How long do braces take?

Contact your orthodontic provider for advice. Wax may help with rubbing, but broken brackets, loose wires, swelling, trauma or pain that does not settle should be checked promptly. A wire poking into the cheek can sometimes be covered with wax until you can be seen, and a loose bracket that is still attached to the wire can be left in place. Do not cut wires at home. Out-of-hours emergency arrangements differ between practices, so check what yours offers.

Yes. Teeth can move after treatment, so retainers are normally needed long term. Your clinician should explain whether fixed, removable or combined retainers are appropriate. Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded behind the front teeth and stay in place, while removable retainers are clear plastic trays or wire-and-acrylic plates worn mostly at night. Both need cleaning, and a fixed retainer that comes loose or a removable one that no longer fits should be looked at promptly.