Are you just starting your orthodontic treatment? Or maybe you are almost at the end of your braces journey? Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain to be on your mind: the removal of your appliances. When are they going to be taken off? What is the procedure for getting your braces removed? Will it be painful? How about the outcomes? You're probably eager to see your new smile.
However, braces treatment is not something that can be completed in a month or two. It will take some time before your pearly whites are in the proper position, and you achieve that lovely smile.
In this post, we will go over some of the most frequently asked questions about braces removal, such as whether it hurts, what to expect, how long it takes to remove braces, and how much it costs. So just keep reading!
Is it painful to take off braces?
Braces removal is a relatively quick and painless procedure. In fact, it's easier in many ways than the initial installation of the braces. The use of anaesthesia is not necessary. The removal procedure is not likely to cause sharp or severe pain. Instead, you are more likely to feel some discomfort, especially if you have sensitive teeth.
One of the most uncomfortable parts of the process is when the doctor is clipping off the brackets. However, it is usually very quick and is more likely to cause light pressure rather than pain. You may also experience minor discomfort during the cleaning process which is done after the removal of the appliances. However, this will take no more than 10 minutes and should cause no pain at all.
Nevertheless, once your braces are removed from your mouth, your teeth may become more sensitive and sore. This is completely normal and is caused by pressure relief. It should go away in a few days, but in the meantime, you can manage it with pain relievers.
What to expect during the braces removal process?
Getting your braces off is one of the most exciting days of the entire braces journey. But for many people, it is also one of the scariest moments. However, you have absolutely nothing to worry about, because braces removal is a pretty straightforward procedure.
In this section, we'll go over the braces removal process, so you know what to expect during your appointment. The approach is typically the same for the various kinds of devices - lingual, ceramic, and metal braces.
Checking of the teeth and bite
Before starting the actual removal of your appliances, the orthodontist will perform a quick final check of your teeth and bite to ensure that they are in the best possible position.
Taking the brackets away from the teeth
After the final inspection, your doctor will proceed with the removal of your braces. If you have rubber bands on your back teeth, they will be taken off first using specialized pliers. The dentist will then use another type of pliers to separate the braces from the teeth surfaces.
Removing the bonding glue
After separating the device from your teeth, there will be some bonding glue or adhesive left on the surfaces. The doctor will use a special instrument to take it off. This could be a polishing instrument in a dental handpiece, a dental drill, or a plier tool that scrapes the remaining glue from the teeth's surface. In addition, the dentist will carefully clean any plaque or residue left on your teeth.
Final polishing
Once your teeth are clean, your provider will do final polishing to make sure that all the adhesive is removed and the enamel is clean, polished and healthy. Most orthodontists use a hard grinder to do so. The process might be a bit uncomfortable, but it won't take longer than ten minutes.
Preparing the mouth for retainers
Your orthodontic treatment does not end with the removal of your braces. You will need to wear retainers to protect your results. This is a device that holds the teeth in their new positions while the tissues around them heal. Your orthodontist will take an impression of your mouth immediately after removing your braces in order to create a device that fits properly. Normally, you should receive the new retainer at your next appointment.
How long does it take to remove braces?
The entire removal procedure could take 45 to about an hour. In fact, the doctor will spend more time taking a mould for retainers than removing the braces. This means that you may experience discomfort for a very short period of time, only when the doctor separates the brackets from your teeth and cleans the adhesive.
Orthodontic emergency: When is emergency braces removal necessary?
If you have a problem that causes severe bleeding, infection, pain or swelling in your mouth or face, you may need to get your braces removed immediately.
Such complications are most commonly caused by injury or trauma, and it is critical that you contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. You should never attempt to resolve the issue or remove the appliances on your own.
Other orthodontic emergencies that may not require braces removal
- Pokey wire. It is one of the most common orthodontic emergencies. The wire actually shifts within the mouth, which is why you can have a poky wire. Another possibility is that the wire is slightly longer. Your orthodontist can fix the problem or recommend you use orthodontic wax.
- Poking ligature tie. It is basically a little piece of wire that is used to tie in your main wire to your braces. Sometimes a little part of this wire may stick out and this can be really annoying.
- Broken bracket. If it's the farthest back bracket, you might be able to simply slide it off the wire and throw it away. If you have a broken bracket on your front teeth, then it may be tricky to deal with it. In addition, it may cause irritation on your lips. In any case, a broken bracket is a true emergency, and you should go to the orthodontist's office.
Can you remove your own braces?
Braces can be taken out only by a specialist orthodontist, orthodontic assistant or general dentist. Doing it yourself is definitely not a good idea, and there are several reasons for that.
First, you don’t have the proper tools that orthodontists use to take off the appliances. As a result, you may self-inflict real pain by trying to get off your braces. In addition, you don’t have the necessary knowledge to complete the process safely. You risk injuring yourself, your gums, the surfaces of your teeth or even losing your permanent teeth. You may also increase your chances of developing an infection.
In case of an orthodontic emergency, you should reach out to your orthodontist and let him or her about your problem. The specialist will determine whether your devices must be removed or if the issue can be resolved in other ways. If your braces need to be removed, the orthodontist can do so safely and without causing you any pain.
How much does it cost to remove braces?
Getting your braces removed can cost you anywhere from $100 to a few hundred dollars. How much you will pay for this procedure basically depends on the type of appliances you have and the number of teeth that need to be shifted.
Depending on your insurance, you may be able to receive coverage for a portion of the costs. Furthermore, for those who qualify, some dental clinics may offer payment plans or other discounts.
Orthodontic treatments are usually quite expensive. However, if you've made it this far, congratulations! Now all that's left is the removal process! After that, you just need to take proper care of your new, straight teeth, and you will be able to enjoy them for many years to come.