Please tell me everything I need to know about orthodontics

[Thingsthatgo]

DS has his first appointment next week for braces. I had bad experiences in the 1990s with my own braces, so I want to make sure I advocate effectively for DS if necessary.
What is the current thinking with tooth removal? - I am fairly sure they will say DS will need teeth taken out because his mouth is crowded.
DS has never been formally diagnosed, but I think he has mild hypermobility, and also my brother has TMJ disorder, are these things that the orthodontist needs to be aware of?
Thank you for your help.

I had ‘train tracks’ braces in the 1990s. My teeth were very crowded so 4 teeth were removed before they went in. The braces were in for about 2 years, checked and tightened regularly and all went very well. I had an overbite of 14mm before and about 2-3mm afterwards! I’ve found out as an adult that I’m hyper mobile. Not sure if any of that is helpful but just wanted to say as I think it was helpful for me to have those four teeth removed.

Presumably this is a specialist orthodontist your son is seeing OP? NHS ? It will be mainstream orthodontics in that case and will strictly follow BOS guidance. Have a look at https://bos.org.uk/professionals-members/advice-sheets-and-guidelines/

Tell the orthodontist about possible mild hypermobility but your brother’s TMJ disorder is irrelevant really. Good luck.

Thank you - yes NHS. I will have a read of the guidance.