What to Expect with Braces: Your Step-by-Step Guide from a Palm Beach County Orthodontist

If you’re researching what to expect with braces, you’re probably wondering about more than just before-and-after photos. You want to know what the process is actually like: the consultation, getting braces on, the first week, check-in visits, food restrictions, and what happens when they come off. This guide walks Palm Beach County patients through each step so there are no surprises.

For most patients, braces are far less intimidating than they expected, especially when they know what’s coming.

Here’s the short version: the process usually starts with a free consultation, followed by a bonding appointment, a brief adjustment period, check-ins every 6 to 8 weeks, and a retainer after your braces come off. At Murray Orthodontics, Dr. Jonathan Murray walks every patient through each step personally so you always know exactly where you stand.

Dr. Jonathan Murray is a Board-Certified Orthodontist who has helped thousands of patients across Palm Beach County go through braces treatment. Families from Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, and everywhere in between. This is his step-by-step walkthrough of what the process actually looks like, from the first conversation to the day you walk out with a retainer and a new smile.

Step 1: What to Expect at Your Braces Consultation in Palm Beach County

Everything starts with a free consultation at Murray Orthodontics. And when we say free, we mean it. There’s no obligation, no hidden fees, and no pressure to start treatment the same day (though you can if you’re ready).

Here’s what happens when you walk in:

The front desk team greets you by name. That’s not an accident. That’s how this practice runs. You’ll meet Dr. Murray himself, not an assistant or a treatment coordinator. He examines your teeth and bite personally, takes any X-rays or photos needed to evaluate your case, and then sits down with you to explain exactly what he sees and what he recommends.

You’ll leave knowing:

• What treatment Dr. Murray recommends and why
• How long treatment will likely take for your specific case
• What it’s going to cost, what your insurance covers, and what payment plan options look like

That last part matters. One of the most common things patients say after their consultation at Murray Orthodontics is that they finally got a straight answer on cost. There are no “we’ll figure that out later” conversations here. You get the full financial picture upfront, flexible payment plans included, so you can make a confident decision.

If you’re a good candidate for metal braces or clear ceramic braces, Dr. Murray will walk you through both options and help you figure out which makes the most sense for your lifestyle, your case complexity, and your budget.

Step 2: What Happens When You Get Braces On

Once you’ve decided to move forward, getting your braces on is a quick appointment, typically 60 to 90 minutes. You won’t need to take the day off.

Dr. Murray’s team cleans and prepares your teeth, bonds the brackets into place, and threads the archwire through. The process is straightforward and comfortable.

One thing worth knowing: Murray Orthodontics uses shape-memory nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires. These are made with technology originally developed by NASA, and they apply gentle, consistent pressure throughout your treatment. That means no wire-tightening appointments where you leave feeling like your teeth just got cranked down. The wire does the work more gradually and comfortably.

Most patients leave their bonding appointment a little surprised by how painless the actual process was.

Step 3: What the First Week with Braces Feels Like

The first week is the biggest adjustment, and it helps to know what’s normal so nothing catches you off guard.

Soreness is normal. Your teeth are starting to move. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are fine to take as directed. Soft foods are your best friend for the first few days: soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, pasta. Yes, ice cream counts.

Your mouth needs to adjust. The brackets may rub against the inside of your cheeks and lips at first. Orthodontic wax helps. This gets better quickly as your mouth toughens up. Most patients stop noticing it within two weeks.

Talking may feel slightly different. Completely normal, completely temporary.

By the end of week one, most patients have settled in and feel comfortable. The adjustment period is real, but it’s short.

Step 4: What to Expect at Braces Adjustment Appointments

Once you’re in braces, you’ll come in to see Dr. Murray roughly every 6 to 8 weeks. These appointments are typically 20 to 30 minutes, and Dr. Murray uses them to monitor your progress, make wire adjustments, and keep your treatment moving on schedule. Because Murray Orthodontics uses shape-memory NiTi wires that apply continuous gentle pressure between visits, your teeth are working the whole time, not just when you’re in the chair. That’s part of why the spacing between appointments can be longer than you might expect.

Because Murray Orthodontics is a boutique practice, you see the same orthodontist at every single visit. Dr. Murray knows your case, knows your history, and knows where your treatment is headed. You’re not being passed off to whoever’s available.

After some adjustment appointments, your teeth may feel tender for a day or two. That’s just them responding to the new pressure. A soft meal that evening never hurts.

If your treatment plan includes rubber bands (elastics): Dr. Murray will show you exactly how to wear them between visits. These are typically used to correct bite alignment, bringing the upper and lower jaws into proper relationship. Wearing them consistently as directed is one of the biggest factors in finishing on time.

Step 5: Eating with Braces

After the first week, you can eat most normal foods again. The general rule is simple: avoid anything hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky.

Foods to avoid:

• Hard candies, ice, nuts, popcorn
• Bagels, hard pizza crust, crusty bread
• Caramel, taffy, gummy candy, licorice
• Corn on the cob, whole apples (cut them instead)

Everything else is mostly fine. Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing with your back teeth helps on anything borderline.

Living in South Florida, sugary drinks come up a lot. If you’re a regular with sugarcane juice or boba tea, just know that sugary drinks can accelerate plaque buildup around brackets. Water is always the safest option during treatment.

Step 6: Keeping Your Teeth Clean During Treatment

Braces create extra places for plaque and food to hide, so oral hygiene takes more effort. But it’s very manageable once it becomes routine.

Brush thoroughly after every meal, floss daily, and consider adding a water flosser or antibacterial mouthwash. If you want the full breakdown on technique, tools, and what to watch out for, we’ve put together a detailed guide to oral hygiene with braces that covers everything.

The short version: patients who stay on top of their oral hygiene finish treatment with healthier teeth. Patients who don’t sometimes end up with white spot marks around their brackets when they come off. It’s entirely preventable, and Dr. Murray’s team will help you stay on track.

Step 7: What Happens When Your Braces Come Off

Debonding is one of the best appointments you’ll ever have. It takes about an hour, it’s comfortable, and the moment Dr. Murray hands you a mirror is genuinely one of the highlights of this job.

The process involves removing the brackets and wires, polishing off any remaining adhesive, and taking final photos and X-rays to document your result. Then you see your smile for the first time.

After years of seeing before and after transformations at Murray Orthodontics, Dr. Murray still says this is the moment that makes everything worth it.

Step 8: Your Retainer

This part is non-negotiable: you need to wear your retainer. Retainers are part of braces treatment, not an optional extra step.

Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward where they came from, especially in the months right after treatment ends. A retainer holds everything in place while your bone and tissue solidify around the new positions. Skip it and you risk losing your result.

Dr. Murray will give you retainer instructions specific to your case. For most patients, that means wearing the retainer nights only right from the start. Think of the retainer as the last step in protecting everything you just invested in your smile.

There are a few things worth knowing about how this practice approaches treatment, because not every orthodontic office works the same way.

The office doesn’t feel like a doctor’s office. It’s comfortable, it’s modern, and if you’ve got a kid who’s nervous about coming in, they’ll relax quickly. Some team members have been with the practice for 15 to 28 years. That kind of consistency matters.

Murray Orthodontics has earned 280+ five-star Google reviews across both locations and has been named Best Orthodontist in Palm Beach County three times (2023, 2024, and 2026). That kind of recognition comes from patients who felt genuinely taken care of.

If you’re still weighing braces against Invisalign, the short version is this: braces are fixed to your teeth and tend to work better for more complex cases, while Invisalign uses removable clear aligners and suits mild to moderate cases well. Clear ceramic braces are a middle-ground option. They work like metal braces but the brackets are tooth-colored and much less noticeable. For a deeper comparison, see the braces vs. Invisalign guide on the Murray Orthodontics site.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

Do braces hurt?

Getting your braces on isn’t painful, but your teeth will likely be sore for 3–5 days afterward as they begin to move. Soreness after adjustment appointments is also common and usually resolves within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods make this very manageable. Most patients describe it as pressure, not pain.

How long do braces take?

Treatment time varies based on the complexity of your case. Most patients at Murray Orthodontics are in braces for 18 to 22 months. Simpler cases can be done in as little as six months; more complex cases may take closer to two and a half to three years. Dr. Murray will give you a realistic timeline estimate at your free consultation after evaluating your teeth and bite.

Can I still play sports with braces?

Yes. Dr. Murray recommends wearing an orthodontic mouthguard during contact sports to protect your brackets, wires, and teeth. Orthodontic mouthguards are designed to fit over braces and are available at most sporting goods stores. Let Dr. Murray know at your consultation if you or your child plays contact sports and he’ll make sure you’re set up properly.

What happens if a bracket comes off?

Call the office. A loose or detached bracket isn’t an emergency, but it should be addressed promptly to avoid delays in your treatment. Murray Orthodontics serves patients at both the Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach offices, so scheduling a repair visit is usually quick.

Can adults get braces?

Absolutely. About half of Dr. Murray’s patients are adults. Braces work at any age. Teeth move in response to consistent pressure whether you’re 15 or 45. If you’ve been putting this off because you thought you missed your window, you haven’t. You can learn more about adult orthodontic treatment at Murray Orthodontics.

Are clear braces an option instead of metal?

Yes. Murray Orthodontics offers clear ceramic braces as an alternative to metal. They work the same way, but the brackets are tooth-colored and far less noticeable. They’re priced the same as Invisalign and are a popular option for adults and teens who want the effectiveness of braces with a more subtle appearance.

How much do braces cost in Palm Beach County?

The cost of braces in Palm Beach County depends on case complexity, treatment length, and whether you choose metal or clear ceramic braces. At Murray Orthodontics, metal braces range from $3,000 to $7,000 and clear ceramic braces range from $3,500 to $7,500. Most major insurance plans are accepted, and flexible in-office payment plans are available. For a complete breakdown, see the Palm Beach Gardens braces cost guide. The most accurate way to know your number is your free consultation. Dr. Murray’s team will go over everything before you make any decisions.

How long after getting braces do they stop hurting?

The initial soreness usually fades within 3 to 5 days after getting braces on. After adjustment appointments, mild tenderness is common for a day or two but rarely lasts longer than that. Most patients find it very manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods. It does get easier as treatment progresses.

Can I eat normally with braces after the first week?

Yes, for the most part. After the first week you can return to most foods. The main things to avoid throughout treatment are anything hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky, such as hard candies, popcorn, bagels, caramel, and gummy snacks. Everything else is generally fine, especially if you cut food into smaller pieces and chew carefully.

How often do you need to visit the orthodontist with braces?

At Murray Orthodontics, braces patients typically come in every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustment appointments. These visits are short, usually 20 to 30 minutes, and are used to monitor progress and make any necessary wire adjustments. Emergency visits for a broken bracket or poking wire are always accommodated as quickly as possible.