Braces are a great way to straighten out your teeth into better and healthier positions, but they aren’t exactly known for being fun or easy to care for. If you’ve traveled the long road of traditional orthodontic treatment, you are probably excited to be parting with the metal cemented to your teeth. After all, finishing your time with braces is quite an achievement. Here’s what you can expect while getting your braces removed and what you should do for aftercare.
What Can I Expect When Getting My Braces Removed?
Braces are designed to be easily removed. Your orthodontist will use a special tool that can easily, quickly, and painlessly pop each bracket off its tooth. After the wires and brackets have been removed, your provider will buff off any remaining adhesive on your teeth. Most patients typically only feel a small amount of pressure during this process, meaning that overall discomfort is very minimal.
Once your smile has been liberated from the metal appliance it has endured for so long, your orthodontist will examine your smile to document the results and provide for your aftercare. First, they will polish your teeth and then take final records, photos, and X-rays to provide the information needed for constructing your retainer.
What Happens After My Braces Are Removed?
After having their braces removed, some patients experience slight swelling in the gums that should subside within 48 hours. Brushing will help reduce this inflammation by stimulating bloodflow to the gums. You might also experience tooth sensitivity until you are more used to not wearing braces.
A key aspect of life after braces is wearing your retainer. Your orthodontist will most likely prescribe that you wear it almost all day every day for the initial period after having your braces removed, during which your teeth will be at the highest risk of shifting. When your orthodontist believes your teeth are in a more stable condition, they will give the okay for you to only wear your retainer at night. Only change your retainer habits if doing so has the approval of your provider.
You should be proud to be getting your braces removed. The treatment required a lot of hard work and dedication over a significant amount of time. Your straight and wire-free smile is a fitting reward for your efforts.
About the Author
Dr. Davis Witt graduated with his DMD at the University of Connecticut’s School of Dental Medicine before earning his Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry through the University of Washington Seattle’s highly competitive Orthodontics program. He has been in private practice for over 25 years and has served thousands of patients of all ages. His practice provides traditional and clear braces as well as clear aligners. For more information on proper aftercare for traditional braces, contact him online or call the office in Holden, MA at (508) 829-7650.
