What To Expect
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Getting braces isn't a quick fix — it's a gradual process, and it's worth knowing what to expect going in. It starts with a consultation: the orthodontist checks your teeth and jaws, takes X-rays or digital scans, and talks you through the options that suit your case. From there you get a plan built around you, whether that's traditional braces, clear aligners, or something else, all working toward the same thing — moving your teeth into the right position. Over the following months you'll come in regularly for adjustments, and progress builds steadily appointment by appointment. There might be a bit of discomfort along the way as things shift, but each visit gets you closer. Eventually the braces come off (or you wear your last aligner), and what's left is a healthier bite and a smile that's built to last — usually with a retainer afterward to keep it that way.
Experienced Care Every Step of the Way
At Dundrum Orthodontics, our team brings together years of experience with an approach that actually feels personal — we take the time to understand what you need before we ever suggest a treatment plan. From the moment you walk in, you're in good hands, right through to the smile at the end of it.
Starting Treatment as an Adult
To make sure we can give you our full attention from the start, it helps if we have a few things sorted beforehand. So before your first visit, we'll send you a welcome pack with a bit about the practice and what to bring along — a referral from your dentist if you have one, any recent dental X-rays, and a filled-out medical questionnaire.
First Visit for Young Patients
For kids and teens, we try to make that first visit an easy, even fun, experience. You'll get a warm welcome from the team, a chat with our practice coordinator about what to expect, digital imaging so we can get an accurate picture of what's going on, and an examination from Dr O'Connor. We'll go through the treatment options in detail, and we might recommend an X-ray at this stage too. The whole visit takes about 50 minutes, and it's the first real step toward a great smile.
Getting Used to Your Braces
Congratulations — you're starting! Most people are done somewhere between 12 and 24 months from here, and step one is straightforward: a fitting appointment that doesn't hurt. We'll take full records of your teeth while you're in, and send you off with a starter pack so the first few days with your braces or Invisalign don't catch you off guard. From here on, you're not doing this alone — we'll see you through to the finished smile.
Ongoing Appointments
We move your teeth a little at a time, not all at once — that's just how orthodontics works. So expect regular short appointments along the way, whether it's an adjustment to your braces or a new set of Invisalign aligners. Skip them and progress stalls; keep them and you stay on track for the result we're aiming for together.
Adjusting to Life With Your Braces
It takes a bit of getting used to, but braces or Invisalign will feel like second nature before long. In the meantime, a few habits go a long way — brush properly, be a bit careful with what you eat, and think twice about what you're drinking, so your teeth and your appliance both come through treatment in good shape.
Keeping you Teeth Clean
Keep seeing your regular dentist for check-ups throughout treatment too — that's what keeps decay and gum problems at bay, separate from what we're doing. And if something feels off, whether it's discomfort or an issue with the appliance itself, don't sit on it — get in touch straight away so it doesn't set your treatment back.
Unscheduled Appointments
Looking after your appliance properly makes the whole process smoother. If something like a wire comes loose, use the wax we gave you in the meantime, and give us a call — we'll either talk you through it or get you in for a quick repair so it doesn't throw off your schedule.
The Process
This appointment is really about talking through your goals with one of our orthodontists. We'll likely also go over your dental and medical history, take a look at your teeth and jaw, and depending on what's needed, that might mean X-rays or impressions of your teeth to make models.
From there, the orthodontist looks over the X-rays, photos, and examination findings and puts together a plan specific to you — how your teeth need to move to get where they should be. You'll come away with an idea of how long treatment will take, what it'll cost, and whether any prep work needs to happen first.
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That might mean a dental cleaning, sorting out any cavities or other issues first, or in some cases extracting a tooth or two to make room for things to shift. Once that's all sorted, you're ready to move on to the next phase.
The orthodontist attaches small bumps to your teeth that help the aligners grip properly, then hands over your first set. We'll check the fit there and then, and walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
You'll come in for progress checks fairly regularly — usually every 8 to 10 weeks — where the orthodontist checks how the aligners are fitting and lets you know if it's time to order the next set.
Taking everything off is usually the easy part — the attachments and wires come out, any leftover adhesive gets cleaned away, and it's over quickly with little to no discomfort.
Once your braces come off, a retainer is what keeps your teeth from drifting back. Most patients wear one full time for a while, then switch to nights only — that's what keeps everything holding in place long-term. Read more here.
Read what our patients say about us
"I went to so many dentists about my bite problem only to be dismissed. Dr Adriana and her team gave me a plan, I followed it, and two and a half years later I can smile, eat and bite properly."
"Two of my daughters had braces fitted by the lovely Dr. Katherine Condren. I would highly recommend her services, she was so good with my daughters, we are extremely happy with the service received and they both have beautiful smiles now."
"My bonded retainer came loose and several other practices turned me away. Dundrum Orthodontics saw me straight away and had it fixed within minutes."
"Dr Joseph O’Connor is such a skilled orthodontist. His kindness and attention to detail is outstanding. He takes the time to explain everything and makes you feel very comfortable. Could not recommend him more."
"I got Invisalign here in my forties and could not be happier. My daughter had braces with them a few years ago, and my sister brought her daughter on my recommendation. Exceptional service and amazing results."
"Joseph is a kind, compassionate and skilled orthodontist. He has a beautiful patient manner and his attention to detail is second to none. Highly recommend."
"Coming to the end of my braces and I couldn't be happier. The whole team are friendly and professional, and they take their time to make sure the end result is exactly what you want."
"I had a great experience with Dr O’Connor and his team. Booking was simple and they were very friendly & efficient throughout. Would highly recommended."
"My son got his braces off this morning and I am delighted with the result. Over two years, any worries we had were sorted and every question answered, always with a friendly and professional approach."
"Amazing service, highly professional. Dr O'Connor was really kind and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend!"
"Dr O'Connor is a brilliant orthodontist, the consultation was thorough and he's easy to talk to."
"Extremely happy with the outcome after braces, great attention to detail! Highly recommend."
"A long and difficult process was made easy by their care and attention. The attention to detail and professionalism was second to none."
"The staff are extremely skilled as well as friendly and easy to talk to. I am very happy with my results and with how the whole process was handled."
Begin Your Journey
Thinking about it? Book your first consultation and come see us — we'll take it from there.
