How Are Braces Removed?
Long Beach, CA – Traditional braces are still used in orthodontic practices all over the world because they are effective and efficient. They are a tried and true tool that create a perfectly aligned smile, helping to boost confidence and improve oral health. However, as the day to bid farewell to those metal wires and brackets approaches, there’s a mix of excitement and curiosity about removing orthodontic braces. So what should you expect as you say goodbye to braces and welcome your new, beautifully aligned smile?
The Evaluation Appointment: Ensuring Perfect Alignment
Evaluation Appointment: Before the braces are removed, your orthodontist will schedule a final adjustment and evaluation appointment. During this visit, he or she will assess your teeth and bite to ensure that the treatment goals have been met. If any last tweaks need to be made to the wires to ensure ideal alignment, your orthodontist will complete these at this visit. X-rays may be taken so we have a comprehensive view of your progress.
The Brace Removal Process: What to Expect
Brace Removal: The actual removal of braces is a straightforward process, though it requires precision and expertise. Your orthodontist will use a tool to detach the brackets from each tooth carefully. The process is generally painless, as it only takes a little pressure to remove the brackets. (It is for this reason that you’re told to be careful what you eat during treatment because biting down on something a little crunchy could cause a bracket to come off.) Most patients experience slight pressure or mild discomfort as the brackets are removed, but almost everyone is surprised by how quickly and easily they are removed.
Cleaning Up: Removing Adhesive Residue
Adhesive Residue Removal: After removing the brackets, there will be residual adhesive left on the teeth. The orthodontist will use a series of special burs to clean off the adhesive and polish the teeth, ensuring that any remaining glue is removed. This step is important to achieve a smooth and polished finish.
Final Adjustments and Checks for Perfection
Final Check and Adjustments: With the braces off, your orthodontist will conduct a final check to confirm that the teeth are properly aligned and assess whether any adjustments are needed to achieve ideal tooth anatomy and aesthetics. In some cases, adjustments may be made, such as filing or shaping certain teeth to remove bumpy or worn-down edges and perfect the alignment.
Creating Custom Retainers for Long-Term Success
Final Records: Similar to when you started treatment, your orthodontist will take a full set of records of your smile, including photos, X-rays, and a 3D scan of your teeth for retainers. At HD Orthodontics, we will 3D print the models of your teeth to create custom retainers to fit your beautiful new smile. Retainers are very important to help prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Wearing them as prescribed is essential for the long-term success of the orthodontic treatment.
Post-Braces Care: Protecting Your New Smile
Post-Removal Care Instructions: After the braces are removed, your orthodontist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your teeth and retainers. This may include guidance on oral hygiene practices, retainer instructions, and scheduling follow-up retainer check appointments. We want your smile to be as gorgeous as the moment your braces are removed, so we’ll provide thorough instructions to help you maintain it.
Celebrate Your New Smile!
The day braces are removed is a day to celebrate, so we tell our patients to come in ready to party! We love seeing the joy on our patients’ faces as their new smiles are unveiled, and we especially love seeing them leave our office confidently showcasing their smiles.