Ask Dr Sarah & the Team › Braces for children & teens

60-second answer · Braces for children & teens

What happens when your braces go on? A 60-second guide

Under 1 min video · Dr Sarah Sadek, Specialist Orthodontist (GDC No. 114943)

Opens on YouTube.

Key points

  • Fitting day usually starts with the teeth being cleaned and dried so the brackets bond well.
  • Brackets are fixed to each tooth with a tooth-coloured adhesive, then the wire is attached.
  • Most people say the fitting itself is not painful; teeth often feel tender for a few days afterwards.
  • Soft foods such as pasta, soup and yoghurt can make the first days easier.
  • Before you leave, you are shown how to clean around your braces and given wax for any rubbing.

Summary

This short clip shows what to expect on the day your braces are fitted, so you or your child know what is coming before you sit in the chair.

For a full step-by-step explanation, watch our longer video on how braces are fitted. If you have questions before your appointment, our team is happy to talk them through.

Questions about this topic

How long does it take to fit braces?

It is usually one of the longer appointments in treatment. We will tell you how long to allow when we book it.

Will I be able to go to school or work afterwards?

Most people can go back to their normal day straight after. Teeth may feel tender, so softer food is a good idea.

What should I bring to my fitting?

Just yourself. If you have questions about eating, sport or musical instruments, bring them along and we will go through them.

This page and video give general information only and are not personal dental or medical advice. Whether a treatment is suitable, and the results and timescales, vary from patient to patient and are confirmed at a consultation. If something is broken or painful, call us on 020 8656 6959.

Croydon Dental Practice & Addiscombe Orthodontics, 202 Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon CR0 7AB · Complaints procedure · CQC registration

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