How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances differ in material and design. They can be made from metal, ceramic, or plastic and can be removable or fixed (glued to your teeth). Braces and orthodontic appliances slowly move your teeth into their proper position with constant, gentle and controlled forces.

Technology in orthodontics has changed a lot! We no longer use metal bands with brackets placed around each tooth. In a comfortable procedure, metal brackets are bonded (glued) to your teeth and, in some cases, you can choose the colour of your appliance.

Duration of Treatment

Factors such as, and not limited to, age, treatment method and severity of your case, can determine the length of time in treatment. However, it typically takes between one and three years to complete orthodontic treatment. The biggest factor in successful treatment is you! Being involved and diligent with oral hygiene and appliance instructions, allows for the most efficient treatment. Children receiving interceptive or early treatment can allow for less severe treatment and shorter treatment times, as we can work with controlled movement based on growth.

Digital X-Rays

Here at Seton Orthodontics, all our x-ray imaging is performed using digital x-ray technology, rather than traditional film-based x-ray.

Benefits of Digital X-Ray

• Enhanced image quality
• Faster image development
• Ability to further enhance and process images
• Eliminates the need for chemicals, and is therefore more eco-friendly

The choice to use digital x-ray technology was a careful decision on our part. Using digital x-ray technology provides us with much better visual representation of your dental condition, allowing us to design a more accurate orthodontic treatment plan.

However, rest assured that we will only require you to undergo x-rays when absolutely necessary, and only if your family dentist isn’t able to provide us with recent x-rays.

Life with Braces

Eating with Braces

Don’t worry, you don’t have to give up eating all your favourite hard and sticky treats forever. You’ll be eating popcorn, enjoying sticky candy and snacking on crunchy chips again in no time!

However, our rule while you are in braces is to avoid anything that can damage your braces and appliance, unintentionally increasing your treatment time. When your braces are first applied, it is natural to feel discomfort when eating at first. You may feel the same discomfort after every adjustment. This is why it’s important to know what foods are best to eat and what to avoid.

Foods to avoid with braces:

The orthodontic appliances we provide you are of high quality and will be securely fastened to your teeth. However, they are by no means unbreakable. Eating the wrong types of food can cause your braces to become unglued or the archwire to become crooked. Repairing these damages are not included in your original fees so we recommend being careful with the foods you eat.

• Whole raw vegetables (cut them into pieces instead)
• Corn on the cob (kernels can be cut off instead)
• Popcorn kernels (unpopped or partially unpopped)
• Whole apples or fruits with a pit (remove the pit and cut the fruit up in small slices instead)
• Nuts
• Peanut brittle
• Meat with bones (cut the meat off instead)
• Bagels, pizza crusts and any type of hard bread
• Hard and sticky candy such as lollipops, Skittles, etc.
• Toffees
• Caramels
• Ice

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

• Well-cooked pasta
• Muffins
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup (not chunky)
• Soft cheeses
• Yogurt
• Protein shakes
• Breakfast shakes
• Tofu
• Meatloaf
• Soft cooked fish
• Banana
• Avocado
• Applesauce
• Fruit juice
• Jell-o (of course!)

Needless to say, be sure to avoid unhealthy dental habits such as chewing on your fingernails, pens and pencils. None of those are nutritious anyway!