The day your braces come off is an exciting milestone; months or years of hard work have finally paid off, and now, your newly-straightened smile will be revealed for the first time! However, you might have questions or concerns about what this process will feel like and what you can expect in the months and days following the appointment. Here’s what you need to know, along with some tips for ensuring your results remain beautifully intact!
The Removal of Your Braces
Believe it or not, even though your braces were bonded to your teeth, they’re actually relatively easy to remove, and the process is fairly fast and takes only one appointment. You don’t even need to have your mouth numbed! After the wires are removed, your orthodontist will use a special instrument designed to basically “pop” the brackets off of your teeth. You might feel a little slight pressure, but it won’t hurt you or your teeth at all. After all of the metal is removed, any remaining adhesive is gently and thoroughly buffed off your teeth. One last quick examination is also performed, with steps that include:
- Your teeth are polished.
- Your orthodontist takes final photos, X-rays, and records.
- Your retainer is designed.
Sometimes patients experience slightly swollen gums once their braces come off, but this is a common and temporary issue that’ll fade within a day or two. Tooth sensitivity may occur, but it’s also fleeting.
Your Life After Braces
From there, you’ll be on your way to enjoying your new smile—but you’ll need to keep a few things in mind. Your retainer, which is a custom-made oral device that your orthodontist will give you, needs to be worn as instructed, usually every day at first and gradually less as time goes on. Since your teeth are at a higher risk of shifting immediately after your braces come off, the retainer “retains” their new position. As far as your oral hygiene is concerned, it’ll definitely seem much easier, too!
Getting your braces off isn’t anything you need to worry about—it’s quick, painless, and the grand reveal of your results that you’ve worked so hard for.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has served the needs of patients and families in Webster and the surrounding New England region for several years, with Dr. Sam Alkhoury leading the way. We offer a variety of orthodontic services for all ages, including metal braces, Invisalign, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment, call or reach out online today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 500-2466.
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