The time has finally come for your braces to be removed! Soon, you’ll be able to eat all your favourite foods, brush/floss your teeth more easily and smile with confidence.
All your hard work has paid off!
You might remember having your braces put on but having them removed is a whole new experience. You might be wondering about the process — how are braces removed? Does it hurt? How long does it take to get braces off? Is your orthodontic treatment really over?
In this article, we aim to clear up any confusion and cater to any curiosity. Learn more about braces removal and how to care for your teeth afterwards with Advance Family Dental.
How are braces removed?
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The braces removal process is actually very simple. The first step is to separate the brackets from your teeth. We will use pliers to gently squeeze the brackets to weaken the glue that’s holding them in place, separating the bond. We’ll do this for each and every bracket both top and bottom. It won’t hurt, but you may feel a small amount of pressure on your teeth.
Once the brackets have been removed, there will be some bonding glue left on the surface of your teeth. We will thoroughly clean your teeth using a special instrument to remove the residual glue. This will take around five to 10 minutes.
Now, your teeth will be nice and fresh — as well as straight! To ensure your teeth stay in their new position, we will then make a mould for your retainer. Most patients are required to wear a retainer for some time after their braces have been removed to hold their teeth in position. Some patients will have to wear their retainer indefinitely, but every patient’s case is different.
Depending on your condition, we will either take the mould and make the retainer one week before or one week after we remove your braces.
In all, the whole process should take about an hour.
Does it hurt?
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No, braces removal shouldn’t hurt. When we’re removing the brackets from your teeth, you may feel some light pressure but it shouldn’t hurt. Likewise, when we are removing the residual glue from the surface of your teeth, you may feel a little discomfort if you have sensitive teeth. Otherwise, it shouldn’t hurt at all.
If you feel uncomfortable, nervous or you are experiencing pain during the removal procedure, let us know! We offer anxiety management and sedation services to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
Some patients experience discomfort after their braces have been removed. When your braces are removed, a small section of the enamel that was covered by the brackets is now exposed, so your teeth will feel a little sensitive. So — how long do your teeth hurt after getting braces off?
You may feel some discomfort for about a week after your braces have been removed. If your teeth feel sore, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to soothe the pain. In the meantime, opt for foods that aren’t too hot or too cold e.g. oatmeal, soft bread, soft fruits and veggies.
Do I need more orthodontic treatment after my braces have been removed?
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You won’t necessarily need more orthodontic treatment once your braces have been removed but we will ask you to come and see us every six months so we can check on the health of your teeth and ensure you’ve been wearing your retainer. You need to be vigilant with wearing your retainer — once your braces have been removed, your teeth will have the natural instinct to move back into their original position. This is called orthodontic relapse. Your retainer will ensure this doesn’t happen!
To start with, you will need to wear your retainer full-time and for most patients, you will eventually be able to transition to only wearing them at night. We will check on the condition of your teeth when you come in, and we will let you know when it’s time to make the transition.
How to take care of your teeth after braces removal
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For the most part, caring for your teeth after braces is easy! It’s all about keeping up with your regular oral hygiene routine and wearing your retainers as per your dentist’s recommendations. Here are a few quick tips to keep your teeth straight and healthy after braces removal.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled brush and replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles look frayed.
- Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles your toothbrush can’t reach. FLoss between every space between the teeth.
- Mouthwash. If your teeth need a little more protection than just brushing and flossing, swish some mouthwash around your mouth. This is optional but a great way to give your entire mouth a clean.
- Wear your retainer as per your dentist’s instructions. This is essential for preventing orthodontic relapse!
- Wear your retainer as per your dentist’s instructions. This is essential for preventing orthodontic relapse!
- Clean your retainers every day. Once it becomes a habit, it won’t be a chore anymore. Talk to your dentist about the best cleaning agent for your retainer.
- Rinse your mouth with water regularly. After eating something sugary or drinking tea, coffee and other staining food/drinks, make sure to rinse your mouth out with water. This will help prevent stains and keep your teeth white.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a clean and a check-up. We’re here to ensure you have a healthy, beautiful smile. Book an appointment once every six months for a thorough clean and a check-up so we can maintain your smile.
Contact us if you have any questions about braces removal and improving your dental health
If you have any other questions about the braces removal process and caring for your teeth, please get in touch to book an appointment with our professional, knowledgeable dentists. We can walk you through the entire process and ensure you understand how it works, the risks and advantages, and how to care for your teeth once your braces have been removed.
