The Ultimate Orthodontics Guide: 20 Things You Should Know Before Getting Braces

Written by: BRO Editorial Team

Last Updated: March 2026

Deciding to straighten your smile is a major life milestone. Whether you’re a high school student in Brevard, a professional in downtown Asheville, or a busy parent in Hendersonville, the transition to braces comes with dozens of questions.

At Blue Ridge Orthodontics (BRO), we believe an informed patient is a successful patient. We don’t want you to just get braces; we want you to understand the why behind your treatment and feel totally prepared for “Bonding Day.”

Here are the 20 most important things you need to know, broken down by your treatment journey.

Part 1: The “Prep” Phase – Setting the Stage

Before the brackets ever touch your teeth, there are logistical hurdles to clear. Modern technology has made this phase faster, cleaner, and more accurate than ever before.

1. It’s a Consultation, Not a Commitment

Your first visit is entirely about discovery. It’s a conversation between you and the doctor to define your goals.

2. Forget the “Goop”: We use iTero 3D Scans

The most pleasant surprise for new patients is that we no longer use messy, gag-inducing putty molds. We use a digital wand to create a perfect 3D map of your mouth in minutes.

3. Choosing the Right Path (Comparison Table)

We work with you to find a style that fits your aesthetic, comfort, and treatment complexity. Here is how our primary options stack up:

4. Clear a Few Hours for “Bonding Day”

The initial application (bonding) takes about an hour. After that, your follow-up appointments (adjustments) will be significantly shorter—often just 20 minutes every 6–8 weeks.

5. Your Pre-Braces “Survival Kit” Shopping List

Before your bonding appointment, stock your medicine cabinet. You will use these items daily for the first month.

• [ ] Orthodontic Wax (to protect your cheeks).

• [ ] Water Flosser (highly recommended for deep cleaning).

• [ ] Interproximal brushes (to clean under the wire).

• [ ] Soft foods: Smoothies, protein shakes, pasta, mashed potatoes.

Part 2: Life with Braces – The Daily Adjustment

Once the braces are on, your lifestyle will shift slightly. The key is adaptation.

A Tip from Dr. Roberts: “The first week is the biggest hurdle. Your cheeks and tongue need time to develop ‘callouses’ against the brackets. If you can get through day seven, you can get through the whole treatment!”

6. Pressure vs. Pain

You won’t feel any pain when the braces are applied. However, you will feel a “tight hug” or pressure on your teeth for 3–5 days after each adjustment. Ibuprofen is generally enough to manage this.

7. The Diet Shift: What to Avoid

Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods are temporarily off the menu. We aren’t trying to be mean; we are trying to prevent “emergency” repair visits (broken brackets), which add weeks to your treatment time.

Smile-Safe Diet Cheat Sheet

8. The Temporary Lisp

You might notice a slight change in your speech for the first 48 hours. The more you talk, the faster your tongue adapts. Read out loud to yourself!

9. Hygiene is Your New, Non-Negotiable Job

Braces create tiny “food traps.” Flossing is crucial. If you neglect cleaning, you risk permanent white spot lesions (decalcification) when the braces are removed.

10. The “Mirror Checker” Habit

You will instinctively check your teeth in every reflective surface—phones, cutlery, windows—to ensure no food is stuck in your wires. We promise you won’t even notice you’re doing it.

11. Fuller Lips: The “Lip Volumizing Effect”

Many patients are pleasantly surprised to see their lips appear temporarily “plumper” because the brackets provide support just under the skin.

12. Wax is a Lifesaver (How to Use It)

If a bracket is rubbing, simply dry the area, pull a small pea-sized amount of wax, and mash it over the bracket that’s poking you. Instant relief.

Part 3: The Science of Your Smile

Orthodontics is a medical specialty focused on the health of your entire jaw system. It’s about way more than cosmetic straightening.

13. It’s All About the Bite (Your Occlusion)

Straight teeth are great, but a healthy occlusion (bite)—how your top and bottom teeth mesh—is the critical part of your treatment. Correcting your bite stops tooth wear and prevents jaw pain (TMJ) later in life.

14. Age is Just a Number (Adult Treatment is Up 25%)

Over 25% of our patients at BRO are adults. If your teeth are healthy, they can be moved safely at any age. It is never too late to invest in yourself.

15. The “Wiggly” Sensation (Is Normal)

To move a tooth, the bone must soften slightly. That “loose” or “wiggly” feeling means the treatment is working. Don’t worry—your teeth will stabilize once they reach their new home.

16. Compliance Equals Speed: Wear Your Elastics!

Rubber bands (elastics) are used to move your jaw into proper alignment. If we ask you to wear them 22 hours a day, do it. Patients who follow instructions often finish treatment months earlier than scheduled.

17. Retainers are Forever

Your teeth have memory. Once the braces come off, your retainer is the only thing keeping your new smile from drifting back to its old position.

Part 4: The Blue Ridge Orthodontics Difference

Choosing a local orthodontist means choosing a team that understands your community.

18. 3D & Digital-First Care

We use digital impressions and offer virtual check-ins for our busy patients, significantly reducing the number of times you have to drive into the office.

19. Flexible Financing

We believe a healthy smile shouldn’t be a financial burden. We offer 0% interest financing and work with almost all Western North Carolina insurance providers.

20. A Smile Built for Your Lifestyle

From our community service projects to our school partnerships, we are invested in your success. Whether you’re a high school student in Brevard or a professional in downtown Asheville, we customize the treatment to fit you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much do braces cost in Asheville? A: Costs vary based on the complexity of the case, but we offer low monthly payments and $0-down options to make it affordable for everyone.

Q: Can I still play sports or instruments? A: Yes! Athletes need a mouthguard (provided by us), and musicians usually adjust within a week.

Q: How long does treatment take? A: The average is 18–24 months, but with modern technology, many cases are finished in under a year.

Ready to take the first step?

Getting braces is one of the best investments you will ever make in yourself. If you’re ready to see what’s possible, we’re here to help.

Click here to schedule your New Patient Exam at any of our three WNC locations!

For more information about us, check out our Orthodontics FAQ page.