Getting your braces removed can be one of the most exciting days. After months or years of wear, saying goodbye to your brackets and wires is likely to be a time for celebration. But what can you expect from the process, and what will be required after you’re no longer wearing these appliances? Keep reading to discover what life after braces will be like.
What is the Process of Removing Braces?
Surprisingly, removing your braces will be a quick process. Your orthodontist will use special dental instruments to pop each bracket off, making sure to use a gentle motion so that you remain comfortable. With the brackets comes the wire, making it a seamless removal process.
After they’re no longer on your teeth, your orthodontist will begin buffing out the surfaces of your pearly whites, making sure there is no adhesive left behind.
You will then undergo a thorough dental cleaning to remove any trapped plaque or tartar from your teeth. If necessary, additional X-rays may be taken to highlight your new bite and ensure the braces have shifted your teeth into the correct position.
What Will Be Required After Braces Are Removed?
Once your braces are removed, you will enter the retention phase of treatment. While taking X-rays of your mouth, you can expect your orthodontist to take measurements in preparation for the creation of your retainer. This oral device is used to keep your teeth in their new position, as it will take time for them to integrate with the bone.
Your orthodontist will discuss how often and how long you will be required to wear your retainer. In most cases, a retainer is initially worn full-time and only removed when eating or cleaning your teeth. Eventually, as your smile becomes more stable, you may be able to wear your retainer only at night while you are asleep.
Do not be surprised, especially if it is your child or teenager who is having their braces removed, if the orthodontist inspects their third molars or wisdom teeth. They must be closely monitored to ensure they do not cause teeth to shift out of alignment over time.
There’s nothing to worry about when it comes to having braces removed. Instead, it’s a time to celebrate and enjoy the results you see in the mirror after years of hard work.
About the Author
Dr. Payam Ishani’s goal as a trusted orthodontist in Oklahoma City is to build lasting relationships with his patients while also creating lifelong smiles that appear happier, healthier, and more beautiful than before. Providing traditional braces to patients of all ages, he can ensure beautiful results when treatment is over. If you are getting ready to have your appliances removed and want to know what you can expect, visit our website or call (405) 805-0997 to learn more.