Orthodontic Treatment with Braces: Everything You Need to Know Before You Start
11 August 2026
Modern dentistry increasingly emphasizes the importance of orthodontic treatment. Proper tooth alignment is not only a matter of aesthetics and appearance—it directly affects chewing function, the proper functioning of the jaw joints, speech, and overall oral health.
Over the past few decades, orthodontics has made significant progress. Modern orthodontics offers several types of braces. This variety allows patients to choose a treatment option that best suits their individual needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic expectations.
What Are Braces and How Do They Work?
Braces are specialized orthodontic appliances used to straighten misaligned teeth, close gaps between teeth, and correct bite alignment. The system consists of small attachments bonded to the teeth (brackets) and an orthodontic archwire.
During treatment, the teeth are gradually moved into their predetermined positions. To achieve this, the orthodontist regularly monitors the progress of treatment and adjusts the system when necessary.
The goal of orthodontic treatment is not simply to straighten the teeth visually. Properly planned orthodontic treatment can also help correct the bite and achieve a functionally proper position of the teeth.
Before treatment begins, an orthodontic consultation and appropriate diagnostic procedures are essential. Based on the results, the specialist develops an individualized treatment plan.
Consultation and Treatment Planning
Braces treatment is a long-term process that does not begin simply with placing the braces. As much as 80% of a successful orthodontic outcome depends on the initial diagnostic and treatment-planning stage.
Treatment with braces begins with an initial consultation with an orthodontist, during which the doctor evaluates the condition of the oral cavity, the bite, and facial aesthetics. At Blits Dental, a comprehensive diagnostic assessment is then performed, including a panoramic X-ray, 3D scanning, photographic records, and a cephalogram, which shows the precise relationship between the jaws and the surrounding skeletal structures in a lateral skull projection.
Based on these detailed findings, the orthodontist develops an individualized treatment plan, selects the appropriate type of braces, and determines the estimated treatment duration.
Finally, before the braces are placed, the mouth is fully prepared for orthodontic treatment. This includes treating cavities and performing professional dental cleaning to ensure that orthodontic treatment begins in a healthy oral environment.
When Is Braces Treatment Necessary?
Braces are recommended when a patient has orthodontic problems that affect either aesthetics or function. The main indications include:
- Malocclusion: when the teeth of the upper and lower jaws do not come into proper anatomical contact.
- Crowded teeth: when there is insufficient space in the jaw, causing teeth to overlap or become rotated.
- Gaps between teeth (diastema and tremas): unusually large spaces between the teeth.
- Difficulty chewing or speaking: caused by improper tooth alignment.
Metal vs. Ceramic Braces - What Types of Braces Are Available?
Several types of braces are used in modern orthodontics. Among the most popular are metal and ceramic systems:
- Metal braces: The classic and most widely used option. They are known for their durability, effectiveness, and relatively lower cost. They are particularly suitable for complex orthodontic problems.
- Ceramic braces: An aesthetic alternative made from ceramic material that closely matches the natural color of tooth enamel, making them less noticeable.
- Sapphire (clear) braces: A completely transparent crystalline system that is almost invisible when worn.
- Self-ligating braces: An innovative system, such as Damon braces, that does not require elastic ligatures. It reduces friction, may reduce the frequency of appointments, and can make treatment more comfortable.
How Long Does Braces Treatment Take?
The average duration of braces treatment ranges from 12 to 24 months. However, the exact treatment time varies from patient to patient and depends on several key factors.
Mild corrections may be completed within 6–9 months, while treatment of more complex orthodontic problems may take 2–2.5 years. In adolescents, teeth may move relatively faster due to more adaptable bone tissue. Self-ligating or metal systems may sometimes slightly shorten the treatment process, while the patient's compliance with the orthodontist's recommendations—including wearing orthodontic elastics, maintaining proper oral hygiene, and attending scheduled appointments—directly affects the overall duration and effectiveness of treatment.
How Should You Care for Your Braces?
Oral hygiene requires special attention while wearing braces. Food particles and plaque can accumulate more easily around the brackets and archwire, making regular and thorough cleaning especially important.
The following are recommended for proper braces care:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day;
- Thoroughly clean the surface of the teeth and around the brackets;
- Clean between the teeth using specialized oral hygiene tools;
- Use the oral hygiene products recommended by your orthodontist;
- Attend regular dental check-ups.
It is also important to be careful when eating. Very hard or sticky foods may damage certain components of the orthodontic system. Your orthodontist will provide specific dietary recommendations throughout the treatment process.
Good oral hygiene not only helps the braces function effectively but also helps maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
At What Age Can You Get Braces?
There is no specific age limit for getting braces. The ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment depends on tooth development, the condition of the bite, and the specific orthodontic problem.
For children and adolescents, an orthodontic evaluation may sometimes be recommended at an earlier age so that a specialist can monitor the development of the teeth and jaws and identify potential problems in time.
At the same time, braces are not only for children and teenagers. Orthodontic treatment can be equally effective in adults. The main difference is that treatment may take longer due to the more fully developed bone tissue.
Therefore, the answer to the question, “Is it too late to get braces?” is always individual. More important than age is the patient's oral health and the specific orthodontic condition.
How Long Do the Results of Braces Treatment Last?
Orthodontic treatment does not end when the braces are removed. To maintain the results and prevent the teeth from returning to their previous positions (relapse), a retention phase is essential.
After treatment is completed, the teeth need some time to adapt to their new positions.
Orthodontists generally recommend two types of retainers:
Fixed retainer — a thin metal wire bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth that keeps them in their corrected positions.
Removable retainer — a transparent, removable appliance that is primarily worn at night to provide additional support.
To maintain the results of orthodontic treatment and prevent the teeth from shifting back to their previous positions, it is important to follow your orthodontist's recommendations throughout the post-treatment retention period.
Contact
At Blits Dental, our qualified dentists provide professional consultations, answer all your questions in detail, and help develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
To book a consultation, call us at (+995) 32 222 15 16 or book an appointment online.