Completing your braces journey is a huge step! Just as a transition came with getting them placed, there will be one after they are removed. Dr. Shawn, Dr. Candice, and our expert About Faces and Braces team will be there to help you each step of the way. Read on to learn more about what to expect when you get your braces off and what you can do to make the process as smooth as possible.
The Process of Removing Your Braces
Your braces removal appointment is a very exciting time! This straightforward process takes approximately half an hour to an hour to complete. Our team will begin by removing your archwire, elastics, and any additional components. We will then explain in detail how removing the rest of your appliance will go so you won’t experience any surprises during the procedure.
Bracket Removal
The next step is removing each of the brackets from your teeth. You may remember that Dr. Shawn and Dr. Candice used an orthodontic glue to keep them cemented in place, but luckily, with the right tool, they come off quite easily. We use special pliers to take them off your teeth and remove them individually. You may feel some pressure during this step, but nothing painful.
Excess Glue Removal
There will likely be leftover glue on your teeth. Our team uses a high-speed drill to smooth the material off your teeth’s surface. The sound of the drill may make some patients uneasy, especially if they associate it with other dental work or pain. However, we only work on the outer layer of your teeth and go no further than the surface. At the end of this process, your appliance will be removed entirely.
Does It Hurt At All?
We are happy to assure you this procedure is painless! Because it takes some time to complete, our team will make sure you are comfortable throughout the process and will stop if you begin to feel uncomfortable at any point. The tools and materials used to place your braces may feel relatively permanent while on, but they are designed to be temporary and easily removed when the time comes.
Getting a Retainer
After your teeth reach their ideal alignment and your appliance is removed, they will still need additional support to keep them in place long-term. Each patient receives a retainer at the end of their treatment to ensure their results last them a lifetime. Creating a routine of having your retainer on as prescribed is essential.
Dr. Shawn and Dr. Candice typically suggest wearing it full-time for the next three to six months, depending on your needs and the work accomplished. Afterward, wearing it each night will suffice to keep your smile in place. Should anything happen to your retainer, please call our office so we can provide you with a new one as soon as possible.
Adjusting Back to Old Eating Habits
Without braces to worry about, you can return to eating crunchy or hard foods like apples, chips, nuts, and popcorn. However, in the days following your appliance removal, you can expect to have tender teeth and minor trouble chewing dense foods. Because your teeth are only just now free of the constant tension placed on them for over a year, they will need time to adjust.
About Faces and Braces recommends beginning with a soft-food diet, similar to your meals with braces on, as necessary and gradually transitioning into your old eating habits. Eating these foods for a little longer will help you enjoy crunchier foods later.
Maintain Your Dental Hygiene Routine
While you may have upheld perfect dental hygiene throughout your braces treatment, your teeth may be minorly discolored after removing your appliance. This is entirely normal and will likely fade on its own over the next six months.
In the meantime, you can support this process by brushing and flossing your teeth daily and nightly. After your braces are removed, you will finally be able to clean the entire surface of your teeth, allowing for a more straightforward routine.
Attend Your Follow-Up Appointments
After getting your braces off, Dr. Shawn and Dr. Candice will still ask you to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your teeth stay healthy and everything goes according to plan.
It is crucial you continue to prioritize these check-ins. They are a dedicated time for our team to examine 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.
Time To Enjoy Your Brand-New Smile!
You now get to enjoy your perfectly aligned smile! Nothing makes our team at About Faces and Braces happier than the joy on each patient’s face after their braces are removed. We are proud to serve Clarksville, Nashville-Bellevue, Springfield, and the surrounding communities with our expert orthodontic services. If you are ready to begin braces treatment, give our offices a call to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Shawn or Dr. Candice. We can’t wait to meet you!