Getting Your Braces Off? Ask These Questions

The time has finally come for your braces to be taken off! What an exciting day it’s going to be for you, your parents and your teeth! Now that your braces are coming off, you and your parents might have questions from how the braces will come off and what happens once they are off. We’ve put together some questions that you might want to ask your orthodontist.

How long does it take to remove the braces?

The process of taking off braces isn’t as complex as it might appear to be and usually takes about an hour and can be done during one appointment visit.

Could wearing braces have damaged my teeth?

Wearing braces won’t cause lifelong damage to the teeth but minor problems might appear but don’t fret because they can be fixed. Once the braces are removed you might notice white spots on the teeth where the brackets used to be on. These white spots are a result of plaque buildup that can change the enamel color on the teeth.

Does one need to wear retainers after the braces come off?

Yes. It is absolutely necessary that retainers are worn once the braces have come off. The reason for this is because once the braces come off they are still loose and unaccustomed to their new positions so by wearing retainers it helps to keep the teeth in their new locations. The length of time that the retainers will have to be worn varies from patient to patient. Some patients might have to only wear them for a couple years while others might have to wear them forever. The important thing to remember is that once you get retainers you must be sure and wear them as much as possible or else you run the risk of possibly having to wear braces again.

What is the best way to take care of teeth once the braces have come off?

Just like always, the best way to take care of your teeth after braces is to make sure that you continue to brush, floss and rinse twice a day. Make sure that you’re also scheduling dental checkups twice a year so that your teeth can get checked and cleaned.  Another helpful thing you can do is to visit your orthodontist so that they can ensure that your retainers are doing the right job in keeping your teeth straight and aligned.

Should you have more questions before getting your braces off then speak with your orthodontist. Hopefully, these questions will be a good start for you and your kids. Congrats on getting your braces off!