Whether you are nearing the end of your treatment or are just beginning the process, you may wonder what to expect when the day comes to get your braces off. This simple procedure is one of the last steps before getting to show off your beautiful new smile to the world. Serrano Orthodontics is here to share what happens during this appointment, how to maintain oral hygiene after removing your appliance, the importance of attending follow-ups, and more!
Clues Your Braces Are Ready for Removal
There are many signs that your braces are ready to come off or that you are nearing the completion of your treatment, many of which you may have already noticed: your teeth becoming noticeably straighter, less discomfort between adjustments or tightenings, chewing is more manageable, and more time between appointments. Upon recognizing some of these clues, you can begin to count your days in braces.
Drs. Paul and Andrew Serrano will let you know when your time in braces is ending and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We love curious patients!
The Braces Removal Procedure
Luckily, the braces removal procedure is completely painless and takes no more than an hour to complete. Let us explain the steps involved so you won’t encounter any surprises on the day of.
Clipping the Archwire
The first step takes the shortest when we remove the archwire that connects everything. Dr. Paul or Dr. Andrew will begin by clipping and unthreading it from each bracket. They will also remove any additional components you may have on your appliance, such as orthodontics bands, ligatures, and elastics.
Removing Your Brackets
We then detach each bracket from your teeth with special orthodontic pliers. You may recall us using bonding cement to prevent them from moving throughout treatment, but they are simple to remove with the right tools. Dr. Paul or Dr. Andrew will gently pry them off. You may feel some slight pressure during this step, but not to worry, there is no pain involved.
Smoothing Off Excess Glue
After your brackets are gone, the last step is smoothing off leftover glue from your teeth. Serrano Orthodontics uses a high-speed drill to get the job done. We understand some patients get nervous knowing there is a drill involved in the process, as some have negative associations with past dental drill work. However, we go no further than the surface to leave your smile with a beautiful finish!
Procedure Complete!
Just like that, your appliance is removed, and you enter a braces-free life with the incredible results that come with it! If you become uncomfortable or need a break at any point during the procedure, please let us know, and our team will be happy to pause. Afterward, we will provide you with retainers to keep your work in place to maintain your smile.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Brushing
One of the cornerstones of maintaining good oral health is brushing your teeth. Serrano Orthodontics recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush paired with fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from plaque, bacteria, staining, and decay. Now that your brackets are gone, you can brush the entire surface of your teeth without trouble! Don’t forget to do so twice daily, once in the morning and before bed at night.
Flossing
Small food particles can get stuck between your teeth after meals, where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing will be much easier without your wires in the way and without special tools like a threader. We recommend doing so once a day before you go to bed. Just like brushing, the more often you practice this routine, the better condition your teeth will be in in the future.
Mouthwash
Many mouthwash formulas contain fluoride, just like toothpaste. This is a great way to boost your oral health and keep your teeth even more protected from bacteria and plaque. However, it only does so much on its own, so use it as a supplement to your routine instead of a replacement to keep your teeth in the best condition possible.
Tongue Scraper
When you brush your teeth, you remove the surface layer of harmful bacteria on your tongue. To remove as much as possible, gently use a tongue scraper to get rid of deeper layers. This step only takes a minute and further promotes your long-term dental health.
Transitioning Back To Normal Eating
In the days following your braces removal appointment, your teeth and gums may feel slightly sore. Your appliance has placed constant pressure on them for the past year, so they will need some time to adjust to its absence. Dr. Paul and Dr. Andrew recommend remaining on a soft-food diet and slowly transitioning into crunchier foods to allow your teeth to get used to the sensation again. This way, excessive pressure will not be placed on them as they heal.
Attending Your Follow-Up Appointments
Serrano Orthodontics stresses the importance of attending your check-in appointments throughout your treatment. Even after removing your braces, you will continue to come in for these infrequent follow-ups so we can stay updated on the health of your teeth. This dedicated time allows our team to detect any issues and provide relief sooner rather than later. It is also the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have thought of since your last visit.
Time To Celebrate Your New Smile!
At Serrano Orthodontics, we are here to help you through your entire treatment plan and beyond. Our team is proud to support you during this process and will do whatever they can to make it as comfortable and smooth as possible. Providing expert orthodontic services to Phoenix, Chandler, and the surrounding communities, we are ready to help you begin treatment! Schedule your free consultation with us today!