No matter where you’re located in your braces treatment process – whether it’s your first week with braces, or your last week with braces – it’s likely that you’ve already imagined the day your new smile is revealed!
As the days draw closer to your final braces appointment, you may be wondering what to expect on your last visit. How are braces removed? What will it feel like?
Knowing what to expect will make for an even smoother process. We want you to feel prepared for your big reveal moment, so you can enjoy it to the fullest! Check out these answers to your burning questions:
How long does it take to remove braces?
It takes less time to remove your braces than it did to place braces on your teeth. You’ll have braces one minute – then beautiful, shiny teeth the next!
The entire braces removal process should take about an hour or less. Once Dr. Senties removes your braces, you’ll be fitted for your custom retainer. We’ll then discuss life after braces, and after that, you’re free to go share your new smile with your friends and family!
How are braces removed?
Your orthodontist will use a special tool to gently crack the dental cement off your brackets, and free your braces! Once your brackets are detached from your teeth, your orthodontist will take off your braces, scrape off the cement, and polish your teeth.
Once the glue is removed, and you’ve smiled in the mirror, awe-struck at your beautiful teeth, it’s time to fit your custom retainer! After removing braces, your teeth are more susceptible to reverting back to their original position, so wearing a retainer is critical for preventing relapse in your progress.
If you don’t want your beautiful new smile to be temporary, be sure to carefully follow the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of proper retainer wear. Once your retainer is in place and fits comfortably, your orthodontist will explain how to wear it and how to care for it!
Does it hurt to remove braces?
You may feel some minor discomfort while the last traces of dental cement are being removed, but it should not hurt to have your braces removed! You may experience a unique sensation when the pressure of your braces is lifted – but this shouldn’t hurt either.
How long do your teeth hurt after getting braces off? While your teeth shouldn’t hurt, they may be tender once your braces are removed. Remember how it felt the first day you got your braces? You’ll feel a similar sensation due to the changes in pressure.
After about a week, most people don’t notice anymore sensations!
Getting Used to Life After Braces
You’ve probably been wearing your braces for a while! Life without them will feel a little different at first, but the first thing you’ll notice is your beautifully straight teeth. (And they may feel a bit slimy at first.)
When you eat your first meal without braces, your teeth will feel so much lighter! It’s a wild, exciting sensation.
You’ll be able to brush and floss your teeth without archwires in the way, and you can finally brush the entire surface of your teeth.
Your teeth and gums may feel sensitive for a week or so after braces removal. If necessary, we suggest eating a soft food diet while your teeth are still tender. Some people can resume their pre-braces diet immediately after braces removal, while other people prefer a few days to a week of eating a soft food diet. You can use your own judgment based on how your teeth are feeling.
If you’re planning on using any whitening or bleaching agents, please talk to your orthodontist about the optimal time to wait after your braces are removed. We suggest you wait until the newly exposed enamel hardens.
As we get closer to your final braces appointment, we’ll discuss the braces removal process and what you can expect when your braces are removed! We want you to feel informed and empowered in your treatment process – every step of the way.
Still have questions about braces removal?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in San Antonio, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
