HEY, BRACE FACE

Let's get things straight: Fixing your teeth doesn't have to be a pain. From your first appointment to your final retainer, consider this your ultimate ortho guide.

- BY KATHLEEN O'NEILL

Your parents/dentist/doctor/ortho just dropped the dreaded news: You probably need braces. On one hand, you're stoked to straighten up your smile (that one crooked tooth has been bothering you for years). But at the same time, the whole metal mouth thing is a liiittle freaky.

You have a million Q's: Do braces hurt? Do you have to give up your fave foods? Do you have to wear a retainer forever? (Spoiler alert: Yup, if you want to keep your straight smile.) Let's break it all down before you get your brackets...

THE CASES FOR BRACES

So what exactly can braces even fix? For starters: overbites, underbites, crowding, spacing issues and crooked teeth. If they're left untreated, these can lead to bigger problems down the line, like cavities, speech issues and even jaw pain.

"Braces are a short-term investment for a lifetime of confidence that will give you a healthier, more beautiful smile," says Dr. Sandip Sachar, a cosmetic dentist based in New York City.

And remember, up to 70% of teens need braces at some point—so odds are you won't be the only one in your squad who's rocking rubber bands.

THE FIRST APPOINTMENT