Getting your braces off is unequivocally one of the most exciting days for many. After months or years of working towards having your teeth perfectly aligned you’ve arrived at the finish line. Firstly, congratulations from all of us here at Eastern Virginia Orthodontics! This new smile of yours has been earned and is now all yours.
Now you may be asking yourself, “What should I expect now? What’s going to happen when I go to get them off?” Read on to learn about what to expect from your braces removal appointment:
Removal Time
When scheduling your appointment to remove your braces you will want to allot for about an hour.
How the Braces are Removed
Your orthodontist will use special orthodontic pliers to gently squeeze the base of each bracket of your braces. By doing this the adhesive that’s bonding the braces to your teeth is gently broken and then releases from your tooth.
A common question we receive is “Does this process hurt?” No, the only thing you may feel is the release of some pressure.
Tooth Clean-Up
After all your brackets have been detached, the bonding cement is carefully removed with another tool that both removes the cement and polishes the enamel of your tooth. Once this is done, take a moment to look at your new smile!
Impressions Will Be Taken
If you haven’t already had impressions taken, your orthodontist will take some in order to cast and create your retainer.
After Care
Caring for your newly completed smile is just as important as it was while you had your braces. Flossing and brushing are certainly a great deal easier now, so be sure to keep up with your habits and routine. If you’re wanting to whiten your teeth once you’ve had your braces removed, be sure to discuss that with your orthodontist.
Caring for Your New Retainer
After all the hard work of having your braces and achieving your new, stunning smile it’s important that you care for your retainer in the same manner you cared for your teeth while you had braces. Here are a few important tips regarding the care of your clear or wire retainer:
Clear Retainer
Clear retainers are delicate and must be carefully cleaned after each use - a little toothpaste on your toothbrush and a cool water rinse should do the trick. It’s imperative that the inside of the retainer (the part that touches your teeth) is cleaned. These retainers can stain over time if you don’t clean or care for them well.
Be sure to not bend or twist a clear retainer as they are made from a thin plastic-like material and can crack under pressure rendering them useless.
Wire Retainer
Wire retainers tend to be easier to clean as you can simply rub it down with toothpaste and rinse it under cool water. Staining is typically not a problem as the acrylic can be easily cleaned and the stainless steel wire is aptly named and won’t stain.
If a minor adjustment is ever needed to alter or correct the fit of your wire retainer a quick visit to your orthodontist is all you’ll need.
Whether you have a clear or wire retainer, be sure to care for them by keeping them clean and stored in a safe place.
Remember, Eastern Virginia Orthodontics is here to help with all your orthodontic needs in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. Schedule your appointment to either begin your orthodontic journey, have your braces removed, or follow up care. We can’t wait to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of!