Orthodontic treatment and your road to a winning smile typically entails three stages – the Planning Stage, Active Stage, and Retention Stage.

The Process of Getting Braces

1. Referral. The first step is getting a referral, usually from a dentist.
2. Consultation. Your first meeting with the orthodontist will be the consultation.
3. Designing Treatment.
4. Placing the Braces.
5. Inserting the Wire.
6. Discussion of Oral Care.
7. Adjustments.
8. Dentist Appointments.

Getting your braces on takes one to two hours. Depending on your teeth and the kind of braces you’re going to wear, the process for putting them on could happen in one appointment or two.

Wearing braces or a retainer may cause your lips to dry out as they stretch wider over teeth. A lip balm or petroleum jelly can help soothe dry or chapped lips. If you find that your braces are chaffing or rubbing uncomfortably against your lips, consult your dentist.

Not only can food and drinks gradually stain your teeth, but braces can too. Once you have stains on your teeth, brushing alone might not brighten your smile. The good news is you don’t have to remove your braces to get a whiter smile. However, it’s usually recommended to whiten teeth after braces.

Use mouthwash. Especially when you first get your braces, it is important to use mouthwash. Your mouth will not be used to the metal brackets and wires and these areas are more likely to collect food particles and plaque than other areas of your mouth, which could affect your breath and your overall oral health.

You must not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash for it to work. Mouthwashes used should be alcohol free and MUST contain fluoride! The alcohol deteriorates the rubber products that are used in your braces.

Toothbrush and toothpaste Use a soft toothbrush with just a bit of fluoride toothpaste. Make gentle, circular motions while brushing at various angles, and be sure to cover all surfaces: the gumline, behind the teeth, as well as the top, middle and bottom edges of the brackets.

Here are five ways to protect your braces.

1. Brush and Floss Every Day. If you’re unsure how to protect braces, the best place to start is by maintaining good oral hygiene.
2. Avoid Certain Foods.
3. Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly.
4. Wear a Mouthguard.
5. Fix Small Issues Immediately.

6 Ways to Clean Your Invisible Aligners at Home

1. Clean aligners with gentle soap instead of toothpaste.
2. Soak aligners in baking soda mixture.
3. Soak aligners in vinegar and water mixture.
4. Soak aligners in hydrogen peroxide and water mixture.
5. Soak aligners in clear retainer cleaner solution.