Teeth Braces: Types, Timeline, Pain Relief and Aftercare Guide
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What are braces?
Braces are orthodontic devices that use mild, constant pressure to move teeth into their proper positions over time. They correct crooked, crowded or gapped teeth and bite problems called malocclusion. Options include metal, ceramic, lingual and self-ligating braces, plus clear aligners. Treatment averages about two years, and everyone needs a retainer afterward. [1]
What the research says
Clear aligners and braces give similar results in simple cases, but aligners take longer. In a randomized trial of 66 patients with simple bite problems, finished results and results after 6 months of retention were similar between clear aligners and traditional braces, but aligner treatment took about 4.8 months longer (Lin et al., The Angle Orthodontist, 2022) [2].
White spots on teeth are common during treatment with fixed braces. A meta-analysis of 57 studies with 9,101 patients found white spot lesions (early enamel damage) in 55% of orthodontic patients, with new lesions developing in 34%; the odds were 7 times higher with fixed braces than with no treatment, and rose with longer treatment (Hussain et al., Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research, 2025) [3].
Retainers are essential, but no single retainer type is clearly best. A review of 47 trials with 4,377 participants notes that teeth tend to drift back without retention; the evidence was low to very low certainty, so no one retainer type could be ranked above another (Martin et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023) [4].
Key takeaways
Braces fix crooked, crowded or gapped teeth and bite problems by applying gentle, steady pressure. [1]
The five main options are metal, ceramic, lingual and self-ligating braces, and clear aligners. [1]
Ages 9 to 14 are often ideal, but about 20% of orthodontic patients in the U.S. are adults. [1]
Treatment averages about two years, ranging from under 12 months to three years. [1]
Soreness is normal for a few days after fitting and after adjustments. [1]
A retainer after treatment keeps teeth from shifting back. [1]
Braces at a glance
Question | Short answer |
What they fix | Crooked, crowded or gapped teeth; malocclusion (bite problems) |
Who places them | Usually an orthodontist; some general dentists |
Best age | Generally 9 to 14; adults can get braces too |
Average treatment time | About 2 years (under 12 months to 3 years) |
Normal discomfort | A few days after fitting and after each adjustment |
After treatment | A retainer for everyone |
What are braces and what do they treat?
Braces are dental devices that straighten teeth and correct how the upper and lower teeth fit together. [1]
They treat:
Braces aren't only for children. About 20% of orthodontic patients in the U.S. are over 18. [1]
An orthodontist, a dentist with extra training in straightening teeth and jaws, usually places braces. Some general dentists offer them too. [1]
How do braces work?
Braces work by applying mild, constant pressure that shifts teeth into their proper positions over time. [1]
With traditional braces, brackets are attached to each tooth and connected by a thin archwire. The wire guides the teeth in the planned direction. At regular visits, your orthodontist tightens the braces so the teeth keep moving.
Clear aligners do the same job with a series of custom plastic trays. Each new tray is shaped slightly differently, so the teeth move a little with every set. [1]
What types of braces are there?
There are five main types of braces: metal, ceramic, lingual, self-ligating and clear aligners. [1]
Type | How it looks | How it works | Good to know |
Metal braces | Stainless steel brackets and wire | Elastic bands (ligatures) hold the wire to the brackets | Bands come in clear, tooth-colored or bright colors |
Ceramic (clear) braces | Tooth-colored brackets | Work the same way as metal braces | Less noticeable, but more likely to break |
Lingual braces | Hidden on the back of the teeth | Brackets and wire bonded to the inner tooth surfaces | Not visible from the front |
Self-ligating braces | Similar to metal or ceramic | A built-in mechanism holds the wire instead of elastic bands | No elastic ties to replace |
Clear aligners | Clear, removable trays | A new custom tray about every two weeks | Must be worn at least 22 hours a day |
Clear aligners come out only for eating, drinking and brushing. If they're out of your mouth too long, your teeth won't move as planned. [1]
What is the best age to get braces?
The best age to get braces is generally between 9 and 14, while the jaw and facial bones are still developing. [1]
At this age, teeth tend to move more easily. That said, adults can get braces at any age. Adult treatment works well, though it may take a little longer because adult bones have stopped growing. [1]
If your child was born with missing teeth, braces can also be part of the plan. Read more in our guide to hypodontia (missing teeth).
How long does braces treatment take?
Braces treatment takes about two years on average. Some people finish in less than 12 months, while others need up to three years. [1]
The exact time depends on how far your teeth need to move and how complex your bite problem is.
Stage | What happens |
1. Consultation | An orthodontist or dentist checks your teeth and bite and recommends a type of braces |
2. Fitting | Brackets are bonded and the wire placed, or your first aligner set is fitted |
3. Adjustments | Regular visits to tighten braces, or switching to a new aligner about every two weeks |
4. Removal | Braces come off once your teeth reach their planned positions |
5. Retention | You wear a retainer to keep teeth from shifting back |
What are the benefits of braces?
The main benefit of braces is a straighter smile, but properly aligned teeth also bring health benefits. [1]
Easier cleaning. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss.
Lower risk of dental disease. Better cleaning helps prevent cavities and gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Jaw comfort. Braces may help correct TMJ disorders linked to bite problems.
Better function. Correcting your bite can restore normal chewing and speaking. [1]
What are the side effects of braces?
The most common side effect of braces is temporary discomfort, especially on the first day and after each tightening. [1]
Side effect | What helps |
Soreness after fitting or tightening | Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods for a few days |
Irritated tongue, lips or inner cheeks | Orthodontic wax over rough or sharp spots |
Jaw pain | Usually eases within a few days |
Trouble eating after tightening | Stick to soft foods until the soreness settles |
These effects are normal and usually short-lived. [1]
How do you manage braces pain?
Braces pain usually lasts a few days after your braces are placed and can return briefly after each adjustment. [1]
To ease the discomfort:
Take acetaminophen (paracetamol) if you need a pain reliever.
Ask before taking ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. These medicines can interfere with tooth movement. [1]
Use orthodontic wax on any bracket or wire that rubs your mouth.
Eat soft foods for the first few days.
If pain doesn't improve with medication, contact your orthodontist.
How do you care for teeth with braces?
Caring for teeth with braces means brushing, flossing and rinsing every day, avoiding foods that damage the appliance, and keeping all your appointments. [1]
Daily cleaning routine
Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Learn more about fluoride and cavity prevention.
Floss once a day. Floss threaders, orthodontic flossers, interproximal brushes and water flossers make it easier to clean around wires.
Rinse twice a day with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.
Clean your aligners and store them in their case whenever they're out of your mouth. [1]
What to eat and what to avoid
Easier to eat | Best to avoid |
Pasta | Nuts |
Yogurt | Caramels |
Soup | Sticky foods |
Oatmeal | Hard or crunchy produce |
Mashed potatoes | Other hard or crunchy foods |
Start with soft foods, especially in the first days. Sugar-free gum that carries a dental association's seal of acceptance is generally fine. [1]
Appointments
Keep your regular orthodontic adjustment visits and your routine dental cleanings. Both are needed for healthy teeth and on-time results. [1]
Do you need a retainer after braces?
Yes. Everyone needs a retainer after braces to keep teeth from shifting back to their original positions. [1]
Your orthodontist will tell you which type of retainer to use and how often to wear it. Follow these instructions closely, because teeth can drift for a long time after treatment ends. [4]
Are clear aligners better than braces?
Clear aligners can treat most mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth and bite problems, but severe cases may need traditional braces. [1]
Feature | Traditional braces | Clear aligners |
Removable | No | Yes |
Visibility | Visible (except lingual) | Nearly invisible |
Daily wear | Always on | At least 22 hours a day |
Best for | Mild to severe cases | Mild to moderate cases |
Key responsibility | Avoid hard and sticky foods | Wear trays consistently |
A dentist or orthodontist decides which option fits your teeth. [1]
When should you call your orthodontist about braces?
Call your orthodontist if you have braces and notice any of these problems: [1]
Pain that doesn't go away with pain relievers.
A broken wire or bracket.
An injury to your mouth or face. If a tooth is knocked out, see our guide to saving a knocked-out tooth.
Bleeding gums or signs of a gum infection.
Conclusion
Braces are a safe, proven way to straighten crooked, crowded or gapped teeth and fix bite problems. Metal, ceramic, lingual and self-ligating braces and clear aligners all use the same principle: gentle, steady pressure over time. Most treatment takes about two years. Some soreness is normal, and good daily cleaning protects your teeth along the way. A retainer afterward protects your results.
Thinking about braces for yourself or your child? Book a consultation with an orthodontist to find the option that fits your bite. Then keep learning with our guides on overbite, underbite correction and TMJ disorders.
FAQ
How long do braces take to straighten teeth?
Braces treatment takes about two years on average. Some people finish in less than 12 months, while others need up to three years, depending on how complex the case is.
What is the best age to get braces?
The best age for braces is generally between 9 and 14, while the jaw is still developing. Adults can also get braces, although treatment may take longer.
Do braces hurt?
Braces cause mild, temporary discomfort, mainly on the first day and after each adjustment. The soreness usually fades within a few days.
What pain reliever is best for braces pain?
Acetaminophen is the suggested pain reliever for braces discomfort. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can interfere with tooth movement, so ask your orthodontist before taking them.
What foods should you avoid with braces?
People with braces should avoid hard, crunchy and sticky foods such as nuts, caramels and crunchy produce. Soft foods like pasta, yogurt, soup, oatmeal and mashed potatoes are easier to eat.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
Clear aligners can treat most mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth and bite problems. Severe cases may need traditional braces, and a dentist or orthodontist decides which option fits.
Do you need a retainer after braces?
Everyone needs a retainer after braces. A retainer keeps teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
When should you call your orthodontist?
Call your orthodontist for pain that medication doesn't relieve, a broken wire or bracket, an injury to the mouth or face, or bleeding or infected gums.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. Adults can get braces at any age, and treatment works well. It may take a little longer than in teens, because adult jaw bones have stopped growing.
How do you brush and floss with braces?
Brush after meals, cleaning around each bracket and along the gumline, and floss once a day. A floss threader or small brush between the teeth can make it easier to reach under the wires.
Related Reading
Clear Aligners: How Invisible Braces Work, Who They Suit, and What to Expect explains how clear aligners work and who they suit best.
Teeth Retainer: Types, How Long to Wear One, and How to Care for It covers retainer types, how long to wear them and how to clean them.
Clear Braces: How They Work, Pros and Cons, and How to Care for Them compares ceramic braces with metal braces, including cost and care.
Overbite: Symptoms, Causes, and Management Strategies explains what causes an overbite and how it is corrected.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Braces: Types & How They Work. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated January 13, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24601-teeth-braces
Lin E, Julien K, Kesterke M, et al. Differences in finished case quality between Invisalign and traditional fixed appliances. Angle Orthod. 2022;92(2):173-179. PMID 35168256. https://doi.org/10.2319/032921-246.1
Hussain U, Wahab A, Kamran MA, et al. Prevalence, Incidence and Risk Factors of White Spot Lesions Associated With Orthodontic Treatment - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Orthod Craniofac Res. 2025;28(2):379-399. PMID 39717964. https://doi.org/10.1111/ocr.12888
Martin C, Littlewood SJ, Millett DT, et al. Retention procedures for stabilising tooth position after treatment with orthodontic braces. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;5(5):CD002283. PMID 37219527. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002283.pub5
Further reading (external)
American Dental Association. Orthodontics. MouthHealthy. Accessed October 31, 2026. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/orthodontics
American Association of Orthodontists. How Do Braces Work? AAO. Accessed October 31, 2026. https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/braces/
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education and does not replace advice from your dentist, orthodontist or doctor. Talk to a qualified professional about your own teeth, bite and treatment options.
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