The day of removal will be similar to the day your braces were put on. You should plan to spend about 1-2 hours with us as we remove your braces, clean your teeth and make your retainers.
Bracket Removal
The first step is to remove the elastic bands and arch wires from the brackets.
The brackets, which have been glued to each of your teeth, are designed to come loose as pressure is applied. Special pliers will be used to remove each bracket individually. Since adhesive was used to help keep the bracket in place, residue may remain on the tooth until it is polished and cleaned.
Polish and Clean
Using a high-speed dental hand piece, the excess glue residue will be removed from each tooth and the surface polished. This is similar to having your teeth cleaned and polished during a routine dental cleaning. The tooth enamel is not disturbed, although there may be some temporary sensitivity while your teeth adjust to the absence of the brackets.
Retention
Once the braces have been removed and the teeth are polished and clean, an impression is taken with alginate; similar to what was done at the records appointment for plaster models. Retainers are then custom-made for each patient.
Retainers are designed to retain or hold the teeth in their current positions and are not made to move the teeth. It is important to follow the instructions for retainer wear very carefully. Lack of retainer wear is the number one reason for relapse and shifting of the teeth following the braces. Once the braces are removed, and a properly fitting set of retainers is worn as instructed, the teeth have a low tendency for movement.
To care for your retainer, brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste regularly to keep fresh and clean.
Keep your retainers away from pets, and especially dogs. They like to chew on the retainers and will likely damage them.
Avoid placing the retainers near heat. Boiling water, dishwashers, dryers and even a hot dashboard of a car can warp the retainer.
Keep the retainers in a protective case if they are not being worn. This will help prevent breakage, loss, or accidentally throwing them away.
If your retainer gets lost or broken or becomes overly tight and painful, let us know right away. Early detection and management of retainer problems can dramatically reduce future problems.
A Few Things You Might Notice
By the time you get your braces off, you will probably have forgotten what it felt like to not wear braces. Here are a few things you might notice after your visit:
- Calluses. One of the first things you might notice once the brackets are off of your teeth is that you have calluses on the insides of your lips where there was once sensitive skin. These develop fairly quickly when you first get your braces on, but you usually cannot feel them until the braces come off. Don’t worry – these will eventually go away.
- Even Teeth. While you might have been able to feel your teeth lining up and even see how your smile changes over time, the first time the braces are off is usually the first time you’ll be able to see how even and beautiful your new smile is. This can completely change the way you look, especially since you’ve seen yourself with a mouth full of metal for the last year or two.
- Eating is Strange. After years of adjusting how you eat to accommodate your braces, it can be very strange to not have any of those impediments. You can bite into an apple, eat chips or popcorn and enjoy some of your favorite candy, gum and sticky foods again. This new found freedom is always fun!
- Brushing and Flossing. It’s much easier to brush and floss. No more special brushes or flossing tools. Keeping your teeth clean is much easier without wire and brackets. Getting your mouth clean may be a breeze, but this does not mean you get to take it easy. It’s important to always be diligent about brushing and flossing.
- Tender Teeth. Getting your braces off is a little like getting them on. It’s a big change and while the removal of braces isn’t painful, your teeth and gums may seem a little tender for a brief period after their removal and the initial period of wearing your retainers.
- Discoloration. You might notice that your teeth seem a little yellow or discolored. Having braces can make it difficult to keep your teeth white and shiny. If this is the case for you, feel free to talk to us about your options for getting your teeth back to the look you love.
Now that your treatment is over, you’re sure to notice a big difference in your smile and the health of your mouth!
