Saskatoon – Stephenson Orthodontics
The day has finally arrived – you get your braces off and can show off you new, beautiful smile!
Here’s What you Can Expect:
While getting your braces removed, you should not experience any pain. However, it can be a bit uncomfortable, and you may experience a bit of soreness when the brackets are removed. This is due to the relief of pressure from your teeth. The teeth might also be a little sensitive because nothing is holding them together anymore.
Here is the Process for Braces Removal:
- To remove your braces, a special metal device is used to loosen each of the brackets on your teeth. This will usually pop your braces—brackets and wires—off in one piece. If you have a molar band, which is a metal band anchoring your braces to your molars, your orthodontist will slip this off as well.
- After the removal of your braces, your teeth will need a thorough cleaning because braces tend to trap plaque and food in your teeth. Your teeth will be polished with a hard grinder, which will remove any residue of the adhesive used to connect the brackets to your teeth.
- After the cleaning, your orthodontist will take a set of X-rays and possibly a bite impression and/or digital photographs. This will ensure that the braces have done their job. These measurements and a digital model of your mouth may also be used to make you a retainer. A retainer will help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their old position. Follow the instructions you are given about when and how often to wear your retainer.
- Your orthodontist may also inspect your wisdom teeth (if you have them). If your wisdom teeth are just coming in, your orthodontist may suggest that you have them removed. This may prevent future shifting of your teeth.
Oral Aftercare
Taking care of your teeth will be a lot easier following the removal of your braces. Be sure to brush several times a day, especially after meals. You should continue daily flossing as well. Your gums may seem slightly puffy and irritated after your braces removal, but the puffiness should resolve quickly with proper oral care.
Here are a Few Things you will Notice about your New Smile:
- Your teeth will be completely straight and even and you’ll be able to see how beautiful your new smile is. This can completely change the way you look, especially if you’ve seen yourself with a mouth full of metal for the last two or three years. You won’t be able to stop smiling!
- Eating will feel different again. You will be able to bite into an apple again, chew gum, candies, and other sticky food. It will be fun to start incorporating those foods back into your diet! But it is still important to continue eating a healthy, balanced diet.
- Your teeth might be a little yellow. Having braces can make it difficult to keep your teeth white and shiny. Your teeth might be a little yellow when your braces are removed and you might not love how it looks. You can try using a whitening toothpaste or talk to your orthodontist about safe teeth whitening techniques.
- Your treatment isn’t completely over yet. You will have at least one or two follow-up appointments to make sure that your retainer fits properly and that it is keeping your teeth in line. Most people have to wear their retainers indefinitely (usually only at night), to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position. If you go without wearing it for a few nights, you might notice that it feels extra tight or slightly out of place when you put it back in again. This is because your teeth have already started to shift out of alignment. So make sure to wear it as directed to preserve your new smile!
- You will have a beautiful Smile! Getting your braces off is a drastic change, and your family and friends will definitely notice! Once your treatment is over, you’re sure to notice a big difference in your smile and the health of your teeth.
Make sure you smile big and often to show off your new, beautiful smile!
For a free consult, reach our office at 306-653-3955 or book an appointment below.
Stephenson Orthodontics
301 The Tower at Midtown
201 1st Ave South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1J5
