Practical tools for your orthodontic journey

This page gathers ready-to-use checklists and quick-reference facts to help you walk into your first consultation prepared and stay on track once treatment begins. Whether you're weighing braces against clear aligners or already wearing an appliance, these resources turn general advice into concrete steps you can act on today. Everything here is designed to be printed, saved, or read on your phone in the waiting room.

First consultation preparation checklist

Gather your medical and dental history, including any past extractions, jaw surgery, or gum treatment.
Write down every question you have — for example, expected treatment length, appliance options, and whether teeth need to be removed.
Note any symptoms you've noticed: crowding, gaps, jaw clicking, difficulty biting, or teeth grinding.
Bring a list of current medications and any allergies, especially to metals like nickel used in some brackets.
Ask your general dentist for recent X-rays or a referral letter to avoid repeating imaging.
Clarify your budget and ask whether a payment plan or mutuelle reimbursement (assurance maladie) applies to your case.
Take a few phone photos of your smile from the front and side so you can compare progress later.

Daily braces and aligner care checklist

Brush for two minutes after every meal, angling the bristles above and below the brackets to clear trapped food.
Use interdental brushes or a floss threader once a day to clean between wires and teeth.
For aligners, wear them 20–22 hours daily and only remove them to eat, drink anything but water, and brush.
Rinse aligners in lukewarm water and clean them with a soft brush — never hot water, which can warp the plastic.
Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods (caramel, hard bread crusts, whole apples) that can bend wires or pop brackets.
Keep orthodontic wax on hand to cover any bracket or wire that irritates your cheeks or lips.
Store aligners in their case, never in a napkin, to avoid losing or accidentally throwing them away.
Report a broken bracket, poking wire, or lost aligner to your orthodontist promptly rather than waiting for your next visit.

Quick reference: key orthodontic facts

Most comprehensive treatments last between 12 and 24 months, though simple corrections can finish sooner.
Adjustment or check-up appointments are typically scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks depending on your appliance.
Clear aligners require a minimum of 20–22 hours of daily wear to move teeth on schedule.
In France, orthodontic care started before a child's 16th birthday is partially covered by l'Assurance Maladie; adult treatment is generally not reimbursed.
Teeth move because steady, gentle pressure remodels the bone around the roots — this is why forcing progress faster is not possible.
Retainers are essential after treatment; teeth can gradually shift back without them, sometimes for life.

How do I decide between braces and clear aligners?

The best choice depends on the complexity of your case, your lifestyle, and your discipline. Braces handle a wider range of corrections and don't rely on you remembering to wear them, while aligners are removable and less visible but require strict daily wear. An orthodontist will assess which option can achieve your specific result — read our comparison guide for a detailed breakdown.

Does orthodontic treatment hurt?

You may feel tenderness or pressure for a few days after braces are fitted or when switching to a new aligner, as the teeth begin to move. This usually eases with soft foods and, if needed, over-the-counter pain relief. Sharp or persistent pain from a broken component should be reported to your orthodontist.

How long will I need to wear a retainer?

Retainers keep your teeth in their new position after active treatment ends. Many orthodontists recommend wearing them full-time for several months, then nightly indefinitely, because teeth naturally tend to shift with age. Following the retention plan is what protects the results you invested in.

Can adults get orthodontic treatment?

Yes — teeth can be moved at almost any age as long as the gums and bone are healthy. Adult treatment is increasingly common, and options like clear aligners appeal to those who prefer a discreet approach. Note that in France, adult orthodontics is generally not reimbursed by l'Assurance Maladie.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring your medical and dental history, a list of medications and allergies, any recent X-rays or a referral from your dentist, and your written questions. Our consultation checklist above covers everything so you can make the most of the visit.

How often will I visit the orthodontist during treatment?

Most patients attend a check-up every four to eight weeks so the orthodontist can adjust wires, monitor progress, or provide new aligner sets. Keeping these appointments is important, since delays can extend your overall treatment time.

Guides

Braces vs aligners: comparing your options

Understand the key differences between traditional braces and clear aligners, including comfort, visibility, cost factors, and suitability.

How braces work to straighten teeth

A clear explanation of how braces move teeth over time, the parts involved, and what happens at adjustment appointments.

Clear aligners explained

Learn how clear aligners work, who they may suit, wear-time expectations, and what to consider before choosing them.

What to expect: orthodontic treatment timeline

Understand the typical stages and duration of orthodontic treatment, from first consultation to retainers and follow-up.

Preparing for your first orthodontist consultation

Know what to expect at your first orthodontist appointment and which questions to ask to make an informed decision.

Caring for braces every day

Practical tips for cleaning, eating, and maintaining braces day to day to keep your treatment on track.