Congratulations! You’re getting your BRACES OFF!
From Removal Day to Life After Braces
The day has finally come. It’s time to get your braces off! After months (and maybe even years) of orthodontic treatment, all of your hard work is finally paying off. The food restrictions, careful brushing and flossing, and every appointment along the way have all been leading up to this moment. Your new smile is ready to make its debut, and we couldn’t be more excited for you.
Before you head home and start showing off those straight teeth, here’s what to expect during the braces removal appointment as well as in the adjustment period afterward.
It’s the BIG BRACES REVEAL day!
What Happens During Braces Removal?
As exciting as it is to be nearing the finish line of your orthodontic treatment, it’s extremely important to continue brushing and flossing carefully leading up to your removal appointment. Clean teeth make the actual removal process much easier.
The braces removal appointment typically takes anywhere from about 30 minutes to an hour. First, your orthodontist will carefully remove the brackets and wires from your teeth. Once the braces are off, the remaining adhesive is polished away so your teeth are nice and smooth. We also may take final photos, digital scans, or impressions to document your results and prepare your retainers.
While braces removal isn’t typically painful, it’s normal to have a little sensitivity and feel discomfort from the relief of pressure. Your teeth have been under gentle, controlled force for quite some time, so they may need a little time to adjust once the braces are removed.
Before you leave, you’ll get the chance to see your new smile up close and we’ll go over the best practices for maintaining your results.
Why Your Teeth May Feel Weird at First
After spending all that time with braces, it’s completely normal for your mouth to need a little time to adjust. Here are a few things you might notice in the first few days:
- Your teeth feel incredibly smooth. You’ve had clunky braces on your teeth for so long, so once the brackets and adhesive are removed, many patients are surprised by how smooth or “slimy” their teeth feel. A lot of people can’t stop running their tongue over their teeth for the first few days!
- Your teeth may feel a little sensitive. Since your teeth have been under constant pressure for the past 18 months or longer, once the braces are removed not only is the tension removed but also where your brackets covered each tooth will feel more exposed. Due to this, you may notice some sensitivity for a few days. If needed, stick with softer foods and ease back into them gradually.
- Your smile and bite may take some getting used to. Even though you’ve been seeing your teeth straighten out throughout treatment, seeing your smile without braces can feel surprisingly different. Your bite may also feel a little unusual at first as you adjust to your teeth in their new positions. Give it a little time and before you know it your smile and bite will feel completely natural.
Life After Braces: Say Hello to Your New Smile
This is where everything starts to feel back to normal, but with that brand new smile! Brushing and flossing suddenly feel easier again. There are no brackets to work around or wires getting in the way. You can also go back to eating all of the things you had to avoid during treatment. Even things like biting into an apple or corn on the cob seem new and exciting.
One thing that really catches people off guards is how different their smile truly looks. Yes, braces straighten your teeth, but they also align your jaw. This can change how you smile so most people are surprised by how much the shape of their smile changes from orthodontic treatment.
And then there’s your retainer. It’s what maintains those results you put so much time and effort into achieving.
You’ve dedicated time and effort to attain a straight, beautiful smile—don’t let it diminish. Retainers are the key to preserving the flawless alignment you’ve achieved. -American Association of Orthodontists
Maintaining Your New Smile
As we’ve been discussing, finishing your orthodontic treatment is a huge moment, but maintaining your results is just as important. Teeth naturally have a tendency to shift back to their original spots over time, even after braces, which is why retainers are such a key part of this next step.
Right after treatment, you’ll enter what’s called the Retention Phase. This is when your teeth are still settling into their new positions, and wearing your retainer as directed is imperative to keeping everything stable. After that, most patients transition into wearing their retainer at night long-term to maintain their smile.
There are a few different types of retainers, including fixed (bonded) retainers that stay in place permanently behind the teeth, and removable options like Hawley retainers and clear retainers. One of the most popular removable options is the Vivera retainer by Invisalign. Your orthodontist will recommend which retainer option is best for your specific treatment and lifestyle.
The most important thing is whatever type of retainer you’re given, wearing it as instructed is what keeps your smile exactly where it is. Learn more about our retainers and our Orthodontic Retainer Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt to get braces removed?
Patients typically don’t describe the process of getting their braces off as “painful.” You may feel some discomfort from the relief of pressure and sensitivity as they’re removed, but it usually subsides pretty quickly and is very tolerable.
How long does it take to get braces off?
The braces removal appointment typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your specific case.
What should I expect right after my braces are removed?
You can expect to see your new smile right away! You may also notice some temporary changes like sensitivity or your teeth feeling unusually smooth as your mouth adjusts.
Can I eat normally after getting my braces off?
Yes, you can return to eating all of the foods that were restricted during your treatment right away. Although, some patients prefer starting with softer foods if their teeth feel sensitive at first.
How important is wearing a retainer after braces?
Wearing your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist is extremely important because teeth naturally shift over time. Your retainer helps keep your new smile in place after treatment is complete. Check out our full breakdown of retainer pricing and package options on our Orthodontic Retainer Program page or contacting our office for more details.
RxSmile Frisco Orthodontics is an Invisalign® Vivera Provider
Getting your braces off is a huge accomplishment and a moment worth celebrating. While your braces treatment may be complete, we can’t stress enough the importance of wearing your retainer and caring for your new smile! Wearing your retainer after braces treatment will help ensure your smile results last for a lifetime. Enjoy your new smile, you’ve earned it!
This is the start of a new chapter with your smile, one that feels easier, more confident, and more like you. If you ever have questions as you adjust to life after braces, don’t hesitate to reach out or ask at your next visit. At RxSmile, we’re always here to help – even after your braces are off!
Call the front office at (972) 335-1300 during our regular business hours (Mon-Thur 8am-5pm) or submit an online appointment request after hours and one of our friendly, office staff will respond when we’re back in the office.
Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and Vivera®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.