As you near the end of your braces treatment, you enter the exciting new phase of caring for your teeth once they are perfectly aligned! Decatur Orthodontics will ensure you have all the tools you need to succeed and your teeth stay healthy. Read on to learn more about what to expect when you get your braces off, including the braces removal procedure, wearing your retainer, and staying on track with your plan.
Exploring the Braces Removal Procedure
Removing your braces is a simple process that typically lasts half an hour to an hour. It is an exciting appointment, knowing you are at the end of your treatment plan and ready to show the world your brand-new smile! The first step in this procedure is Dr. Francis removing your archwire, rubber bands, and other additional components attached to your braces. Our team will discuss each step so you won’t encounter any surprises.
Bracket Removal
Next, we will remove each bracket from 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. Francis 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.
Glue Removal
After your brackets are removed, some glue will remain on your teeth. To remove this residue, we use a high-speed drill to smooth the surface. Some patients find the idea of a drill during any procedure intimidating, as they associate it with more in-depth, painful dental work. However, we touch no further than the surface of your teeth. It may feel uncomfortable, but you won’t feel any aches.
Does It Hurt?
We are happy to share that removing your braces is painless and will be done quicker than you think! Decatur Orthodontics does everything we can to keep you at ease throughout your appointment, so if you begin to feel uncomfortable at any point, let us know so we can take a short break.
Our team will check in with you during the procedure to ensure everything is going well. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your time better.
Attend Your Follow-Ups
After removing your braces, Dr. Francis will ask you to schedule a set of follow-up appointments to ensure your teeth stay healthy and everything goes according to your treatment plan.
It is crucial you continue to prioritize these check-ins. They are a dedicated time for our team to examine your teeth and alert you of any issues before they become severe. This is also the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have thought of since your last visit to help support your smile.
Transitioning Into Retainer Wear
After your teeth reach perfect alignment and your appliance is removed, they still need additional support to keep them in place long-term. You will receive a retainer at the end of treatment to ensure your results last a lifetime! Creating a routine of having your retainer on as prescribed is essential to do so.
Dr. Francis typically suggests wearing it full-time for three to six months, depending on your needs and the work accomplished. Transitioning into nighttime wear will suffice to keep your smile in place after that. If your retainer gets lost or damaged, please call our office so we can provide you with a new one as soon as possible. Wearing a damaged retainer can cause your teeth to shift out of perfect alignment.
Handling Spotty Discoloration
Brackets and wires cover part of the surface of your teeth, making proper oral hygiene an involved task while wearing your appliance. It is common to see some discoloration after getting it removed. These spots will naturally disappear after no more than six months, but you can support this process.
One of the most important things you can do, whether you are wearing braces or not, is uphold your dental hygiene. This can include brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, using mouthwash, and cleaning your tongue. Routinely following these steps keeps your mouth free of plaque, tartar, and pesky pieces of food stuck between your teeth.
Managing Tender Teeth
After over a year of constant slight pressure on your teeth, they are bound to be sore after your braces are removed. They will need time to adjust to not having braces, so Dr. Francis recommends sticking to a soft-food diet for the next few days as they recover. This will prevent unnecessary pressure or chewing as they heal.
As they begin feeling better, you can start introducing crunchier foods like uncooked veggies, pretzels, apples, and popcorn back into your diet. Adding these to your routine will help support your transition to a regular diet.
Celebrate Your Brand-New Smile!
Nothing makes our team happier than seeing you enjoy the hard-earned results of your new smile! Reaching your smile goals is something to be very proud of. Dr. Francis and the rest of our team at Decatur Orthodontics will continue to support you whenever you need us after your appliance is removed. We serve the wonderful community of Decatur, Georgia and those surrounding the area. Schedule your free consultation and get started on treatment today!
