When your braces treatment plan nears the end, you’re probably feeling more excited by the day! Soon your braces will be removed once and for all, and your beautiful new smile will be revealed.
The good news is, it takes a lot less time to remove your braces than it did to place braces on your teeth. You’ll be sporting a set of braces one minute – then beautiful, shiny teeth the next!
Knowing what to expect will make for an even smoother process. We want you to feel prepared for your big reveal moment. Here’s what you need to know to prepare yourself for the day your braces are removed:
How long does it take to remove braces?
When Dr. Wiewiora or Dr. Dunn removes your braces, the process will take about an hour!
How are braces removed?
Your orthodontist will use a special tool to gently crack the dental cement off your brackets, and free your braces! Once your brackets are detached from your teeth, your orthodontist will pull off your braces, scrape off the cement, and polish your teeth.
Once the glue is removed, and you’ve smiled in the mirror, awe-struck at your beautiful teeth, 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 relapse in your progress.
If you don’t want your beautiful new smile to be temporary, be sure to carefully follow your orthodontist’s instructions for proper wear and care.
Once your retainer is in place and fits comfortably, your orthodontist will explain how to wear it and how to care for it!
Does it hurt to remove braces?
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! You may experience a unique sensation when the pressure of your braces is lifted – but this shouldn’t hurt either.
How long do your teeth hurt after getting braces off? While your teeth shouldn’t hurt, they may be tender once your braces are removed. Remember how it felt the first day you got your braces? You’ll feel a similar sensation, due to the changes in pressure.
After about a week, your teeth should feel good again!
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?
Your teeth will look beautiful with a perfect, straight alignment of course! Depending on your oral hygiene throughout your treatment, you may notice some discoloration on your teeth. This is very common and easy to treat.
White spots or discoloration may be caused by plaque buildup on teeth, or from using whitening treatments or whitening toothpaste with braces on.
Don’t worry! You can use an ADA-approved whitening treatment or receive a professional whitening treatment after braces – and these spots should disappear within one or two treatments.
Your teeth and gums may feel sensitive for a week or so after braces removal. If necessary, we suggest eating a soft food diet while your teeth are still tender. Some people can resume their pre-braces diet immediately after braces removal, while other people prefer a few days to a week of eating a soft food diet. You can use your own judgment based on how your teeth are feeling.
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.
As we get closer to your final braces appointment, we’ll discuss the braces removal process and what you can expect when your braces are removed! We want you to feel informed and empowered in your treatment process – every step of the way.
Still have questions about getting your braces removed?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Longwood or Lake Mary, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
