While traditional metal braces are a great way to achieve a straighter, healthier, and more beautiful smile, it’s understandable that you are probably looking forward to the day when you have them removed. Completing your orthodontic treatment is an important achievement that speaks volumes about your self-discipline and commitment to your oral health, and knowing what to expect when you have your appliances removed can help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. Here’s a brief guide to what usually happens when an orthodontist finally unfastens the braces from a patient’s teeth.
The Braces Removal Process
The metal wires and brackets that comprise traditional braces are designed to be easily removed when the proper time comes, so the process should be simple, painless, and complication-free for most patients. Your orthodontist will use a special tool to gently pop the brackets off your teeth without harming any enamel before buffing any residual cement from your smile. Your teeth will then be polished, and you will receive a final examination and X-rays for your dental record. You will also receive a customized retainer.
What Happens After My Braces Are Removed?
After their braces are removed, many patients find that the outer faces of their teeth feel strange at first, but this issue will fade away on its own as you get used to life without irremovable orthodontic appliances. While you’ll be free to enjoy any food that you like after your braces are removed, you may experience some mild dental sensitivity, so it might be best to stick to softer foods that you can enjoy comfortably until this issue goes away.
While it might be tempting to think that you are done with orthodontic appliances after braces removal, this is not the case. Wearing your retainer or retainers as instructed will be crucial to ensuring that your teeth do not drift back out of place especially in the years immediately following your orthodontic treatment. However, it’s ideal to wear these appliances for life.
Having your braces removed is something to celebrate. Consulting with your orthodontist can help you learn more about what to expect after your treatment and how to preserve your results.
About the Practice
Serenity Orthodontics offers outstanding oral health services to the people of Cumming. With Drs. Susan Podray-Donovan, Kylie Lewis, and Karolina Grochowska in command, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys courteous and compassionate treatment in a friendly and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include orthodontic treatments such as traditional braces as well as retainer and oral appliance services. To learn more about the orthodontic process, contact the Johns Creek office online or dial (770) 622-1177.