Metal or clear ceramic
Metal brackets are small and hard to break. Ceramic brackets are tooth colored, so they are harder to see. Both use the same wire. Dr. Breckett tells you if your bite favors one.
How long it takes
It depends on how far the teeth need to move. Your written plan gives an estimate, and we check progress at every visit.
Visits during treatment
Most patients come in about every eight weeks for a short wire adjustment. Early slots on Tuesdays and Thursdays fill first, so we book ahead.
Living with braces
- Skip hard and sticky foods: popcorn, hard candy, caramel.
- Brush after meals. A floss threader or water flosser helps.
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
- Wind and brass players need a few weeks to adjust.
Questions about braces
Do braces hurt?
Teeth often feel sore for a few days after braces go on and after some adjustments. Soft food helps, and most patients say it fades within the week.
Can my teen choose the band colors?
Yes. With metal braces, the small elastic bands come in many colors and change at each visit.
Reviewed by Dr. Desmond Breckett, DMD, MS, October 7, 2026