Who may benefit from an assessment?
- Crowding, spacing or rotated teeth
- Some bite relationships affecting function or appearance
- Patients with stable oral health and strong cleaning habits
- Adults or children whose treatment timing has been professionally assessed
Diagnosis and planning
What the dentist checks first
The clinician reviews facial and dental relationships, gum health, jaw function, remaining growth and treatment goals. Photographs, models, scans or X-rays may be recommended. Some cases need referral to an orthodontist or coordination with restorative care. The plan should explain alternatives, likely duration, responsibilities and retention after movement.
Typical journey
How care is planned
- 01
Record
Collect the examination findings and diagnostic records needed for planning.
- 02
Plan
Compare suitable appliances, expected movement, limitations and treatment responsibilities.
- 03
Move
Attend regular reviews while controlled forces gradually reposition teeth.
- 04
Retain
Wear retainers as prescribed to reduce unwanted movement after active treatment.
Aftercare
Recovery and looking after the result
- Temporary pressure or tenderness can follow appliance placement and adjustments.
- Clean carefully around brackets or attachments and follow advice on foods that may damage appliances.
- Report breakages rather than waiting for the next routine visit.
- Retention is a long-term part of orthodontic care because teeth can move throughout life.
Important to understand
Risks, limits and alternatives
- Treatment duration and final tooth position cannot be guaranteed exactly.
- Decay, gum inflammation, root changes and relapse are possible; hygiene and attendance affect risk.
- Aligners are not automatically faster or suitable for every movement.
Individual risks and alternatives can only be explained after a clinical assessment. You are welcome to ask for time to consider major or irreversible treatment.
Fees
What can affect treatment cost?
A fee should follow diagnosis and a personal plan. Relevant factors can include:
- Complexity and length of treatment
- Type of appliance selected
- Diagnostic records and review schedule
- Whether extractions or other dental care are needed
- Retention and replacement appliance needs
Ask for the proposed stages, alternatives and maintenance needs in writing before proceeding.
Informed decisions
Before you decide
Begin with the diagnosis rather than a preferred procedure. Ask what finding explains your symptoms, what additional information is still uncertain and whether imaging or another opinion would change the plan. A good discussion separates the likely benefit from the result you personally hope for.
Compare reasonable alternatives—including monitoring, a more conservative option, referral or no immediate treatment where safe. Ask about the important risks in your case, the expected number of appointments, how long any temporary stage may last and what could make the plan change. For major or irreversible care, request a written plan and take the time you need to understand it.
Tell the dentist about medicines, allergies, pregnancy, bleeding conditions, diabetes, heart conditions, smoking or tobacco use and previous treatment difficulties. These details can affect anaesthesia, healing and treatment timing. Do not stop prescribed medicine unless the clinician who manages it advises you to do so.
Fees should be linked to the agreed stages. Clarify what the estimate includes, what may be charged separately and what future reviews, repairs or replacement could be needed. Consent is an ongoing conversation: you can ask questions or reconsider before treatment begins.
Common questions
Braces & orthodontics FAQs
Are clear aligners better than braces?
Each has advantages and limitations. The required tooth movements, wear discipline, cost and lifestyle help determine suitability.
What age should a child see an orthodontist?
Timing depends on the concern and stage of dental development. An early assessment can identify whether monitoring or timely intervention is useful.
Will teeth stay straight after braces?
Teeth can move after treatment, so retainers are essential. The recommended wear pattern depends on the case.
Keep exploring
Related dental care
Patient information updated 26 August 2026. Editorial status: general educational content; named clinician attribution is pending clinic-supplied, verified credentials. This page is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an in-person examination.