(from "The Straight facts about orthodontics edited by American Association of Orthodontists)

Your first visit to the orthodontists is your opportunity to get questions answered and discuss your concerns. It also gives your orthodontist the chance to make a preliminary evaluation and recommend if or when treatment is necessary.

Next, diagnostic records (X-rays, photos, impressions etc.) are taken so that the orthodontist can determine the complexity of the problem and develop a treatment plan.

he last step before beginning treatment is an appointment to discuss your treatment plan in detail. Your orthodontist will show you what's involved in the treatment, what results can be expected, and how your active participation can help assure success. Estimated treatment time and fees will also be discussed.

Regularly scheduled appointments are an important part of any orthodontic treatment. Generally, your orthodontist will want to see you every 4-8weeks to check your progress and make adjustment to your braces.

So the braces come off. But you still have one more step to complete : retention. Your retainers are designed to settle your teeth in their corrected position until your bones, gums and muscles adapt to the change. The retention process does take time , so be patient. As for the amount of time needed, it varies with each person.