There are very few things in life as exciting as approaching the finish line of your orthodontic journey; after years of living with the metal brackets and wires, the day has finally come to have them removed! However, as thrilling as this appointment is, you might not have a clue about what to expect while undergoing this final step of the braces process. Here’s some useful information from your trusted orthodontist about what braces removal looks like as you head forward in life with a straightened, beautiful set of pearly whites!
A Breakdown of the Braces Removal Process
Believe it or not, braces are made to come off quite quickly and easily—and this step of the process is generally more straightforward compared to when the brackets and wires are first placed. Using a special instrument, your orthodontist can locate weak spots on your braces and gently pop the brackets and wires off; once this is done, the remaining adhesive that cemented them to your teeth can be buffed off. This process isn’t painful at all, though it’s normal to feel some slight pressure as the brackets are being removed.
After all of the hardware has been removed, your orthodontist will need to check a few more things before sending you on your way. This often includes taking photos and X-rays, which are used to design your retainer. Your teeth are also polished so that they look better than ever before!
What to Expect Once the Braces Are Off
The main thing you can expect once your braces have been removed is to be met with a dazzling, straighter smile whenever you look in the mirror. But in terms of comfort, it’s not uncommon for patients to endure slightly swollen gums once their brackets and wires have been removed. This discomfort usually resolves on its own within a day or two, but it can be assisted with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Additionally, lukewarm saltwater rinses can soothe inflamed, sore gums. It’s also normal to experience tooth sensitivity since your pearly whites must become accustomed to functioning without wearing braces.
Finally, it’s crucial to note that once your braces have been removed, you aren’t out of the woods just yet—patients are typically given a retainer with specific guidelines concerning how often it needs to be worn. This device’s primary function is to prevent orthodontic relapse, which is characterized by teeth reverting to their original, crooked positions and can occur after the teeth have been straightened. Of course, you’ll also need to continue to maintain excellent oral hygiene—straight and crooked teeth alike are susceptible to cavities and decay.
Once your braces have been removed, you can resume enjoying all of the favorite foods you’ve been missing out on, but more importantly, you can relish optimal oral functionality coupled with unparalleled aesthetic beauty!
About the Practice
Here at Simply Orthodontics Webster, we’re thrilled to provide patients and families in the Webster, MA community with outstanding care! We’re excited to offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments and solutions for patients of all ages, including both traditional braces and clear aligner options. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call today for additional information! Telephone: (508) 943-2100.