Starting braces can feel like a lot to take in. New words, new choices, and a whole new routine to learn. That’s why we’ve built this beginner’s guide around a simple idea: the ABC’s of braces. Break it down into three easy parts, and suddenly the whole thing feels manageable.
At Booth Orthodontics, we’ve been making you smile since 1986. Three generations of orthodontists have walked patients through this exact conversation, and we know the questions that come up first. This guide covers what you actually need to know before you get started, without the jargon.
Introduction: Why an ABC Approach to Braces Works
Most articles about braces throw everything at you at once. Types, timelines, care tips, costs. It’s a lot. So we’re using a framework that sticks: A is for Assessment, B is for Braces types, and C is for Care.
Think of it as a roadmap. First, you figure out if braces are the right call for your smile. Next, you look at your options and pick the style that fits your life. Then you learn how to live with them day-to-day. Simple.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand:
- Which smile concerns braces can address
- The main types of braces available today
- How to care for your teeth during treatment
- What treatment timelines and results look like
- What life looks like after your braces come off
We’ve helped thousands of families in Homer Glen work through this exact decision. Let’s do this.
A is for Assessment: Understanding If Braces Are Right for You
Before anything else, you need a clear picture of what’s going on with your smile. That starts with a professional evaluation from your orthodontist.
What braces can help with
Braces do more than straighten teeth. They also align your bite, which affects how you chew, speak, and even sleep. Common concerns we address include:
- Crowded teeth that overlap or twist
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Overbite (upper teeth sit too far forward)
- Underbite (lower teeth sit ahead of upper teeth)
- Crossbite (upper and lower teeth don’t line up)
- Open bite (front teeth don’t touch when back teeth close)
The right age to start
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have their first orthodontic visit by age 7. That doesn’t mean treatment starts then. It means your orthodontist can spot early signs and plan the right timing.
Most patients start active treatment between ages 10 and 14, when adult teeth are in and the jaw is still growing. But here’s the good news: you’re never too old. Orthodontics is the original smile makeover, and adults make up a growing share of our patients every year.
What happens at your first visit
Your first visit at Booth Orthodontics is a free consult. Here’s what to expect:
- A friendly welcome and a quick tour of our office
- Painless and goop-free digital pictures of your teeth using our digital scanner
- A one-on-one exam with your orthodontist
- A discussion of treatment options that fit your goals
- A clear breakdown of insurance and finances
No pressure, no surprise bills. Just a real conversation about your smile.
Pre-treatment checklist
Before your brackets go on, we’ll want a few things squared away:
- A recent dental cleaning
- Any cavities filled
- Healthy gums
- A clear understanding of your treatment options
Signs it’s time to see an orthodontist
If you notice any of the following, it’s worth booking a visit:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Teeth that look tilted or overlap
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- A child who lost baby teeth early or late
B is for Braces Types: Choosing the Right Option
Braces have come a long way. Today you have real choices, and each one has strengths depending on your lifestyle, budget, and goals. Here’s a quick side-by-side.
| Type | Best For | Visibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | All ages, complex cases | Most visible | Durable and efficient |
| Clear Braces | Teens and adults wanting subtlety | Low visibility | Blends with teeth |
| Self-Ligating Braces | Patients wanting fewer visits | Same as metal or clear | Uses built-in clips instead of elastics |
| Invisalign | Mild to moderate cases, adults, teens | Nearly invisible | Removable clear aligners |
Metal braces
The classic. Metal braces use stainless steel brackets and wires, and they handle everything from simple alignment to complex bite correction. They’re the most cost-effective option and the go-to for many teens who like picking colorful elastic ties at each visit.
Clear braces
Clear braces work the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are made from tooth-colored ceramic. They blend in with your natural smile, which makes them a favorite for older teens and adults who want something less noticeable.
Self-ligating braces
These use small built-in doors on each bracket to hold the wire in place, instead of tiny elastic ties. That can mean fewer materials in your mouth and, in some cases, shorter adjustment visits.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made for your smile. You wear each set for about two weeks, then switch to the next. They’re nearly invisible, easy to clean, and you can take them out to eat. Perfect for busy families and adults who want flexibility.
Not sure which one fits? That’s exactly what your free consult is for. Dr. Ryan Booth and Dr. Evan Booth will walk you through each option based on your specific smile.
C is for Care: Living With Braces Day-to-Day
Once your braces are on, a new routine kicks in. It’s not hard, but it’s different. Here’s how to make it feel natural fast.
What to expect on the day your braces go on
Getting braces placed is quick and painless. Your orthodontist cleans and dries each tooth, applies a small amount of adhesive, and sets each bracket in place. Then the wire is threaded through and secured. The whole visit usually takes about an hour.
Your teeth may feel a little tender for a few days as they start to shift. Soft foods and cool drinks help. So does over-the-counter relief if your dentist approves it.
Brushing and flossing with braces
Good oral hygiene is your best friend during treatment. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily, and that goes double when you have braces.
Here’s a simple routine:
- Brush after every meal when possible
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric brush
- Angle the bristles above and below each bracket
- Floss with a threader, water flosser, or orthodontic floss
- Rinse with fluoride mouthwash before bed
Ask about our scrub club program. Patients who keep their teeth sparkling get entered into quarterly raffles, and it’s a fun way to stay motivated.
Foods to skip and foods to enjoy
Certain foods can pop brackets loose or bend wires. To keep your treatment on track, avoid:
- Sticky candies (caramels, taffy, gum)
- Hard foods (nuts, ice, hard pretzels)
- Chewy breads (bagels, tough crusts)
- Corn on the cob and whole apples (unless cut into pieces)
- Popcorn kernels
Good news: you can still enjoy pasta, soft breads, yogurt, smoothies, eggs, cheese, cooked veggies, tender meats, and plenty more.
Managing soreness after adjustments
After each adjustment visit, your teeth may feel tender for a day or two. Try:
- Cool water or ice packs on the outside of your cheek
- Soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, or smoothies
- Orthodontic wax on any bracket that rubs
- Warm salt water rinses
It fades quickly, and most patients feel back to normal within 48 hours.
Handling small emergencies
Broken bracket? Poking wire? Don’t stress. Cover any sharp spot with wax, then call our office. We’ll get you in and take care of it. Most fixes are quick.
Treatment Timeline: How Long Will You Wear Braces?
Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, though some cases finish sooner and others take a bit longer. Your total time depends on a few things:
- How complex your case is
- How well you follow instructions (elastics, oral hygiene, keeping visits)
- Your age and how your teeth respond
- The type of braces you choose
You’ll visit us every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments. These check-ins let your orthodontist track progress, change wires, and make small tweaks to keep everything on schedule.
Along the way, you’ll hit milestones worth celebrating. The first time you notice a gap closing. The moment your bite starts to line up. The day the wire comes off. Enjoy the process, from start to finish.
Life After Braces: Retainers and Long-Term Results
The day your braces come off is a big one. Your teeth are straight, your bite fits together, and you finally get to see the finished result. But there’s one more step, and it matters: retainers.
Teeth naturally want to shift back over time. Retainers hold everything in place while your bone and gums settle around the new position. Skip this step and years of hard work can start to slide.
Retainer options
- Clear retainers: Look similar to Invisalign trays, nearly invisible, easy to wear
- Hawley retainers: Traditional wire-and-acrylic design, very durable
- Permanent bonded retainers: A thin wire bonded behind your front teeth, always working
Your orthodontist will recommend the type that fits your case best.
How often to wear them
Most patients wear retainers full-time for the first few months, then transition to nights only. Nighttime wear is usually a lifelong habit. It’s a small commitment for a lifetime of straight teeth.
Ask about our retainer insurance program too. It’s a smart safety net if a retainer ever gets lost or broken.
The long-term benefits
Straight teeth are easier to clean, which means fewer cavities and healthier gums. A properly aligned bite reduces wear on your teeth and can ease jaw strain. And a smile you love? That confidence sticks around for life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
Do braces hurt?
Braces don’t hurt when they’re placed. Your teeth may feel tender for a few days after each adjustment as they start to move, but most patients find the soreness manageable with soft foods and cool drinks. Any tenderness usually fades within 48 hours.
Can adults get braces?
Absolutely. Orthodontics for all ages is one of our specialties, and adults make up a growing share of our patients. Whether you choose metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign, treatment works just as well for adults as it does for teens. It’s never too late for a new smile.
Will braces affect my speech?
Most patients notice a slight lisp for the first few days, especially with lingual braces or Invisalign trays. Your tongue quickly adjusts to the new sensation, and normal speech returns within a week or two. Reading out loud helps speed up the process.
Can I play sports or instruments with braces?
Yes to both. For contact sports, we recommend an orthodontic mouthguard to protect your braces and lips. Musicians who play brass or woodwind instruments may need a short adjustment period, but most people are back to full performance within a few weeks.
What happens if I miss an adjustment visit?
Missing one visit isn’t the end of the world, but repeated misses can slow your progress. Adjustments keep your teeth moving on schedule. If you need to reschedule, just call our office and we’ll find a new time that works for you.
Ready to Start Your New Smile?
Here’s the ABC recap: Assessment tells you what your smile needs. Braces types give you options that fit your life. Care keeps everything on track from day one to your final result.
The best next step is a professional evaluation. Every smile is different, and the only way to know exactly what your treatment options look like is to sit down with an orthodontist. That’s where we come in.
At Booth Orthodontics, everyone deserves a beautiful smile, and we’d love to show you what yours could look like. Come meet Dr. Ryan Booth and Dr. Evan Booth, take a tour of our Homer Glen office, and get real answers, all at no cost to you.
Schedule your FREE consultation today! We can’t wait to meet you.