At the first visit, your mouth and teeth are checked using a small mirror and a ruler. Based on this information, we decide if treatment is needed. Possible outcomes are: you are not ready yet and will need to be reassessed later; your oral hygiene is not sufficient and cavities or gum problems must be treated first; no treatment is needed because your bite is acceptable; or you are ready to start treatment.
At the Records appointment, impressions (moulds), photos and X-rays are taken. This confirms the right treatment option. If everything is clear, you sign a consent form. The start of treatment depends on factors such as tooth eruption, the presence of cavities or gum issues, extractions if required, your age and any waiting list.

Braces can be removable (such as Invisalign clear aligners) or fixed (traditional metal braces, ceramic brackets or lingual systems like Incognito or Win). Treatment usually lasts between 12 and 24 months, depending on complexity.
Getting braces fitted or adjusted is not painful, though it is normal to feel some soreness for 3–5 days. You can take paracetamol if you are not allergic. If a bracket breaks, you should book an appointment as soon as possible—do not wait until your next review, as each breakage can delay treatment by about a month.
If you play contact sports, use a mouthguard. Wind or brass instruments may be more difficult to play, so discuss this with your teacher. Some treatments require elastics, stripping (removal of small amounts of enamel between teeth) or microscrews/TADs. These are small screws placed under local anaesthetic to provide anchorage. They are cared for with gentle brushing and rinsing with chlorhexidine.

Brush for at least 2 minutes in the morning and before bed, using fluoride toothpaste and small circular movements. Use a manual or electric toothbrush with a small head, and add interdental brushes or floss to clean between teeth. A fluoride mouth rinse at night is also helpful. Keep up regular visits to your dentist and hygienist to monitor cavities and gum health.
Reduce sugary foods, fizzy and acidic drinks, and sweet snacks between meals. Avoid hard or sticky foods such as caramel, gum, nuts, hard crusts, apples or raw carrots (unless cut into small pieces). Safe options include soft bread, cheese, yogurt, pasta, cut vegetables, wholemeal bread or plain crackers. Between meals, choose water or milk rather than juice or soda.

Without proper cleaning, you may develop cavities or permanent marks. Plaque build-up can cause gum inflammation, though this usually improves once braces are removed. Root resorption can happen, usually minor, and there is always a risk of relapse after treatment, as teeth naturally shift with age.
The key is good oral hygiene, following dietary advice, attending appointments on time and taking care not to break the braces. Patient cooperation is what makes treatment successful.

Retainers are needed because after braces are removed, teeth are slightly loose and want to move back to their original position. There are fixed retainers (bonded behind the teeth) and removable ones (such as clear Essix retainers).
The protocol is: for the first 3 months wear them all day, then switch to every night and every other day, and later only at night. Eventually, you may wear them on alternate nights, as long as they still fit without tightness. Fixed retainers should be kept for at least 5 years, and removable ones are recommended for life.
Removable retainers should be cleaned daily with cold water and liquid soap using a separate toothbrush; never use hot water or a dishwasher. You can also use cleaning tablets weekly. Fixed retainers are maintained with careful brushing, fluoride rinse and floss or superfloss. Always keep retainers in their case. If they are lost or damaged, contact your orthodontist immediately.