What's it like to get braces?
Details on each step at McKinney Orthodontics
September 29, 2025
You’ve probably seen friends or family members with braces, so it may feel familiar, but what’s it actually like? Getting braces is a big step toward a healthier, more confident smile! If you’re wondering what the process looks like (or maybe feeling a little nervous), here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect during your appointments at McKinney Orthodontics!
1. Consultation - Your New Patient Exam
This is when we meet you and hear about your smile needs and goals! Whether your dentist recommended treatment or you have your own aspirations in mind, everyone starts with a free new patient exam. You’ll meet with our friendly new patient coordinators in our quiet exam room, and they’ll ask about your dental history and concerns. Then Dr. McKinney will perform a comprehensive exam of your teeth, jaw, bite and overall oral health. This evaluation will help him recommend the most suitable treatment plan tailored to your unique orthodontic needs.
2. X-Rays & Scans – Making a Plan
Next, we’ll take X-rays or digital scans to help us see how your teeth and jaws fit together. It’s quick and painless! These X-rays help Dr. McKinney see how your teeth and jaw fit together and also allow him to check for any underlying issues that wouldn’t be visible during an exam. During orthodontic treatment, he uses these original X-rays to monitor your progress as your teeth slowly shift into the correct position.
3. Getting Your Braces On
This is the big day! Getting braces put on takes around 30-60 minutes. It may feel odd at times, and you may feel pressure on your teeth, but the process is painless!
- Our friendly assistants will give you an overview of the process and how long each step will take. They’ll make sure you are comfortable and at ease the entire time!
- When we place braces, it’s very important that each bracket sticks firmly to each tooth. To make sure of this, we use a “dry field system”—a special set of tools that gently keeps the teeth dry and the cheeks, lips, and tongue out of the way during bonding.
- Each tooth is cleaned to help the brackets stick properly.
- A small amount of glue is applied to each tooth and your brackets are placed one-by-one.
- You’ll see your orthodontic assistant using a blue light to cure the glue on each bracket – it may look strange but it’s completely painless!
- A thin arch wire is cut to the proper length and placed in a small slot in each bracket.
- The wire is secured in each bracket with colorful rubber bands or O-ties. (You get to pick the colors!)
- All done! Your assistant will give you a mirror to see your new braces!
4. How to Take Care of Your New Braces
Once your braces are on, you’ll get a goodie bag and instructions from your assistant including:
- Flossing tips and tricks – Cleaning under those wires is important!
- Brushing – How to make sure you get each tooth clean around your brackets
- Foods to avoid - Like gum, hard candies, or popcorn. See our full list here.
- Care & repairs – What to do if something feels pokey or comes loose
Check out our full post here on cleaning your teeth with braces!
5. Follow-up Appointments
Every 2–8 weeks, you’ll come back for a quick adjustment. Dr. McKinney also uses this time for patient education and to keep you informed on your progress and what to expect in the days and weeks ahead!
- He checks your progress by reviewing your original X-rays, looking at adjustments made at your last visit AND asking if you’ve been wearing your rubber bands!
- Arch wires, O-ties and other components may be changed, adjusted or added to help Dr. McKinney move each tooth in the correct direction.
- Dr. McKinney and our assistants will answer any questions or concerns that you have about your current stage of treatment.
- In order to move teeth, they must stay healthy! This is where we need YOUR help- ensuring that your teeth stay clean while you have braces. If Dr. McKinney or our assistants notice that your teeth aren’t as clean as they need to be, they’ll suggest improving those brushing/flossing practices or even a visit to your dentist.
- These appointments can take anywhere from 10-40 minutes. Most visits are short, and you can get back to your day quickly!
The Finish Line: Your New Smile
Before you know it, your braces will come off and you’ll see your brand-new smile. All the brushing, adjustments, and visits will be worth it! Your smile is not only the first thing people notice – it’s something YOU see all day, every day! We love helping each patient achieve that healthy, straight smile that brings confidence for life!
Braces FAQ
Does getting braces hurt?
Getting braces put on doesn’t hurt—there are no shots or drilling involved. You might feel some pressure while the brackets and wires are placed, but it’s not painful. Afterward, your teeth can feel a little sore or even loose for a few days as they start moving. That’s a sign your braces are working! Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods usually help, and the soreness goes away within 2-3 days.
Do I need to have my teeth cleaned before getting braces?
YES! Dr. McKinney will require that you’ve had a cleaning within 6 months of your new patient consultation. This helps us ensure that your teeth are healthy and ready for orthodontic treatment.
Are there things I can’t eat or drink with braces?
Yes! Following this list helps your appliances stay securely attached and ensures that your teeth stay healthy during treatment!
Is it important to keep my teeth clean with braces?
Absolutely. Your braces creating extra hiding places for food particles, sugar and plaque. It takes a little extra effort to clean your teeth with braces, but that is how you make sure that your smile is straight AND healthy at the end of treatment.
What happens if I don’t keep my teeth clean with braces?
This is what we want to avoid! If teeth aren’t properly cleaned, cavities will be a potential result – the same thing that would happen without braces! Decalcification is also a potential result of inconsistent hygiene, and we encourage each patient to prevent these issues along the way. Consistency is key!
Do I have to wear a retainer after my braces are removed?
Yes! Retainers are one of the most important parts of your treatment! Once you have achieved a beautiful, healthy smile, your teeth need an appliance to hold them in place, or they will move back toward their original position. This is where retainers come in! Dr. McKinney will choose the best type of retainer for your continued treatment and give you specific instructions on how often it should be worn to maintain your new smile. Eventually you’ll be instructed to only wear your retainers at night to help your teeth maintain their alignment and spacing.