Before and After Braces: A Complete Transformation Guide

Introduction

Many people wonder about the difference before and after braces. The transformation isn’t just about aesthetics but also about oral health and function. If you’re considering braces, understanding the changes before and after braces will help you prepare for the journey.

What to Expect Before Braces?

1. Dental Consultation and Assessment

Before getting braces, an orthodontist will examine your teeth and discuss potential changes you’ll experience before and after braces. This includes:

• Checking alignment, bite issues, and spacing
• Taking X-rays and 3D scans
• Planning a treatment strategy

2. Common Dental Issues Requiring Braces

People get braces to fix various dental problems, including:

Seeing your teeth before and after braces helps track progress.

3. Preparations Before Getting Braces

• Professional cleaning to remove plaque
• Cavity treatments if needed
• Tooth extraction in some cases
• Placing orthodontic spacers for certain braces

4. First Few Days After Getting Braces

The initial days with braces feel different than what you imagined before and after braces. Expect:

• Mild discomfort due to shifting teeth
• Soft food diet to ease irritation
• Speech adjustment due to braces placement

The Journey with Braces: What Changes Over Time?

1. Monthly Adjustments

Braces work by gradually shifting teeth, so changes before and after braces take time. During adjustments:

• Wires are tightened for better movement
• Elastics are added to fix bite alignment
• Brackets may be repositioned for precision

2. Managing Discomfort with Braces

Mild pain is normal, but you can manage it with:

• Orthodontic wax to prevent irritation
• Saltwater rinses to ease gum soreness
• Pain relievers if needed

3. Diet Adjustments with Braces

Braces require some dietary changes, which you’ll notice when comparing before and after braces experiences.

4. Oral Hygiene Routine with Braces

One major change when looking at before and after braces is how you clean your teeth:

• Brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush
• Flossing daily using threaders
• Using interdental brushes for deep cleaning

Before and After Braces: Visible Changes

1. Aesthetic Improvements

The biggest reason people take before and after braces pictures is to see their transformation.

2. Functional Benefits of Braces

Beyond appearance, braces also improve function.

• Better Chewing – Teeth align properly for efficient chewing.
• Improved Speech – Some speech issues caused by misalignment disappear.
• Reduced Tooth Wear – Even alignment protects enamel.
• Easier Cleaning – Straight teeth are simpler to brush and floss.

After Braces: Retainers and Maintenance

1. Why Retainers Are Necessary

If you compare your teeth before and after braces, you’ll want to maintain those results. Retainers help prevent teeth from shifting.

2. How Long Do You Need Retainers?

• Full-time wear (first 6 months)
• Nighttime-only (6 months–1 year)
• Lifelong use recommended

3. Dental Care After Braces

To maintain a healthy smile before and after braces, follow these habits:

• Teeth Whitening: Removes stains from brackets.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Visit every 6 months.
• Wear a Mouthguard: Protect teeth if playing sports.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Transformation

Looking at before and after braces images proves how life-changing orthodontic treatment can be. The process requires patience, but the confidence, function, and beauty gained are worth it.

If you’re thinking about braces, consult an orthodontist and start your journey today!

Orthodontic Case Studies: Before and After Braces Transformations

Case 1: Emily Johnson (Severe Crowding & Impacted Canines)

Before Braces:

Emily Johnson, a bright and outgoing 16-year-old high school student from Austin, Texas, presented with a complex orthodontic concern—severe crowding and impacted upper canines. Upon examination, it was evident that her dental arch lacked sufficient space to accommodate all her teeth, which had led to the canines erupting in abnormal, almost horizontal positions high in the gum line.

This misalignment didn’t just affect the appearance of her smile, but also posed functional issues. She struggled with maintaining proper oral hygiene due to overlapping teeth and hard-to-reach areas. As a result, plaque accumulation and early signs of gingivitis were beginning to appear, particularly near her upper premolars and lateral incisors.

Emily also expressed being self-conscious about smiling in photos and often covered her mouth when laughing. Her parents were concerned not only about the aesthetics but also the potential long-term oral health effects of leaving the condition untreated.

Treatment Plan:

After careful consultation with her orthodontist and dental team, a comprehensive, phased treatment plan was devised to address both the functional and cosmetic concerns. The goal was to create sufficient space in her dental arch, bring the impacted canines into proper alignment, and achieve a stable bite.

The plan included the following steps:

1. Extraction of Four Premolars:
   To address the severe crowding, two upper and two lower premolars were extracted. This created enough space in the arch to allow the rest of the teeth to shift into proper positions without unnecessary force.
2. Metal Braces Placement:
   Traditional metal braces were placed, as they offered strong control and were best suited for a case involving impacted canines. Brackets were bonded to each tooth, and an arch wire was threaded through to begin the alignment process.
3. Canine Exposure and Guidance:
   Her upper canines were surgically exposed and gradually guided into the correct position using traction methods. Special attachments and elastic chains were used to apply consistent, controlled pressure over several months.
4. Use of Power Chains:
   In the final 6 months of her 24-month treatment period, power chains were added to close any remaining gaps and ensure tight alignment. These chains also helped to solidify the position of the newly aligned canines.
5. Monthly Adjustments & Monitoring:
   Emily had monthly follow-ups with her orthodontist for wire changes, bracket adjustments, and monitoring of tooth movement progress.
6. Oral Hygiene Coaching:
   Throughout treatment, Emily was educated on proper brushing and flossing techniques specific to braces, and she was given tools like an orthodontic toothbrush and water flosser.

After Braces:

At the end of her 24-month orthodontic journey, Emily experienced a remarkable transformation—both in her smile and in her confidence. Her teeth were now perfectly aligned, with each tooth in its correct position, and the canines that once appeared high and awkward were now in harmony with the rest of her arch.

Key outcomes after treatment:

• Aesthetics: Her smile was dramatically improved, with balanced spacing and natural curvature of the dental arch.
• Function: Chewing, speaking, and cleaning became significantly easier due to improved alignment.
• Gum Health: With better spacing and accessibility, her gingivitis signs subsided and her overall gum health improved.
• Confidence Boost: Emily no longer hid her smile—she became more socially active, participated in school events, and smiled confidently in photos.

She was prescribed upper and lower removable retainers, which she now wears nightly to maintain the results. Her orthodontist emphasized the importance of long-term retainer use, especially due to the initial severity of her crowding.

Emily’s case is a textbook example of how modern orthodontics, when applied with precision and patience, can completely transform a person’s oral health and self-esteem. Her “before and after braces” story continues to inspire other teens facing similar challenges.

Case 2: Michael Carter (Severe Overbite & Jaw Pain)

Before Braces:

Michael Carter, a 22-year-old software engineer from San Diego, California, sought orthodontic care due to persistent jaw discomfort and a noticeable severe overbite. In his initial consultation, it was evident that his upper front teeth completely overlapped his lower teeth, almost hiding them when he smiled or bit down. This malocclusion not only caused functional issues—such as jaw fatigue and pain after eating—but also led to premature enamel wear on his lower front teeth due to constant contact.

Michael also expressed frustration with frequent headaches and popping sounds in his jaw. His condition had gradually worsened over the years, making it difficult to chew certain foods and even affecting his speech clarity. He often felt self-conscious during video calls at work and avoided smiling fully in social settings.

Treatment Plan:

Michael’s orthodontist developed a customized treatment plan focusing on correcting the bite and alleviating the associated jaw stress:

1. Braces with Elastics:
   Traditional metal braces were applied, and inter-arch elastics (rubber bands) were introduced early in the treatment to pull the lower jaw forward and balance the bite.
2. Bite Plate Appliance:
   To prevent further enamel damage and reduce the depth of the overbite, a bite plate was used for the first six months. This appliance helped train his bite to stay open and allowed vertical development of the posterior teeth.
3. Treatment Duration:
   The full treatment lasted 22 months, with monthly visits for adjustments and bite monitoring.

After Braces:

Post-treatment, Michael’s overbite was fully corrected, significantly improving jaw alignment and function. The jaw pain disappeared, speech clarity improved, and enamel wear risk was greatly reduced. His smile became broader and more balanced, enhancing both his appearance and confidence in professional and personal life.

Case 3: Sophia Martinez (Crossbite & Midline Shift)

Before Braces:

Sophia Martinez, a 19-year-old college freshman from Miami, Florida, came in with concerns about her crooked smile and jaw asymmetry. Upon examination, her orthodontist diagnosed a posterior crossbite—where some of her upper teeth were biting inside the lower teeth—and a midline shift, meaning the center of her upper teeth didn’t align with the center of her lower teeth or facial midline.

Sophia’s bite issues were more than just cosmetic. The crossbite caused uneven chewing forces, leading to frequent cheek biting and mild TMJ discomfort. Additionally, her smile appeared off-centered in photos, which made her self-conscious during social interactions.

She had undergone previous orthodontic evaluations in childhood but postponed treatment until after high school. Now, as she was entering college, she felt it was the right time to address both the appearance and function of her bite.

Treatment Plan:

Sophia’s orthodontic team developed a focused approach to correct the alignment discrepancies:

1. Fixed Braces with Crossbite Elastics:
   Metal braces were applied to both arches. Crossbite elastics were strategically used to expand the upper arch and guide her teeth into the correct bite relationship.
2. Midline Correction Mechanics:
   To realign her dental midline, specific brackets and customized archwires were used. Small adjustments over time helped shift her midline to match her facial center.
3. Treatment Duration:
   Her full treatment lasted 20 months, including regular adjustments and monitoring bite symmetry.

After Braces:

After 20 months, Sophia’s crossbite was fully corrected, and her midline was precisely centered. Chewing became easier and more comfortable, and her facial symmetry improved noticeably. Her smile was now straight, confident, and harmonious with her facial features—just in time for college graduation photos!

Case 4: Jessica Miller (Underbite & Facial Asymmetry)

Before Braces:

Jessica Miller, a 17-year-old high school student from Denver, Colorado, came to the orthodontic clinic with a noticeable underbite—where the lower teeth extended past the upper front teeth—and mild facial asymmetry, especially visible when she smiled or spoke. She often experienced difficulty biting into foods like sandwiches and apples, and her lower jaw appeared slightly more prominent, which affected her facial balance.

Jessica also reported minor speech difficulties, particularly when pronouncing certain consonants. Her parents had noticed the condition developing in her early teens, but they were advised to wait until most of her jaw growth was complete before beginning full orthodontic correction.

Socially, Jessica felt insecure about her profile and smile, often avoiding photos or turning her face at certain angles. Her goal was not only to improve her bite but also enhance facial harmony.

Treatment Plan:

Jessica’s orthodontist developed a non-surgical plan, as her underbite was moderate and correctable through orthodontics alone:

1. Braces with Reverse Elastics:
   Metal braces were placed on both arches. Reverse elastics (connecting the upper back teeth to the lower front teeth) were used to help retract the lower jaw and bring the upper teeth forward.
2. Jaw Alignment Monitoring:
   Jessica’s growth was closely monitored during the first 6 months to ensure no unexpected changes in her jaw trajectory.
3. Facial Symmetry Focus:
   Specific bracket positioning and customized archwires were used to shift and balance her bite forces gradually to restore harmony to her facial structure.
4. Treatment Duration:
   The full orthodontic treatment took 24 months with bi-monthly checkups and elastics wear compliance.

After Braces:

Jessica’s underbite was fully corrected, and her facial profile improved dramatically. She now has a balanced, attractive smile and improved speech clarity. Her self-esteem soared, and she confidently participated in her school’s senior photoshoot and debate club with a radiant, aligned smile.

Case 5: Daniel Anderson (Spacing & Diastema Closure)

Before Braces:

Daniel Anderson, a 25-year-old marketing executive from Seattle, Washington, sought orthodontic care due to noticeable gaps between his teeth, especially a prominent diastema (space between the upper front teeth). While his teeth were generally straight, the uneven spacing affected the appearance of his smile, making him self-conscious during client meetings and public speaking engagements.

Daniel mentioned that the gap had been present since childhood. Although he had no bite problems, the aesthetic concern had grown over time, particularly as he began advancing in his career. He also occasionally had food trapping issues between widely spaced teeth, which made dental hygiene a little more challenging.

After a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation, it was confirmed that Daniel had generalized spacing in both arches due to relatively small teeth compared to his jaw size. The plan was to close the diastema and adjacent gaps while maintaining natural proportions and a broad, attractive smile.

Treatment Plan:

Daniel’s treatment strategy was focused, conservative, and aesthetic-driven:

1. Clear Ceramic Braces:
   Daniel opted for ceramic braces for a more discreet appearance during treatment. Brackets were placed on both arches to control overall tooth alignment and spacing.
2. Power Chains for Space Closure:
   Starting from the fourth month, power chains (linked elastic ligatures) were applied to close the diastema and other gaps in a controlled manner.
3. Retention Strategy:
   Given the high relapse risk of diastema closure, a bonded permanent retainer was planned for the upper arch post-treatment.
4. Treatment Duration:
   The total treatment spanned 18 months, with consistent monitoring of space closure and gum health.

After Braces:

Daniel’s smile underwent a remarkable transformation. The diastema and all spacing were successfully closed, resulting in a more harmonious and confident appearance. His new smile projected professionalism and self-assurance, which positively impacted his social and work life. Thanks to the fixed retainer, the results remained stable, and Daniel finally felt at ease smiling without hesitation.

Case 6: Sarah Wilson (Crossbite & TMJ Pain)

Before Braces:

Sarah Wilson, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Portland, Oregon, visited the orthodontic office with complaints of jaw discomfort, frequent headaches, and difficulty chewing. After a detailed clinical examination and X-rays, she was diagnosed with a posterior crossbite, where several of her upper teeth bit inside the lower teeth on one side. This created a functional shift in her jaw, contributing to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain and tension along her jaw and temples.

Sarah had lived with this issue for years, mistaking it for stress-related tension. However, as the pain increased and started to affect her sleep and ability to chew comfortably, she sought orthodontic help. Her bite imbalance was also slowly leading to uneven tooth wear and gum recession on the affected side.

She had a moderate arch width discrepancy, with her upper jaw slightly narrower than her lower. This imbalance caused her jaw to move laterally each time she bit down, placing strain on the TMJ and facial muscles.

Treatment Plan:

Sarah’s orthodontic treatment plan was designed not only to correct the crossbite but also to relieve TMJ pressure and restore balanced function:

1. Palatal Expander:
   A fixed palatal expander was used during the first 6 months to gradually widen the upper arch, addressing the root cause of the crossbite.
2. Braces for Alignment:
   Following expansion, metal braces were placed on both arches to align the teeth properly and finalize the bite correction.
3. Jaw Pain Monitoring & Bite Adjustment:
   Adjustments were made gradually to reduce stress on the TMJ, and her bite was closely monitored during each follow-up.
4. Treatment Duration:
   The overall treatment took 24 months, including retention and pain management.

After Braces:

Sarah’s crossbite was completely corrected, and her TMJ symptoms significantly improved. She reported less jaw tension, no more daily headaches, and easier, more comfortable chewing. Her face looked more symmetrical, and her smile appeared fuller and more even. Most importantly, the chronic discomfort she had accepted as “normal” was finally gone, giving her a fresh sense of comfort and confidence in everyday life.

Case 7: Christopher Davis (Deep Bite & Gum Damage)

Before Braces:

Christopher Davis, a 30-year-old high school teacher from Chicago, Illinois, came to the orthodontic clinic after his dentist noticed receding gums behind his upper front teeth and excessive wear on his lower incisors. A clinical evaluation confirmed that Christopher had a deep bite—a condition where the upper front teeth excessively overlapped the lower front teeth when biting down.

Over time, this deep bite had caused his lower front teeth to contact the roof of his mouth, damaging the soft tissue behind his upper front teeth. He experienced frequent soreness in his gums, and brushing became increasingly uncomfortable. Additionally, the lower teeth were slowly wearing down, shortening their appearance.

Christopher was surprised to learn that his bite was the root of many of his issues. He had always thought his teeth looked “normal,” but never realized how much harm a deep bite could silently cause.

Treatment Plan:

The goal was to open the bite to a healthy vertical dimension while preventing further gum damage and tooth wear:

1. Full Braces with Bite Opening Mechanics:
   Metal braces were applied to both upper and lower arches. Special attention was given to leveling the curve of Spee (the natural curve in the lower arch) to gradually reduce the deep bite.
2. Bite Turbos & Elastics:
   Small bite turbos were placed behind the upper front teeth to temporarily prevent full closure, helping to protect the gums while the bite was corrected. Elastics were used to guide the bite into proper alignment.
3. Treatment Duration:
   Christopher’s treatment lasted 20 months, with frequent monitoring of gum healing and enamel preservation.

After Braces:

By the end of treatment, Christopher’s deep bite was successfully corrected. His upper and lower teeth met in a healthy, functional relationship, and the gum tissue behind his front teeth had healed beautifully. The risk of further enamel erosion was eliminated. Not only did his teeth function better, but his smile looked broader and more youthful. Christopher was thrilled to regain both oral health and peace of mind—he could now teach and smile with confidence, knowing his bite was no longer causing silent damage.

Case 8: Olivia Martinez (Protruding Front Teeth & Self-Consciousness)

Before Braces:

Olivia Martinez, a 19-year-old college freshman from Miami, Florida, came to the orthodontic office with concerns about her prominently protruding upper front teeth. Her upper incisors jutted out significantly over her lower lip, creating an imbalanced smile and leaving her vulnerable to accidental trauma. Olivia had never experienced pain, but the psychological impact was significant—she avoided full-face photos and often covered her mouth when laughing or speaking.

She revealed that she had been teased in high school, often being called names like “bunny teeth,” which left her deeply self-conscious. Despite good oral hygiene and otherwise healthy teeth, the forward positioning of her front teeth affected her facial profile, causing her upper lip to appear strained and less natural at rest.

Upon examination, her orthodontist confirmed Class II malocclusion with a significant overjet (the horizontal gap between the upper and lower front teeth), caused in part by a mismatch in jaw growth.

Treatment Plan:

The plan was carefully crafted to retract the upper front teeth and correct the jaw-to-teeth relationship without surgery:

1. Braces with Headgear/Elastics Combo:
   Olivia was fitted with full metal braces. During the first 8 months, she wore orthodontic headgear at night to restrain upper jaw movement while braces gradually shifted her front teeth backward. Later, Class II elastics were used for further bite correction.
2. Anchorage Control:
   Molar bands and anchorage systems were applied to ensure that space closure came from front tooth movement and not from molar shifting.
3. Treatment Duration:
   Total treatment time was 24 months, with continuous emotional and aesthetic support.

After Braces:

The results were life-changing for Olivia. Her upper teeth were no longer protruding, and the overjet was completely resolved, leading to a beautifully aligned bite and a more natural, relaxed facial profile. Her lips now closed comfortably at rest, and her self-esteem skyrocketed. She even started a YouTube channel documenting her orthodontic journey to inspire others going through similar insecurities. Olivia now smiles with complete confidence, proud of the transformation she achieved both inside and out.

Case 9: Ethan Robinson (Mild Crowding & Jaw Misalignment)

Before Braces:

Ethan Robinson, a 17-year-old high school soccer player from Denver, Colorado, visited the orthodontist for what seemed like a simple case of mild dental crowding. His lower front teeth overlapped slightly, and the upper teeth were not perfectly aligned. While he initially sought braces for cosmetic reasons, his orthodontic exam revealed something more: jaw misalignment.

Though subtle in appearance, Ethan’s lower jaw was slightly deviated to the right, causing his bite to close unevenly. This asymmetry wasn’t causing pain yet, but his orthodontist warned that over time, it could lead to uneven wear, TMJ discomfort, and a crooked facial appearance as the jaw continued to grow. Because Ethan was still in his late teens and growing, there was an ideal window of opportunity to correct both aesthetic issues and jaw alignment without surgery.

Treatment Plan:

Ethan’s plan aimed to address both crowding and the jaw discrepancy using non-invasive but timely orthodontic intervention:

1. Braces for Full Alignment:
   Metal braces were placed on both upper and lower arches to align his teeth properly and create even spacing.
2. Jaw Alignment with Elastics:
   Class III and diagonal elastics were used strategically to guide Ethan’s jaw into a more centered position, correcting the asymmetry and balancing the bite.
3. Growth Monitoring:
   Since Ethan was still growing, his orthodontist monitored jaw development closely, making minor adjustments as needed throughout treatment.
4. Treatment Duration:
   The entire treatment took 18 months, including 3 months of bite stabilization with a clear retainer afterward.

After Braces:

Ethan’s final results were both functionally and aesthetically excellent. His lower front teeth were no longer crowded, and his bite had centered beautifully. Most importantly, the early intervention prevented long-term issues with jaw function and facial symmetry. Ethan reported that his speech improved, his bite felt natural, and he was thrilled to flash a confident smile on and off the soccer field. His orthodontist emphasized that catching the jaw deviation early saved him from possible surgical intervention later in life.

Case 10: Sophia Thomas (Open Bite & Chewing Difficulty)

Before Braces:

Sophia Thomas, a 25-year-old nurse from Seattle, Washington, had been living with a persistent open bite for most of her life. Her upper and lower front teeth did not touch when her mouth was closed, leaving a visible gap. This made it nearly impossible for her to bite into foods like sandwiches or pizza and forced her to use her back teeth for most chewing. Over time, this led to excessive wear on her molars and frequent jaw fatigue after meals.

The open bite also impacted her speech—pronouncing certain consonants like “s” and “z” was challenging, causing a slight lisp that made her self-conscious in professional settings. Upon examination, her orthodontist found that the open bite was skeletal in origin, meaning it stemmed from jaw growth patterns rather than just tooth position. This kind of bite is often caused by tongue thrusting or prolonged thumb-sucking during childhood—both habits Sophia admitted to having as a child.

Treatment Plan:

Since Sophia was an adult and the issue was moderately severe, her treatment plan involved a comprehensive approach focused on long-term stability and improved function:

1. Full Braces with Vertical Elastics:
   Braces were applied to both arches. Vertical elastics were used in the front to gradually encourage the upper and lower teeth to move toward each other and close the gap.
2. Tongue Training Therapy:
   Sophia worked with a speech therapist to eliminate tongue thrust and retrain her oral muscles. This was essential to prevent relapse.
3. Molar Intrusion with Mini Implants:
   Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) were used to intrude the molars, allowing the bite to close in front. This technique avoided the need for jaw surgery.
4. Treatment Duration:
   Her treatment lasted 26 months, with special attention to bite stabilization in the final phase.

After Braces:

Sophia’s transformation was not just cosmetic—it was functional and life-changing. Her front teeth now met properly, allowing her to eat, bite, and speak normally for the first time in years. The open bite was completely closed, and her facial appearance became more balanced, with a more natural lip seal at rest. Most importantly, her speech improved dramatically, and she felt more confident at work when talking to patients.

Sophia described the experience as “liberating”, saying that being able to bite into a sandwich without struggle felt like a small miracle. Her story became a reminder that adult orthodontic treatment isn’t just about looks—it’s about health, confidence, and comfort too.

These before and after braces transformations show how orthodontic treatment can improve dental health, confidence, and quality of life.

15 detailed FAQs before and after braces

These FAQs provide clear, before and after braces insights, helping patients understand what to expect throughout the treatment process.

Dr Niraj Ghanghoriya

Dr. Niraj Ghanghoriya is a passionate dental surgeon with over 12 years of experience in clinical dentistry. He completed his BDS from the prestigious Sri Aurobindo Institute of Dentistry in 2012 and specializes in painless root canals, smile makeovers, and preventive oral care. Known for his patient-first approach and clear communication, Dr. Ghanghoriya aims to make dental knowledge accessible to everyone. When he’s not in the clinic, he enjoys writing informative dental blogs to help people take better care of their oral health.