If you’re anything like most patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, you’ve likely been counting down the days until your braces removal so you can see your new and improved smile in all its glory. As the day of your appointment rapidly approaches, you may have questions. How long does it take to remove the brackets and wires? Will it hurt? What happens next? Don’t worry – you can keep reading to learn the answers to all these questions and more.
An Inside Look at the Braces Removal Appointment
The first thing you should know is that there is a special instrument designed specifically to gently and quickly remove your braces. As a result, the appointment won’t be long or painful. Your orthodontist will simply use this tool to carefully remove each of your brackets and, before you know it, it’ll be time to see your beautiful new smile!
The Importance of Wearing Your Retainer
Now you may be wondering, “What comes next?” While braces are designed to guide your teeth into their perfectly aligned positions, it’s up to you to keep them there. That’s where your retainer comes in. This small, but effective, orthodontic appliance will hold your teeth in place, helping prevent orthodontic relapse. Although you’ll be given specific instructions on when to wear it by your orthodontist, you can expect to wear it around the clock for the first six months or so (with the exception of eating and brushing your teeth, of course). After your teeth have “set,” you’ll be given the green light to begin wearing them only at night.
How to Care for Your New and Improved Smile
Wearing your retainer is just one of many best practices you should be implementing to keep your smile in pristine condition. Here’s some additional advice you should know:
- Although you no longer have to abide by the dietary restrictions, do your best to stick to vitamin-rich foods over sugary ones.
- Brushing twice a day and flossing daily will help prevent serious dental issues, like cavities.
- Biannual checkups and cleanings with your dentist are crucial for a healthy smile.
- If your retainer breaks, don’t attempt to repair it on your own – call your orthodontist for a replacement.
- Refrain from unhealthy habits, like chewing on pen caps, opening things with your mouth, and smoking.
After months or years of adjustment appointments and dietary restrictions, it’s natural to be excited about your braces removal appointment. Since the process will be quick and easy, your brand new smile “reveal” will be here in no time!
About the Practice
For our team at Simply Orthodontics, helping our patients achieve a straighter smile is just the first part of our job. Helping you preserve it both now and for years to come is the second! For this reason, we provide custom-made retainers that are both high in quality and extremely effective. If yours accidentally breaks or you misplace it, we would be happy to help you get a replacement one too. If you have a specific question about the braces removal process, want to learn about caring for your retainer, or need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our team via our website or by phone at (508) 429-7800.