just as exciting as you’re imagining! 

Here’s what you can expect on removal day: 

• Brackets and wires are carefully removed in a painless appointment 
  
  
• Your teeth are polished to remove any bonding material 
  
  
• Impressions are taken for your retainer 
  
  
• Instructions are provided on how to wear and care for your retainer to maintain results 
  
  

Seeing your new smile for the first time without braces is a moment you’ll always remember—and it’s only the beginning of all the reasons you’ll have to keep smiling. 

Keep Smiling with Shine Orthodontics 

Starting braces is a big step—and one you can absolutely feel excited about. With the right guidance, a clear plan, and plenty of encouragement along the way, every stage of treatment becomes a milestone worth celebrating. 

At Shine Orthodontics, we’re here to make sure you feel supported, informed, and confident from your very first consultation to the day your new smile is revealed.  

If you're thinking about starting your braces journey, we're ready to help you take that next step with expert care and a team that’s always cheering you on. 

Schedule a free consultation today and see what’s possible when you trust your smile to Shine! 

Follow Shine Orthodontics on Facebook and Instagram today for more oral health tips!  

Happy with the Shine Orthodontics difference? Leave us a five-star review here!