Getting braces can sound like a daunting idea, especially if you don’t know what to expect. The good news is that with the right orthodontist and a little preparation, the process is far less intimidating than it seems. Crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic concern; left untreated, they can lead to bite problems, jaw pain, and other dental health issues. Whatever your reason for considering braces, here are 10 things you should know before you get started.
1. Braces Have No Age Limit
There’s a common belief that braces are only for children and teenagers, since the mouth is still developing at that age. But there’s no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Many adults avoid braces out of fear, cost concerns, or simply because they don't like the idea of wearing them. If you’re an adult who has put off fixing crooked teeth, it’s never too late. Braces can be just as effective and beneficial now as they would have been years ago.
2. Flossing Takes Extra Effort
If you opt for metal braces treatment, flossing will need a little more care. Food particles can easily get trapped around metal brackets, wires, and bands, and if they’re not cleared out, they can lead to plaque buildup, staining, and tooth damage. It takes a bit longer than flossing without braces, but building the habit early makes a real difference in how healthy your teeth and gums look once your braces come off.
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Floss after every meal or snack to prevent bacterial growth and infections.
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Use an orthodontic floss threader to guide floss under the wire and around each bracket. A reusable dental flosser, such as the one made by Flossy, holds the thread taut for you so it doesn’t fray or slip out of your fingers mid-clean.
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Stock up so you never run out mid-treatment. You’ll be flossing more often than before your braces went on, so keeping a Flossy refill spool on hand means each roll lasts for weeks before you need a replacement.
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Consider a water flosser as a second option; it can flush out debris around brackets in seconds and is especially helpful on days when you’re short on time.
Whichever tools you choose, keep them within easy reach, at home, at work, or in your bag, so flossing becomes an automatic step in your routine rather than something you have to remember. Consistency here does more to protect your teeth and gums over the course of treatment than almost any other habit on this list.
3. Keep Your Lips Hydrated
Lip balm becomes your best friend once you have braces. The metal bands and wires can rub against your lips and cause temporary dryness or chapping. Carry a lip balm with you from your very first appointment to stay comfortable. And don’t worry, the idea that braces “make your lips bigger” is a myth; any noticeable change is usually just mild, temporary swelling as your mouth adjusts.
4. You’ll Need to Adjust Your Diet
The first few months after getting braces can be the toughest on your diet. Certain foods can damage brackets and wires, so a few adjustments are necessary.
Foods to avoid:
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Hard foods (nuts, hard candy, ice)
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Sticky or chewy foods (gummies, chewing gum, caramel)
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Popcorn and other foods with hard kernels
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Very hot or very cold foods that can irritate sensitive teeth
Better alternatives:
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Steamed vegetables
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Warm soups
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Yogurt and other soft, cool foods
Cutting harder foods into small, bite-sized pieces is another simple way to reduce the risk of damaging your braces.
5. Braces Help Fix Your Bite, Too
Braces don’t just straighten crooked teeth; they also help align your bite. Your orthodontist will check whether your upper and lower teeth meet evenly and without friction when you bite down, with no large gaps or uneven pressure points. A properly aligned bite protects your teeth from premature wear and damage over time, and is one of the key goals your orthodontist will work toward during bite correction.
6. Mouth Irritation Is Normal at First
It’s completely normal to experience some irritation inside your mouth and lips as the soft tissue adjusts to your braces. To ease discomfort and soothe minor mouth sores, try a simple warm salt water rinse:
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Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
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Swirl it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
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Repeat a few times a day as needed.
If the irritation or mouth sores persist, reach out to your orthodontist right away.
7. Most Consultations Are Free
Cost is one of the biggest reasons people put off getting braces. The good news is that most orthodontists offer a free initial dental consultation, where they’ll assess your teeth and recommend the right course of treatment. If braces aren’t necessary, they’ll suggest alternatives that fit your needs and comfort level.
8. Treatment Time Varies
During your consultation, your orthodontist will give you an estimated timeline for how long you’ll need to wear braces. Generally, the more misaligned your teeth, the longer the treatment will take. Keep in mind this timeline isn’t fixed; it can be adjusted based on how your teeth respond and move during regular checkups throughout your treatment.
9. Trust Your Orthodontist
People often confuse dentists and orthodontists, but they play different roles. A general dentist focuses on overall oral hygiene, while an orthodontist is a specialist trained in tooth movement and jaw alignment, making them the right professional to guide you through braces treatment. Be open and honest with your orthodontist, ask questions whenever something is unclear, and trust their guidance once you’ve built that relationship.
10. Braces Do More Than Straighten Teeth
While straighter teeth are the most visible benefit, braces can also address a range of other dental issues your orthodontist identifies during your consultation, including overbite, underbite, jaw alignment problems, and bleeding gums. Treating these issues alongside teeth straightening can significantly improve your overall oral health.
Final Thoughts
Getting braces is a journey that takes patience, the right orthodontist, and a little adjustment along the way, but the payoff is well worth it. Of everything on this list, your daily oral hygiene routine is the one thing fully in your hands: consistent flossing, gentle brushing after meals, and using tools built for braces will do more to protect your results than almost anything else during treatment. Skipping these habits, on the other hand, is one of the most common reasons people end up with stains, cavities, or a longer time in braces than expected. From a straighter smile to healthier teeth and gums, braces can transform both your confidence and your dental health, provided you keep up your end of the care routine along the way. If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a consultation with a trusted orthodontist near you and start your journey toward a brighter, healthier smile.
Author Bio
Dr. Nimesh Patel is an orthodontist and maintains a private practice in Rome, NY. He completed his undergraduate education at the Ohio State University. Then, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. After earning his doctorate, Dr. Patel attended a three-year, dual-degree residency at Columbia University in New York City. Here, he earned his certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics as well as earning a Masters in Oral Biology. During his time off, Dr. Patel likes to stay active by jogging, biking, and hiking.