What to Expect at Your First Braces Appointment

Getting braces is an exciting step — but it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about your first appointment. Whether the braces are for you or your child, you may be wondering: What exactly happens at the first visit? How long does it take? Will it hurt?

At Connolly Orthodontics, we believe knowledge builds confidence. When you know what to expect, the whole experience feels easier, calmer, and even fun — because it’s the beginning of a smile transformation you’ll enjoy for the rest of your life.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step look at what your first braces appointment will be like.

Before the Appointment: What You Should Know

Your first braces visit is not just “getting brackets on your teeth.” It’s a partnership-building appointment where you get to understand your treatment plan, meet your care team, and learn how everything works.

You don’t need to prepare anything special. Just come with your questions, your smile, and (if it’s for your child) any notes about concerns or habits you’ve noticed.

Step 1: A Warm Welcome and Digital Scans

Once you arrive, our team greets you and gets you settled. If you haven’t had them recently, we begin with digital scans of your teeth. These 3D images help us map out your treatment with incredible accuracy — no gooey impressions needed.

The scans allow us to show you:

• Where your teeth are now
• Which areas need correction
• How braces will guide everything into place

Most patients say this is one of the coolest parts of the visit.

Step 2: Reviewing Your Treatment Plan

Next, we go over your customized orthodontic plan. Every smile is different, so we discuss:

• The type of braces recommended
• Any bite issues we’re correcting
• Expected treatment length
• Whether rubber bands will be part of the plan
• How we’ll monitor progress

We encourage questions during this step. We want you to fully understand why we’re doing what we’re doing and how each step helps you reach your end goal.

Step 3: Placing the Braces

Once everything is clear and you feel ready, it’s time to place your braces. This process is gentle and much easier than most people expect.

Here’s how it works:

1. We clean and prep the teeth
2. A special adhesive attaches each bracket
3. A thin wire is placed through the brackets
4. Small elastics or doors (depending on the type of braces) hold the wire in place

You’ll feel pressure, not pain. Nothing is drilled or injected — everything is done on the surface of your teeth.

This step usually takes 45–90 minutes, depending on the type of braces.

Step 4: Learning How to Care for Your New Braces

After your braces are on, we teach you everything you need to know to keep your smile healthy and your treatment moving smoothly.

We’ll show you:

• How to brush and floss with braces
• Which tools make cleaning easier
• Which foods to avoid to prevent broken brackets
• What to expect in the first few days
• How to handle soreness or irritation
• What to do in a braces emergency

We’ll also give you a starter kit with everything you need.

Step 5: Talking Through the First Week

The first week is the biggest adjustment, so we explain what’s normal:

• Mild soreness (especially when biting down)
• Lips and cheeks adjusting to the brackets
• Eating softer foods at first
• Getting used to talking with braces

Most patients adapt faster than they expect — usually within 3–5 days.

If discomfort appears, it’s typically eased by:

• Soft foods
• Orthodontic wax
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (as directed)

And you can always call us if something doesn’t feel right.

Not sure what to eat during those first few days with braces? If you live in or around Matthews, we put together a guide to the best braces-friendly restaurants in Matthews, NC so you can enjoy soft, delicious meals without worrying about damaging your brackets. The Connolly family put each of these restaurants to the test. Check out our local recommendations here.

Step 6: Scheduling Your First Adjustment Appointment

Before you leave, we’ll schedule your next visit — usually in 6–8 weeks. These appointments are essential because they allow us to:

• Change your wires as teeth begin to move
• Check your progress
• Adjust anything that needs refinement
• Add or modify rubber bands if needed

These visits are quick, comfortable, and important for keeping treatment on track.

How You’ll Feel After Your Appointment

Most people leave feeling excited — a little tender, but excited. You’re officially on your way to a straighter, healthier smile.

You might notice changes in your teeth surprisingly fast — sometimes within the first few weeks. That early progress is always motivating.

A Few Helpful Tips for Your First Day With Braces

✔ Stick to soft foods for 24–48 hours
Think pasta, smoothies, mac and cheese, soup, yogurt, and bananas.

✔ Use wax if anything rubs your cheeks
It really works, especially early on.

✔ Take photos to track your progress
Watching your smile transform can be incredibly rewarding — and if you really want to make our day, feel free to share your progress pics in a Google review!

✔ Give yourself grace
Like any new experience, braces take a moment to adjust to — but they quickly become part of your routine.

Your First Braces Appointment Is the Start of Something Great

Beginning orthodontic treatment is a big step — one that leads to a healthier bite, improved confidence, and a smile that will last a lifetime. At Connolly Orthodontics, we’re here to make that journey supportive, comfortable, and even enjoyable.

If you’re ready to get started or want to schedule your first consultation, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

Your best smile starts right here — and we’re honored to build it with you.