How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances come in various materials and designs, including metal, ceramic, and plastic. They can either be removable or fixed (attached to your teeth). Braces and other orthodontic devices gradually shift your teeth into the correct position through consistent, gentle, and controlled forces.

The field of orthodontics has advanced significantly! Gone are the days of using metal bands with brackets around each tooth. Now, metal brackets are bonded (glued) directly to your teeth in a comfortable procedure, and you may even have the option to choose the color of your appliances.

Treatment Duration

Several factors, such as age, treatment type, and the severity of your case, can influence how long orthodontic treatment will take. On average, it typically takes between one and three years to complete. The most important factor in achieving successful treatment is your involvement! Following oral hygiene instructions and appliance care guidelines ensures the most efficient process. For children undergoing interceptive or early treatment, we can manage controlled movement with growth, often leading to shorter treatment times and less severe interventions.

Digital X-Rays

At Beaumont Orthodontics, we use digital x-ray technology for all imaging, eliminating the need for traditional film-based x-rays.

Advantages of Digital X-Rays

• Improved image clarity
• Faster image processing
• Ability to further enhance and modify images
• Eco-friendly, as no chemicals are required

We carefully chose to implement digital x-ray technology for its superior ability to visually represent your dental condition, allowing us to create a more precise orthodontic treatment plan.

Rest assured, we will only request x-rays when absolutely necessary, and if recent x-rays aren't available from your family dentist.

Life with Braces

Eating with Braces

Don’t worry, you won’t have to give up all your favourite crunchy and sticky snacks forever. Soon enough, you'll be enjoying popcorn, chewy candy, and crispy chips again!

However, while you're wearing braces, it's important to avoid foods that could damage your braces or appliances, potentially prolonging your treatment time. When your braces are first applied, it’s normal to feel some discomfort when eating, and the same can happen after each adjustment. That’s why it’s important to know which foods are safe to eat and which ones to avoid.

Foods to avoid with braces:

Our high-quality orthodontic appliances will be securely attached to your teeth, but they’re not indestructible. Eating certain foods can damage your braces or cause the archwire to shift. Repairing these damages isn’t included in the original cost, so it’s best to be cautious about what you eat.

• Whole raw vegetables (cut them into smaller pieces instead)
• Corn on the cob (cut off the kernels instead)
• Unpopped or partially popped popcorn kernels
• Whole fruits with pits (cut into small slices and remove the pit)
• Nuts
• Peanut brittle
• Meat with bones (cut off the meat instead)
• Hard breads like bagels and pizza crusts
• Hard and sticky candy, such as lollipops and Skittles
• Toffee
• Caramels
• Ice cubes

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

• Well-cooked pasta
• Muffins
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup (without large chunks)
• Soft cheeses
• Yogurt
• Protein shakes
• Breakfast shakes
• Tofu
• Meatloaf
• Soft cooked fish
• Bananas
• Avocados
• Applesauce
• Fruit juice
• Gelatin (Jell-O!)

Remember to also avoid habits like chewing on pens, pencils, or your fingernails. None of these are good for your teeth, anyway!