Whether you just started your braces journey or have already scheduled your braces removal appointment, you are probably looking forward to the day your smile reaches perfect alignment! Our team at Pioneer Orthodontics can’t wait for you to see the results, so we are here to tell you what to expect when you get your braces off. Read on to learn more about how the procedure works, the importance of follow-up appointments, and how to care for your teeth afterward.
When Are Your Braces Ready To Be Removed?
As you near the end of your braces treatment, you will likely start looking for signs that your appliance is ready to be removed. You may already have noticed plenty of signs, such as your teeth being noticeably straighter, more time between appointments, less discomfort after adjustments, and finding it easier to chew, especially for those with bite issues.
If you are curious about a particular sign you have noticed or are curious about where you are in your treatment progress, we encourage you to ask Dr. Tewes or one of our team members how much longer you will be wearing braces. We are always happy to answer your questions!
How Are Braces Taken Off?
Let us explain how this easy, painless procedure will go and what you can expect to happen so there won’t be any surprises. It typically lasts between half an hour and an hour.
1. Clipping The Archwire
Our team begins with clipping off the archwire and slowly unthreading it from your brackets. Dr. Tewes will also remove any supporting components attached to your appliance, such as orthodontics bands, ligatures, and elastics. This step should only take a few minutes.
2. Removing Your Brackets
Next is removing the brackets attached to each of your teeth. Although they may seem impossible to remove due to the bonding cement used to place them, they can be removed easily with the right tools. Dr. Tewes uses special orthodontic pliers to pry them off of your teeth. While you may feel minor pressure during this step, we assure you it will remain painless.
3. Smoothing Away Extra Glue
With your brackets gone, there will be some excess glue left over on your teeth that was used to keep the brackets in place. This is easy to remove with the help of a high-speed drill, which we use over the surface of your teeth to create a smooth surface.
We understand some patients have negative associations with drills and dental work, and their use may make them anxious. However, we assure you we will not conduct any in-depth or painful work and will be happy to take a break when needed.
You’re Done!
Before you know it, your appliance will be completely removed, and you will be on your way to braces-free life. Dr. Tewes will provide each patient with a set of retainers to keep their work in place so everyone can maintain the smile they worked so hard to get! Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions about what to expect before or during this appointment.
Eating Will Feel Weird at First
Wearing braces prevents you from eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods to protect your appliance from damage. After over a year of avoiding these foods, your teeth have adjusted to your soft diet and eating otherwise may provide an odd sensation. Your mouth will feel tender in the days after your braces removal appointment, so taking some time to ease yourself back into your favorite chips, a whole apple, and popcorn can help support your healing.
Why Follow-Up Appointments Matter
Pioneer Orthodontics stresses the importance of attending your check-in appointments throughout your treatment. Even after removing your braces, you will continue to come in for these infrequent follow-ups so we can check in on the health of your teeth. This dedicated time allows our team to detect any issues and provide relief sooner rather than later. It is also the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have thought of since your last visit.
Stick to a Thorough Cleaning Routine
Brushing and Flossing
One of the cornerstones of maintaining dental health is a regular oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing being two of the best ways to do so. With your brackets removed, you will finally be able to clean the entire surface of each tooth, just as you can get a string of floss down each tooth without a special threader.
Dr. Tewes recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily to protect your teeth from developing cavities, plaque, and decay. The more often you practice this routine, the better condition your teeth will be in the future.
Cleaning Your Tongue
When you brush your teeth, you remove the surface layer of harmful bacteria on your tongue. To remove as much as possible, gently use a tongue scraper to get rid of deeper layers. This step only takes a minute and further promotes your long-term dental health.
Using Mouthwash
A great way to complement your routine is using mouthwash. Many formulas include fluoride, the same material your toothpaste likely contains, helping to maximize the benefits of this ingredient and keeping your teeth as healthy as possible. Remember to use mouthwash in addition to brushing and flossing, as opposed to a replacement.
Enjoy the Smile You Deserve!
Braces are an incredible investment and will change your life for the better! Seeing your straightened smile for the first time is like no other feeling, and we are proud to be the orthodontic office that supports you through your journey. Our offices are located in Lincoln and York, serving all surrounding communities with expert orthodontic services for everyone. If you are ready to schedule your free consultation, feel free to contact us today, and we can get you started on your teeth straightening journey.