Orthodontic FAQ's

A course of orthodontic treatment varies with the complexity of the case. With fixed braces it can take anywhere between 3 months to two years for active treatment. Following this there will then be a phase of retention, which stabilizes your teeth. You continue to visit the surgery every 3-4 months for 1 year and then on your Orthodontist's advice you can be discharged.

Always contact the surgery for advice as soon as possible, same day or the next day at the latest. If you break your retainers you must contact the surgery as soon as possible for advice.

The wax supplied in your starter kit can be applied to a fixed brace. Try to dry the area first with a piece of cloth or tissue to help the wax stick. If a removable brace is rubbing, wear it as much as possible but contact the surgery as soon as possible to have it looked at.

Painkillers can be taken if necessary in the first few days. A soft diet may also help in those first few days. Sipping iced cold water helps to lessen the pulling sensation on the teeth. Most problems subside within 48 hours.

With a removable brace, it is likely that your speech will be affected to start with. Most people have very few problems after the first few days. A removable brace should be worn as instructed. If it is continually removed, it is unlikely that the speech will adapt. Hidden Lingual braces can take a few days to adapt but with normal fixed braces there is normally little or no change in speech.

Most people have no problems, whilst others will be affected for the whole course of treatment. This needs to be borne in mind when starting a course of treatment.

We will write a letter to your general Dentist, who will arrange for teeth to be removed, usually under a local anaesthetic. If the extractions are likely to be more complicated, your Orthodontist may refer you to a specialist dental surgeon (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon). Most extractions are done at the Dentist with local anaesthetic to make the procedure painless.

Removable braces must ALWAYS be removed and placed in an appliance box during contact sports. A mouthguard should be worn during contact sports. A mouthguard is recommended when a fixed brace is worn. Your chemist should be able to supply  mouth-guards that can be molded to your teeth by placing in hot water. We also offer a special guard that protects the upper and lower teeth as well as the lips and cheeks. We can also provide custom fitted mouth-guards, made at our laboratory. They are made to allow movement of the teeth during treatment whilst protecting the appliance and teeth.

Once the fixed braces are removed, removable retainers will be fitted. These should be worn as directed by your orthodontist. Generally, it is highly recommended that long-term retainer wear is continued to maintain the results. Fixed or bonded retainers are another option. These are permanently attached to the inside of your teeth and prevent any future movement. Your Orthodontist will give you instructions regarding the options available.

Yes, this is very important. We recommend that you visit your dentist and hygienist every six months to check that your teeth and gums are healthy.  We DO NOT check your teeth for other dental problems. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have your teeth checked regularly.

Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. During your initial consultation, we will use a 3D scanner to create a precise model of your teeth. This model is then used to map out your treatment plan, which shows the step-by-step movement of your teeth. Each set of aligners is slightly different from the last, applying gentle, controlled pressure to move your teeth over time. You'll typically change to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks from Beam Orthodontics.

Invisalign can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites and crossbites. However, it's not suitable for all cases, especially very severe ones. A free consultation with our orthodontist is the best way to determine if it's the right treatment for you.

Most of our patients report that Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional braces. You may experience some mild discomfort or pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners, which is a sign that your teeth are moving. This feeling usually goes away after a few days.

The ideal age for treatment varies. For children, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit around age seven. An orthodontist can spot potential jaw growth issues early. This can guide future development and may prevent more serious problems later. Early intervention can also make future treatment shorter or less complex.

It's never too late for treatment, though. Many adults get braces or aligners. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, there's no age limit. Adult treatment can improve your smile and your overall oral health. The best time to start is after a consultation with an orthodontist. They can determine what's right for you.

Fitting braces is a straightforward process that typically takes about 1 to 2 hours. During this appointment, our orthodontist will first prepare your teeth by cleaning and drying them.

Next, we’d bond the small metal or ceramic brackets to each tooth using a special adhesive, which is then cured with a blue light.

After the brackets are in place, an archwire is threaded through them, and small elastic bands are used to secure the wire. While the fitting itself is relatively quick, it's just the first step in a longer treatment plan that can last for months or even years, depending on your individual needs.

Invisalign aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces, offering a discreet way to straighten teeth. These clear, custom-made trays are created using a 3D scan of your teeth and are designed to gradually shift them into the desired position. You wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next one in the series. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss with ease.

Made from a comfortable, medical-grade plastic, Invisalign is nearly invisible when worn. To be effective, the aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. While they are an excellent option for a variety of dental issues, a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist is necessary to determine if they are the right solution for your specific needs.