Your time with braces is nearing its end, and you’re super excited to get them removed and reveal your beautiful new smile!
The good news is, removing braces takes less time than it does to undergo your initial exam and have braces placed on your teeth.
Like anything in life, knowing what to expect will make for a smoother process! Here’s what you can do to prepare yourself for the day your braces are removed.
How Long Does it Take to Get Your Braces Removed?
The process of removing your braces takes about an hour. Here’s how it works:
The dental cement that was holding your braces in place will be gently removed. A special tool is used to scrape off the cement and polish your teeth.
Once the glue is removed, it’s time to fit your custom retainer! After removing braces, your teeth are more susceptible to reverting back to their original position, so wearing a retainer is critical for preventing this.
If you don’t want your beautiful new smile to be temporary, be sure to carefully follow your orthodontist’s instructions on proper retainer wear.
Fitting the retainer is the last step! Once your retainer is properly in place, your orthodontist will explain how to wear your retainer properly and how to care for it.
Now, it’s up to you to maintain your new smile and prioritize your oral hygiene!
Will Removing Braces Hurt?
You may feel some minor discomfort while the last traces of dental cement are being removed, but it should not hurt to have your braces removed!
First, the archwire is removed, and special orthodontic tools are used to gently crack the adhesive and free the braces. Metal rings are then removed from the back molars. The final process is to remove all traces of glue, polish the teeth, and fit your retainer.
Getting Used to Life After Braces
You’ve probably been wearing your braces for a while! Life without them will feel a little different at first, but the first thing you’ll notice is your beautifully straight teeth. (And they may feel a bit slimy at first.)
When you eat your first meal without braces, your teeth will feel so much lighter! It’s a wild, exciting sensation.
You’ll be able to brush and floss your teeth without archwires in the way, and you can finally brush the entire surface of your teeth.
How Will My Teeth Look After Removing Braces?
How your teeth will look once the braces are removed will depend on how good your dental hygiene was while wearing them, and whether you used whitening toothpaste or solutions while your braces were in place. (We advise that you wait until your braces are removed to whiten your teeth!)
Some patients may notice discolorations on their teeth after their braces are removed. Plaque buildup on teeth will change the color of the enamel, which can appear as white spots.
Don’t worry, though! You can have your teeth whitened once your braces are removed and these spots should disappear easily, in one or two treatments.
Your teeth and gums will be sensitive for a few weeks after braces removal. It’s important not to be in too much of a rush to add crunchy or chewy foods back on the menu. Eating these types of foods straight away after braces could be uncomfortable, as your teeth are tender.
If you’re planning on using any whitening or bleaching agents, please talk to your orthodontist about the optimal time to wait after your braces are removed. We suggest you wait until the newly exposed enamel hardens.
Now that you know how easy it is to get braces removed, learn more about getting started!
We are here for you in North Tampa, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Bradenton!
We want you to look good, do good and feel good. And that has everything to do with loving your smile! If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Ready to get started? Take the first step today by requesting your complimentary consultation with orthodontists who care about you!
