Getting braces on typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes — about as long as a movie. For most patients, the entire process happens in a single appointment.
The exact time depends on the type of braces you're getting, the complexity of your case, and whether preparatory steps like spacers were already completed at a prior visit.
The procedure itself is straightforward and painless, though you may feel some pressure at certain points. Knowing exactly what to expect — step by step — can make the whole experience feel a lot less intimidating.
How Long Does It Take to Put Braces On?
For traditional metal braces or ceramic braces, the placement appointment generally takes 60 to 90 minutes. Here's how that time typically breaks down:
- Teeth cleaning and drying: 10–15 minutes
- Applying bonding glue and brackets: 20–30 minutes
- Fitting and cementing molar bands: 10–15 minutes
- Threading and securing the archwire: 10–15 minutes
- Final adjustments and instructions: 10 minutes
Lingual braces — placed on the inside of the teeth — may take slightly longer due to the precision required. Invisalign appointments are typically shorter, since no brackets or wires are involved.
Does Putting on Braces Take Longer for Some Patients?
Yes. A few factors can extend your appointment time:
- Spacers not yet placed — if your back teeth are too close together, your orthodontist may need to place spacers first and schedule a second appointment for the braces
- Complex cases — more teeth to bracket, or teeth in unusual positions, take more time
- Lingual braces — require specialized placement on the inside surface of every tooth
- Patient age — children may need more time for explanation and comfort
If your orthodontist placed spacers at a previous visit, your braces day appointment will be smoother and faster.
How Are Braces Put On? A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Cleaning and Drying Your Teeth
Before anything is attached, your orthodontist thoroughly cleans and dries your teeth. This is essential because the bonding glue used to attach brackets only adheres properly to a clean, dry surface. A cheek retractor is placed in your mouth to keep your lips and cheeks away from your teeth — this is what gives you that wide-open look you've probably seen in photos.
Step 2: Applying the Bonding Agent
A conditioning solution is applied to the surface of each tooth to help the glue bond more effectively. Then a small amount of dental adhesive is placed in the center of each tooth. A blue curing light is used to harden the glue within seconds.
Step 3: Placing the Brackets
The orthodontist carefully positions a bracket — a small metal or ceramic piece — onto the center of each tooth, pressing it into the adhesive. Precise placement matters because the position of each bracket determines the direction your teeth will move. Any excess glue is removed before the glue sets.
Step 4: Fitting the Molar Bands
Metal bands are fitted around your back molars to serve as anchors for the archwire. Your orthodontist selects a band that fits snugly around each molar, applies adhesive, and slides it into place. You may feel some pressure during this step — let your orthodontist know if anything feels sharp or uncomfortable.
Step 5: Threading the Archwire
Once all brackets and bands are in place, the orthodontist threads the archwire through each bracket. This is the wire that does the work — it applies gentle, consistent pressure to guide your teeth into alignment over time.
Step 6: Securing with Ligatures
Small elastic rings called ligatures are wrapped around each bracket to hold the archwire in place. This is the fun part — you get to choose the color. If you have self-ligating braces, this step is skipped, as the brackets lock the wire in place automatically.
Step 7: Trimming and Final Checks
The ends of the archwire are trimmed so they don't poke into the gum tissue at the back of your mouth. Your orthodontist checks everything, makes any final adjustments, and walks you through how to care for your braces going forward.
Does Getting Braces Put On Hurt?
No — getting braces put on does not hurt. The procedure itself is completely painless. You will feel pressure at certain points, particularly when the molar bands are fitted, but nothing sharp or painful.
However, within 1 to 3 hours after leaving the office, you will likely start to feel soreness and tenderness as your teeth begin to respond to the pressure of the wire. This is completely normal and expected.
Check out our emergency guide if you feel discomfort from braces
Tender Times: What to Expect After Your Braces Are On
The first few days after getting braces are the most uncomfortable part of the entire process — not the placement itself. Here's what to expect:
Day 1–2: Soreness and sensitivity, especially when biting or chewing. Your teeth are beginning to move for the first time and your mouth is adjusting to new hardware.
Day 3–4: Peak discomfort for most patients. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief help significantly.
Day 5–7: Soreness begins to fade. Most patients feel close to normal by the end of the first week.
After 3–4 weeks: Your mouth fully adjusts to the brackets and wires. Most patients stop noticing them altogether.
How to Manage Soreness After Getting Braces
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed for the first 2–3 days
- Eat soft foods — yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, soft pasta, bananas
- Use orthodontic wax on any bracket or wire that is rubbing against the inside of your cheek
- Rinse with warm saltwater to soothe irritated gum tissue
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods entirely during the first week
How to Prepare for Your Braces Appointment
Most patients don't think to prepare for braces day — but a little preparation makes the experience smoother:
- Eat a full meal beforehand. You won't want to eat much right after, and your teeth will be sore for a few days. Make it a good last meal of your favorite foods.
- Brush and floss thoroughly before your appointment. Your orthodontist will clean your teeth, but arriving with clean teeth speeds up the process.
- Avoid whitening products. Whitening toothpastes or treatments can affect how well the bonding agent adheres to your teeth.
- Wear comfortable clothing. You'll be sitting with your mouth open for up to 90 minutes.
- Download something to listen to. You won't be able to talk much, but you can listen to music or a podcast.
- Ask questions. Your appointment is a great time to ask your orthodontist about foods to avoid, how to brush, and what to expect at your next adjustment visit.
How Long Does Putting on Braces Take by Type?
| Braces Type | Average Placement Time |
|---|---|
| Traditional metal braces | 60–90 minutes |
| Ceramic braces | 60–90 minutes |
| Lingual braces | 90–120 minutes |
| Invisalign | 30–45 minutes |
What Happens After Braces Day?
Once your braces are on, the real work begins — for your teeth and for you.
- Adjustment appointments are scheduled every 4–8 weeks. Each visit takes 15–30 minutes and involves tightening or replacing the archwire to maintain pressure on your teeth.
- Each adjustment may cause 1–2 days of mild soreness, similar to but less intense than your first week.
- Total treatment time varies widely depending on your case — anywhere from 12 to 36 months, with 18–24 months being the most common range.
- After braces come off, you will be fitted for a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Learn more about how long braces treatment takes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get braces on?
Getting braces on takes between 60 and 90 minutes for traditional metal or ceramic braces. Lingual braces may take up to 2 hours. Invisalign fittings are shorter, typically 30–45 minutes.
How long does putting on braces take if I already have spacers?
If spacers were placed at a previous appointment, your braces day appointment will proceed without delays and typically falls within the standard 60–90 minute window.
Is getting braces put on painful?
No. The placement procedure is painless. Soreness typically begins 1–3 hours after the appointment as your teeth start responding to the pressure of the wire, and peaks around day 3–4 before fading by the end of the first week.
Can I eat before getting braces put on?
Yes — and you should. Eat a full meal before your appointment because you won't want to eat much for the first day or two afterward due to soreness.
How long will my teeth be sore after getting braces?
Most patients experience soreness for 3–5 days after getting braces on. The discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods.
Do I need spacers before getting braces?
Not always. Spacers are only needed if your back teeth are too close together to fit the molar bands. Your orthodontist will assess this at your consultation.
What should I avoid eating after getting braces on?
For the first week, avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soft pasta.
