2 minutes at least twice a day, preferably after each meal.

Use a small headed toothbrush, do not "scrub" the teeth other than on the biting surfaces. The toothbrush should be used to massage the gums by vibrating the brush between the teeth and toward the gum margins, then sweep away from the gum margin to clear away any debris. A fluoride mouthwash before bedtime is a good way to protect the teeth.

You can floss between the teeth if you thread the floss under the wire first.

Ring the orthodontic practice as soon as possible so the teeth cannot change before a new brace or retainer can be remade. There will be charge for a lost brace or one that is broken beyond repair.

Report to the orthodontic practice as soon as possible to prevent deterioration in tooth position which would lengthen treatment time.

Each orthodontic practice is given a contract by the Local Primary Care Trust (PCT) to treat a limited number of patients on the NHS annually.

The demand for treatment may outstrip the amount of provision under the NHS. Unless the PCT releases more funds to orthodontic provision locally then orthodontists can only provide additional treatments under private contract.

There is often capacity within practices to see more patients, even under NHS funding, if the funding was available.