OP hope you don’t mind me adding my experience which was very different from yours.
I too had a fixed metal brace. I approached a local dental practice that advertised orthodontic work, the practice was highly recommended by local mums on facebook (for dental work, a difference I didn’t notice wt the time).
At the initial consultation, when I asked, the dentist said that she wasn’t a fully qualified orthodontist but had decades of experience in orthodontic work and many other qualifications. She was extremely charming and reassuring and said orthodontists just do jaw surgery my technique is better.
Braces would be on for 6-12 months she said.
The braces were on for over two years and then she still wouldn’t say when they’d come off only ‘there is a lot of work left to do.’ Internet forums kept saying ‘don’t whinge, trust the expert.’ During this time the dentist pushed the front teeth far forwards, creating an overbite and making the front teeth rub against the inside of my mouth (I often bite my lip my accident). I thought the soreness was caused by the brace but no no this is a permanent problem.
Eventually I realised she was incompetent and got a second opinion who confirmed the treatment was not ok and would take another two years and £5k to correct if I wanted to correct it. I wasn’t keen on four years of metal train tracks or paying an extra £5k, so had them removed.
I got a full refund from the crappy dentist. I probably could have got more if I sued but
just wanted an end to it all.
My teeth can’t bite through food properly. They don’t fit together. They make my inner lips sore. They don’t look great either and have made the shape of my face less attractive.
I wish I never heard of adult orthodontics and I particularly wish I hadn’t read all the internet forums saying how great it is.
If you are reading this thread and going this road then watch out for red flags!! Get a second opinion to check the work and if you have any concerns do NOT trust a professional just because they tell you to. Adult orthodontics is very tricky and there are a lot of dodgy practices out there.