Whether you are just beginning your braces journey or are close to the end, you may be curious about what to expect when you get your braces off. So much work goes into getting your teeth into the perfect position, but what happens once you’ve achieved it? Brady Orthodontics is here to answer your questions and walk you through the experience so you are ready when the time comes.
How Are Braces Removed?
Getting your braces removed is an exciting appointment to look forward to! It means your teeth have finally transitioned into their ideal positioning, and your brand-new smile is ready to show off. This straightforward procedure takes approximately one hour to complete in three phases. Dr. Brady will begin by removing your elastics, orthodontic bands, and any other components you may have in your mouth. From here, our team will explain the remainder of the procedure so no surprises await you throughout.
Taking Off the Brackets
You may recall the special orthodontic glue we used to place your brackets on your teeth. They feel permanent, but we have a pair of dental pliers for this specific job. You may feel minor pressure on your teeth while Dr. Brady pries each off, but we assure you no pain will be involved.
Taking Off the Glue
After your brackets are detached, there will likely be some leftover glue remaining on your teeth. Brady Orthodontics uses a high-speed drill to smooth the material from your teeth’s surface. The high-pitched sound it makes may make some patients feel uncomfortable or remind them of painful dental work they have gotten in the past. However, we are only working on the outer layer of your teeth and only go as far as the surface. At the end of this step, your appliance will be completely removed!
Is It Painful?
Braces removal is painless and will be finished before you know it! Our team does everything we can to keep you comfortable throughout your appointment and will be happy to take a break if you begin to feel uneasy at any point. We will continue to ask you how you are doing during the procedure and ensure everything is going well. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your time better.
Dealing With Sore Teeth
Your teeth have been constantly moving over the past year, with slight pressure being placed on them. So, when your appliance is taken off, your teeth will likely be sore for a couple of days as they adjust to their new position. That being said, we recommend sticking to a soft-food diet during this time to help avoid unnecessary pressure or excessive chewing when you can.
As your teeth gradually begin feeling back to normal, you can return to eating the chewier or crunchier foods you had to leave behind during treatment. Chips, popcorn, nuts, apples, and hard cookies will be yours to enjoy soon! Waiting a few days before beginning your new diet will help your teeth heal faster.
You May Have Discoloration
After your braces are removed, it is entirely normal to have some discoloration in places you cannot reach, like under your brackets. These yellow patches will likely disappear within six months, but you can still work to bolster this progress.
You will be able to clean the entire surface of all your teeth and gums without issue now! Brushing and flossing twice daily will help support your oral hygiene and ensure you remove any signs of plaque, tartar, or lingering pieces of food. It may take a few days to get used to the sensation of brushing everywhere again, but it will feel great!
Time For A Retainer
With your smile in the perfect position, you’ll want it to last forever! Your teeth, however, are not set in concrete. In fact, they constantly move, even if you don’t notice it first. To keep them from reverting back, Brady Orthodontics provides each of our patients with a retainer to help their smile retain its perfect placement.
This after-treatment appliance is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly and support your long-term smile goals. Dr. Brady typically suggests wearing it full-time for the first three to six months following braces removal to help allow your gums and tissue to settle. After this, wearing it nightly will suffice. If you lose or damage your retainer, call our office and let us know so we can provide you with a replacement.
Going To Your Follow-Ups
Even after your teeth are in their final position, there are still a handful of follow-up appointments that are vital for you to attend. In the months following retainer wear, our team is still your support system as we ensure your teeth stay healthy and your post-treatment plan is on schedule.
This dedicated time allows us to check on your teeth and alert you of any issues before they become severe. This is also the perfect time to ask any questions you may have thought of since your last visit!
Your New Smile Is Here!
Brady Orthodontics is here to support you throughout your braces journey, from the day they are placed to long after your new smile has been achieved. Our team strives to meet your goals and provide a positive experience you will never forget! We proudly serve Winnetka, Evanston, and the surrounding North Shore communities. If you are ready for braces or have questions about your treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation!
