...
footer icon1 footer icon2
Dentistry
footer icon11 footer icon22
Face
What happens during orthodontic treatment?

What happens during orthodontic treatment?

A step-by-step guide to your orthodontic journey

Short answer: Every orthodontic journey is different, but most follow the same overall path: planning your treatment, fitting your braces or aligners, regular review appointments, completing treatment and then protecting your new smile with retainers.

Starting orthodontic treatment is exciting.

It can also feel a little daunting.

Many adults tell us they’re not worried about having braces—they’re worried about not knowing what to expect.

The good news is that orthodontic treatment follows a carefully planned journey, and we’ll guide you through every stage.

Step 1 – Preparing for treatment

Before treatment begins, we’ll make sure we have everything needed to create your personalised plan.

This may include:

  • A clinical examination.
  • Digital scans of your teeth.
  • Clinical photographs.
  • Bite assessment.
  • Discussion about your treatment goals.

Every treatment plan is created specifically for your smile.

Step 2 – Fitting your braces or starting your aligners

Once your treatment plan is ready, it’s time to begin.

Depending on your treatment, this may involve:

  • Fitting fixed braces.
  • Providing your first set of clear aligners.
  • Explaining how to care for your appliance.
  • Answering any final questions before you leave.

Many patients are surprised by how straightforward this appointment feels.

Step 3 – The first few days

It’s perfectly normal for your teeth to feel different.

You may notice:

  • Gentle pressure.
  • Slight tenderness when biting.
  • Your mouth adjusting to your new appliance.

This usually settles within a few days.

We’ll explain how to stay comfortable and what to expect before you leave the practice.

Step 4 – Living with braces

After the initial adjustment period, most people quickly settle into a routine.

Life continues much as normal.

You’ll still:

  • Go to work.
  • Meet friends.
  • Enjoy holidays.
  • Exercise.
  • Smile.

There are a few small changes, such as cleaning your teeth carefully and following advice about your appliance, but orthodontic treatment soon becomes part of everyday life.

Step 5 – Regular review appointments

Throughout treatment, you’ll attend review appointments so we can monitor your progress.

These appointments allow us to:

  • Check how your teeth are moving.
  • Make any necessary adjustments.
  • Ensure everything is progressing as planned.
  • Answer any questions you have.

Each review helps keep your treatment on track.

The Evolve perspective

Many people think orthodontic treatment is about wearing braces.

We see it differently.

It’s about a series of small, carefully planned steps.

Every appointment builds on the last.

Every adjustment has a purpose.

And every stage brings you a little closer to the smile you’re working towards.

Looking after your smile during treatment

Your role is just as important as ours.

We’ll show you how to:

  • Keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Care for your appliance.
  • Follow your treatment plan.
  • Know when to contact us.

Successful orthodontic treatment is a partnership.

What if something doesn’t go to plan?

Life happens.

A bracket may become loose.

You might lose an aligner.

You may need to rearrange an appointment.

Don’t worry.

These situations are common, and we’re here to help.

If you’re unsure about anything during treatment, we’d always rather you contact us than worry at home.

The final stage

Eventually, your treatment reaches the exciting moment when your braces are removed or your final aligner has done its job.

We’ll assess your result carefully before moving to the final stage:

Retention.

Retainers help protect the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

They’re an essential part of your orthodontic journey.

Myth vs reality

Myth

Most of orthodontic treatment happens in the dental chair.

Reality

Most of your treatment happens between appointments as your teeth respond to gentle, continuous movement.

Myth

You’ll constantly need emergency appointments.

Reality

Most orthodontic journeys progress smoothly with routine review appointments.

Myth

Treatment finishes when the braces come off.

Reality

Retention is the final stage of orthodontic treatment.

Questions patients often ask

How often will I need appointments?

We’ll let you know your expected review schedule before treatment begins.

What if I go on holiday?

That’s usually not a problem.

We’ll plan your appointments around your schedule wherever possible.

What happens if I break a bracket?

Contact us and we’ll advise you on the next steps.

Will I know how my treatment is progressing?

Yes.

We’ll review your progress regularly and explain how everything is moving throughout your treatment.

Key takeaways

  • Orthodontic treatment follows a carefully planned journey.
  • Most adults adapt quickly to life with braces or aligners.
  • Regular reviews help ensure treatment progresses as planned.
  • Looking after your appliance plays an important role in your success.
  • Retainers are the final stage of treatment.

Related Knowledge Pages

Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces

Our comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of treatment, helping you feel confident and prepared from your first consultation to life after braces.

Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces

Every smile has a journey

Orthodontic treatment isn’t about rushing to the finish line.

It’s about making steady, carefully planned progress towards a smile you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Explore our complete guide to adult braces

If you’re considering straightening your teeth, our complete guide to adult braces explains the different treatment options, costs, treatment times and what to expect before making a decision.

Read our complete guide to adult braces.

Ready to explore your teeth-straightening options?

Understanding what happens during orthodontic treatment can help you feel more confident about taking the next step.

At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we’ll assess your teeth, discuss what you’d like to achieve and explain which teeth-straightening options may be suitable for you.

⁠Explore adult braces at Evolve Dentistry

Read our CQC Report

back to blog

Get in touch

Tooth Whitening & Hygiene Appointment

At Home Whitening With Hygiene

£29.95

Learn more

Dental Health Plan

Options for all treatments

New Patients Welcome

We are accepting new patients, book an introduction call today

Book An Introduction Call
We are on Instagram
💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚

Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead

We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.

We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨

At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.

And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!

If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.

💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued

📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.

We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.

Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!

📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.

⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.

💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!

#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.

We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.

We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.

But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.

Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.

#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.

Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.

The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.

In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.

If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.

#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
Ever run your tongue over your teeth and wonder why they suddenly feel rough?

There are a few possible reasons, from plaque build-up to changes in the surface of a tooth.

In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the common causes and when it’s worth mentioning it to your dentist.

Noticing small changes in your mouth is useful. You don’t need to diagnose them yourself, but do tell us if something feels different.

#DentalHealth #OralHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
footer icon1 footer icon2
Dentistry
footer icon11 footer icon22
Face
Google rating
Seraphinite AcceleratorBannerText_Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.