Posted on March 30, 2026
For a lot of people, deciding on metal braces isn’t a last-minute choice. It’s usually something that’s been in the back of your mind for a while—maybe you’ve noticed crowding getting worse, or your bite doesn’t quite line up the way it should. By the time you’re actually looking into treatment, the questions tend to be more practical than basic. How long is this going to take? What does it feel like day to day? How much is this going to change my routine?
Those are the kinds of things we talk through early, usually during an orthodontic consultation, when you’re trying to get a clear picture of what treatment will actually look like in real life—not just in theory.
At Harnick Orthodontics in Albuquerque, NM, the goal is to make sure you understand how braces work, but just as importantly, how they fit into your day once you start.
Metal braces use brackets and wires to guide teeth into better alignment over time. Each bracket is bonded to a tooth, and the wire connects them, applying steady pressure that gradually shifts everything into place.
That part sounds simple, but the planning behind it is more detailed. Before anything is placed, we take images and measurements so we know where teeth are starting and where they need to end up. From there, each adjustment builds on the last, moving things a little at a time rather than all at once.
The timeline depends on how much movement is needed and whether the bite needs to be corrected along with alignment. For many patients, treatment falls somewhere in the range of 18 to 24 months.
That said, some cases move faster, especially if the changes are more minor. Others take longer if there’s more involved movement. During your orthodontic exam, we’ll give you a more specific estimate so you’re not guessing what the timeline might look like.
Braces don’t usually hurt in a constant way, but there are periods where things feel sore—especially right after adjustments. When the wire is changed or tightened, it creates pressure that starts the movement process.
That pressure can feel like a dull ache for a couple of days, then it settles. Most patients find that it becomes easier to manage over time as they get used to how braces feel.
Food is one of the bigger day-to-day adjustments, but it’s more about being mindful than restrictive.
Hard or sticky foods can damage brackets or wires, so things like ice, caramel, or hard candy are best avoided. Foods that require biting straight in—like apples or corn on the cob—are still fine, but cutting them into smaller pieces makes a difference.
Most people settle into a routine pretty quickly and don’t feel like they’re giving up as much as they expected.
Cleaning takes a little more attention with braces, mainly because there are more places for plaque to collect.
Brushing around the brackets and along the gumline becomes more intentional, and flossing takes a bit of practice at first. Tools like floss threaders or water flossers can make it easier once you find what works for you.
Staying consistent with cleanings and exams during treatment also helps keep everything on track and prevents buildup around the brackets. It also plays a role in preventing those chalky white spots that can show up after braces come off—sometimes even in the outline of where brackets were—caused by enamel demineralization when plaque sits too long in those areas.
Most patients come in every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments. These visits are usually quick, but they’re important for keeping progress moving in the right direction.
We’ll check how things are shifting, make small changes to the wire, and make sure everything is tracking the way it should. It’s also a good time to bring up anything that’s been bothering you or doesn’t feel quite right.
With clear aligners being more visible online and in advertising, this comes up often.
Metal braces are still used because they’re reliable and give us very precise control over how teeth move. That can make a difference in more complex cases or when the bite needs more detailed correction.
Some patients are great candidates for aligners. Others are better suited for braces. That’s something we sort through during your consultation so you’re not trying to decide without all the information.
Once the braces are removed, the work isn’t completely finished. Teeth need time to settle into their new position, which is where retainers come in.
Wearing a retainer as recommended helps keep teeth from shifting back. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference in maintaining the results you’ve just spent months achieving.
At Harnick Orthodontics in Albuquerque, NM, Dr. Kari Harnick Graeber and Dr. David Harnick focus on making orthodontic treatment feel straightforward and manageable. From your first visit through your final result, the goal is to make sure you understand what’s happening and feel comfortable with each step along the way.
If you’re thinking about braces or want to schedule an orthodontic consultation, you can call the office or book a visit to get started.
Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0
A Special Announcement!
Our orthodontic family is growing! Dr. Kari is excited to welcome a new baby this September and will be taking maternity leave through October.
During this time, treatment will continue as planned under the care of Dr. Harnick, who founded the practice and has helped create the exceptional patient experience you know and trust. Your orthodontic progress will remain on schedule, and our team will be here to support you every step of the way.
Dr. Kari will return in November and can't wait to catch up with everyone and see all the great progress that's been made!
Thank you for celebrating this exciting chapter with us!
