You may have eagerly looked forward to getting your braces taken off for several months — perhaps even for a couple of years. Now, that delightful day is quickly approaching. There is no need to be nervous about your appointment; braces removal in Hamden is usually a comfortable and quick undertaking. This blog post discusses what you can expect during the removal process. It also provides some guidance on how you should care for your freshly straightened smile.
Removing the Braces
Your braces’ brackets are securely bonded onto your teeth. Fortunately, despite how secure they are, they are designed to be easy to remove. Your dentist will use a special instrument to find weak spots in your brackets, after which the instrument can be used to gently pop the brackets out of place. You are likely to feel some pressure on your teeth, but overall, the process is comfortable and causes little to no pain.
Once the brackets are off, it is possible that you will still have some adhesive on your teeth. It will be gently buffed off before you can look in the mirror and enjoy your braces-free smile for the first time.
The Examination
Once your braces and any lingering adhesive are gone, your dentist will examine your teeth so they can verify that everything is as they expected. They may also make some notes to document the end of your orthodontic treatment.
Next, your dental team will take a few minutes to give you pointers on proper braces aftercare. For example, in addition to designing your retainer, they will give you guidance on how to use it properly so your teeth do not drift out of their new positions. Feel free to ask questions — your dentist and their staff members are eager to help you have a positive post-treatment experience.
After Your Appointment
Many patients notice that their gums are sore for the first 48 hours or so after their braces are removed. You might even experience a little bleeding when you brush. However, you should not take that as a sign that you should cut back on oral hygiene. Maintaining a clean mouth will help to decrease inflammation and facilitate a quick recovery.
You might also notice that your teeth are extra-sensitive after your braces are removed. This is usually temporary and should lessen as you adapt to your new braces-free lifestyle.
Wearing Your Retainer
Your retainer is one of the most important parts of your orthodontic aftercare. Because teeth have a sort of “memory,” they tend to drift back toward their former positions if there is nothing to keep them where they belong.
At first, you may have to wear your retainer for around 22 hours a day. After several months, though, you may be able to transition to using it only at night. If it ever begins to feel uncomfortably snug, that is a sign you are not wearing it enough.
For most patients, braces removal is an easy and quick process. Hopefully, your appointment will go well, and you will soon be enjoying all the benefits of your newly straightened smile.
Meet the Practice
The team at New Haven Dental Group in Hamden is proud to offer a range of treatments, including traditional braces. If you have questions about orthodontic care or what to expect after it, our team would love to speak with you. Contact us at 203-587-7327.