Do braces hurt?

Treatment time depends on the starting position, bite, appliance type, biology and appointment attendance. Many cases take months to a few years, but only a clinician can estimate your case. Fixed braces for a moderate case commonly run 12 to 24 months, and complex bite corrections can take longer, followed by retainers worn afterwards. Missed or rescheduled appointments, broken brackets and, for aligners, trays not being worn as directed are the usual reasons a course runs longer than the original estimate.

Contact your orthodontic provider for advice. Wax may help with rubbing, but broken brackets, loose wires, swelling, trauma or pain that does not settle should be checked promptly. A wire poking into the cheek can sometimes be covered with wax until you can be seen, and a loose bracket that is still attached to the wire can be left in place. Do not cut wires at home. Out-of-hours emergency arrangements differ between practices, so check what yours offers.