Find out everything you need to know about dental braces: how they work, how long treatment lasts, whether they hurt, what restrictions exist, and how to achieve the perfect smile at Mr Dent Clinic.
Why do you need braces?
A beautiful smile is not only about aesthetics. Crowded, spaced, or misaligned teeth can affect chewing, gum health, and even body posture.
When the bite is incorrect, teeth can wear down prematurely, TMJ (jaw joint) pain may appear, and speech difficulties can develop. Orthodontics is not just about straightening teeth — it restores a functional balance between teeth, gums, muscles, and joints.
Do braces hurt?
After applying the braces or after activations, it’s normal for the teeth to feel sensitive for a few days.
This sensation appears because the teeth are moving in the bone — exactly what we want. The discomfort is mild and decreases gradually as the body adapts. If needed, mild anti-inflammatory medication recommended by the dentist can be used.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment duration depends on the complexity of the case, but on average it varies between 12 and 24 months.
In simple cases (e.g., slightly rotated front teeth), treatment can be even shorter.
Important to know: the final result depends greatly on the patient — on attending regular check-ups and maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Can I eat normally with braces?
Yes — but a short adaptation period is needed.
Braces won’t prevent you from enjoying food, but certain foods must be avoided as they can break brackets or get stuck.
For the first days, softer foods are recommended.
After adaptation, you can eat normally as long as hard foods are cut into small pieces and you avoid biting directly with the front teeth.
Do braces affect speech?
Metal or ceramic fixed braces affect speech very little — and only during the first days, until the tongue adapts.
Clear aligners may cause a slight lisp initially, but this disappears quickly.
What if a bracket comes off?
It’s not a major emergency, but you should inform your dentist as soon as possible, because tooth movement may slow down.
Never try to glue it back at home and avoid hard foods until your visit.
Can I play sports with braces?
Of course!
For contact sports (martial arts, football, basketball, etc.), a custom protective mouthguard is recommended to prevent lip injuries.
At what age can you get braces?
Orthodontic treatment is possible at any age as long as the teeth and gums are healthy.
Children can have their first orthodontic check-up at 6–7 years old, and adults can begin treatment at 40+ or 60+ with excellent results.
Types of braces
At Mr Dent Clinic we offer solutions tailored to every patient:
- Metal braces — very strong, ideal for teenagers
- Ceramic braces — aesthetic and discreet
- Clear aligners — removable, invisible, and with no food restrictions
Each has its own advantages, and the choice is made after a detailed analysis of the bite. Braces are an investment in health and confidence.
The result is not just a beautiful smile, but long-term functional oral health. At Mr Dent Clinic, treatment is personalized, carefully monitored, and focused on patient comfort.