After the initial fitting of the braces, it is normal to have tenderness on the teeth for 3-5 days. After this, it should settle down.

If you suffer from crowding, protruding teeth, missing teeth, lack of space for eruption of teeth or cross bites, yes you are. But these require an assessment to compare against the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need Index (IOTN)

Chewy sweets and chewing gums, hard and crunchy food, crusty bread, hard fruits should be avoided, and fizzy drinks and acidic fruit juices are recommended to be limited to mealtimes to avoid detriment to health of the teeth during brace treatment.

Brushing teeth after every meal, daily use of a fluoride mouth wash, use of a tufted brushes to clean around the braces and attending regular appointments with your general dentist will result a good level of oral hygiene while wearing the braces.

Normal course of brace treatment takes 18-24 months. But every patient is different and more complex corrections can take longer and mild corrections can be finished in lesser duration.

Depending on the type of problem, the treatment is started in certain age. Generally, at the age of 12-13 with early adult dentition, treatment is provided. But sometimes it is started sooner to reduce the severity of the problem. Otherwise there is no age limit to commence orthodontic treatment. NHS funding for orthodontic treatment in until 26^th birthday

Under private treatment, there are more suitable options like clear ceramic braces or clear aligners which are more aesthetic in appearance.

Teeth tend to want to move back towards their original positions and as we get older our teeth may start to move unpredictably. Hence by wearing retainers long-term you can reduce these changes and the longer you wear retainers, the longer you can keep your teeth straight.