After months of adjustments, avoiding certain foods, and dealing with metal wires and brackets, it’s finally time to have your braces removed! You’ve probably been looking forward to this day for quite some time. However, right alongside all the excitement is likely a feeling of uncertainty: What is it like to have braces removed? Will it hurt? How do you care for your teeth afterwards? Read on as your Denison orthodontist explains what to expect during your highly anticipated braces removal appointment.
How Are Braces Removed?
Despite how secure your braces feel, they’re actually designed to come off quite quickly and easily. The wires slide right out, and your orthodontist will use a special tool to locate the weak spots on your brackets and gently pop them off. You’ll only feel a little bit of pressure, and the entire process will be over before you know it.
Once the wires and brackets are removed, any remaining adhesive is buffed off, and your teeth are polished. Then, after your orthodontist has inspected your pearly whites, they’ll take final photos and X-rays. This information will be used to create your retainer, which you’ll need to wear for your post-treatment.
What Happens After Braces Are Removed?
You’ll likely experience a handful of mild symptoms for at least 48 hours after your braces have been removed, including:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- Light bleeding from the gums when brushing.
What Is Post-Treatment Like?
Right after your braces in Denison have been removed is when your teeth are at the highest risk of shifting out of place. To prevent all the time and effort of your treatment from going to waste, you’ll be fitted with a custom-made device known as a retainer that will help keep your straightened teeth in position.
At first, your orthodontist will likely instruct you to wear your retainer virtually all day, every day to ensure your teeth don’t drift out of place. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress carefully to determine when your teeth are at a lower risk of moving out of alignment. That’s when you’ll graduate to only wearing your retainer at night. Remember to wear your retainer for as long as your orthodontist prescribes to protect your beautiful smile!
Just like getting braces, having your braces removed marks an exciting change in your life. Now that you know what to expect, you can feel even more excited about completing your orthodontic journey!
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Bygness has been helping the smiles of Denison, IA and the surrounding communities stay happy and healthy since 1997. With an orthodontic certificate from the American Orthodontic Society and over 400 hours of continuing education in orthodontics alone, he is truly passionate about helping his patients achieve straighter, healthier, and more beautiful smiles. He and his team use a combination of state-of-the-art technology and personalized, one-on-one dental care to help every appointment go as smoothly as possible. To learn more about the braces process, he can be contacted via his website or at (712) 263-3252.