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Remove Your Braces and Restore a Beautiful Smile

Do you have braces? Are your teeth aligned and you are wondering how much to get braces removed? After how long will you need to remove your braces? Is braces removal painful? What happens in your final visit to the orthodontist? What is the step-by-step process of braces removal? After the removal of braces, how can you take care of your teeth? Why and how often should you use a retainer?

Braces removal

The wire or metal braces align your teeth with your jaw size and face shape. Once this is done, your braces will need to be removed. You will wear your braces for a few months or a year before your teeth are aligned. It is dependent on the speed it takes your teeth to move. You must be excited to get your beautiful smile back. It will take 30 minutes to two hours and a single doctor’s appointment to remove braces.

Removal of braces may hurt a little. Brackets from the back of your teeth are removed. The protruding wire will have to be pulled out gently. To ease pain and sensitivity, you can ask the orthodontist to give you a numbing medication. To help reduce discomfort and itchiness after braces removal, you can put an ice pack on your face. You should visit a well-trained oral surgeon if, for any reason, your orthodontist can’t remove your braces. Removing your braces on your own can lead to complications like infections and a lot of pain. You may also lack the proper tools to remove the wires and brackets from your teeth.

How much to get braces removed?

Orthodontia can be expensive if not covered by dental insurance or if the insurance does not cover all costs. The cost is dependent on the type of braces used and the number of teeth that need to be aligned. Depending on your insurance coverage, braces removal should cost $100 roughly. If you qualify, you may receive discounts or payment plans from some dental offices.

Final visit to the orthodontist

To ensure everything has moved back to its correct position, the orthodontist will take x-rays of your jaw and teeth. Your teeth are checked for misalignment before the braces are completely removed. Minor adjustments are made to solve the issue. To understand the amount of space created by wearing braces, the orthodontist will ask you to bite down on an impression material tray. The shape of your jaw and face will be examined. The orthodontist will ensure that you can take care of your teeth after the removal of braces.

Steps for braces removal

The images taken should show that your teeth’ alignment is good. The gums and teeth are examined to understand what is happening below the gum line.

  1. Bracket, band, and wire removal.

The bracket is detached from the wire in the following ways:

  1. Rubber bands.

An elastic band is placed around a single bracket and gently but steadily pulled back. It will break the remaining bands that hold the teeth together. It also loosens the bond that holds the tooth and bracket together.

  1. Wire cutters.

A pair of wire cutters or pliers are used to remove bands from brackets. The wire used to align your teeth is then removed. Pressure is applied on one side of the bracket until it breaks at the gum line.

  • Cotton rolls.

It is slower and less intrusive when compared with the other methods. Cotton balls are used to apply pressure on the brackets. The bracket is removed while the tooth enamel is not damaged.

Adhesive/cement may remain on the tooth enamel after removal of bracket.  These spots will be rough.

  1. Removal of adhesive/ cement.

A drill is used to remove any cement or adhesive that remains. To avoid getting near to the enamel with the drill, some orthodontists prefer to leave some adhesive. Removing adhesive by yourself is risky and can significantly hurt your teeth.

  1. Getting a retainer.

You will need a retainer to maintain the bite alignment and straight teeth that you achieved. After the removal of brackets and wires, your teeth will begin to move. Without a retainer, your teeth may misalign over time. The orthodontist will find a retainer that fits you best. The retainer should be worn as instructed. You should wear your retainer at all times except when eating and sleeping.

  1. Show off your smile.

For clean teeth, frequently brush and floss your teeth.

How can you care for your teeth after braces removal?

You should wear your retainer as instructed and keep your teeth healthy.

  • Ensure to floss before going to bed.
  • Brush your teeth frequently.
  • Avoid using straws since they can be hard on new teeth. Ensure to take small sips.
  • Use soft nylon brushes which are gentle on sensitive gums.
  • Brush your teeth using proper technique.
  • To keep your teeth healthy and clean, you should drink a lot of water.
  • Use mouthwash to remove any teeth discoloration caused by the braces.

If your teeth are yellow in places where the brackets were, talk to an orthodontist about whitening your teeth professionally. Give your teeth time to recover after braces removal before you go for teeth whitening.

Conclusion

If you have braces, chances are you are looking forward to the day when you can finally have them removed. Orthodontia can be expensive if not covered by dental insurance. Removal of braces can cost you approximately $100. Examination, bracket removal, and adhesive removal are the steps followed by an orthodontist to remove braces. The process can be uncomfortable and slightly painful but worth it. It may take a few months or a year before you can have your braces removed. In case of teeth yellowing in places where the brackets were, you can ask the doctor for teeth whitening options that are available. Ensure to follow the orthodontist’s instructions on how to care for your teeth and use retainers correctly. This way, you can enjoy your beautiful smile at all times.

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