Brunette woman in a black hat and sunglasses celebrates with purple confetti getting her braces off

What to Expect When Getting Braces Off

August 21, 2019 6:26 pm

The long-awaited moment is finally here: the braces are coming off! Whether it’s your child’s big day or your own, it’s an exciting milestone. But what’s next? Read on to learn what to expect when the braces come off.

The Appointment

Depending on the course of your orthodontic work, you may have your braces on for several months, a year, or several years. Dr. Meason will estimate when they’ll come off, but the date will depend on how well your teeth alignment is progressing. Generally, it takes about an hour to remove the braces. During the appointment, the brackets will be removed, any bonding residue will be cleaned off the surface of the teeth, and you’ll have impressions taken of your new smile. These impressions will be used to make your retainers. And don’t be alarmed if your now-smooth teeth feel a little slimy for a few days as you adjust to the absence of brackets against your lips and cheeks.

Post-Braces Oral Hygiene

Once you’re done with your braces, brushing and flossing your teeth will be much easier. Continue to take superb care of your teeth by brushing twice daily, flossing every day, visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings twice a year, and attending follow-up orthodontic appointments as needed.

Keeping Your Smile Straight

After your orthodontic treatment, a retainer is the key to keeping your beautiful new smile in line. If you don’t wear removable retainers, your teeth will shift and you’ll lose your new alignment–which took a lot of hard work, patience, time, and money! If you have a permanent retainer, keep it clean and protect it from damage by wearing a mouthguard during sports and a nightguard if you grind your teeth, avoiding chewing on ice, and never opening packaging with your teeth.