At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, we understand that many of our patients who get braces in East Moreland have a lot of questions about the orthodontic treatment process. From what you can eat to how long you’ll have to wear them, getting braces means making a few lifestyle adjustments in order to enjoy the benefits of a great looking smile.The most exciting day for any patient with braces is the day they finally come off. Depending on the state of a patient’s smile, braces can be worn between one or two years. The day they finally come off represents enjoying the full reward of all the hard work and effort a patient put in to making sure they took care of their oral health during treatment. In addition to the excitement many patients experience, many don’t know what to expect when the big day finally arrives. With that in mind, here are a few answers to common questions regarding what a patient’s final appointment will be like.
How long does it take to remove my braces?
The amount of time it takes to remove a patient’s braces can depend on a variety of factors, but it usually takes no more than an hour. During this time, our team of orthodontic assistants will remove the wires that connect each bracket before beginning the process of removing the bracket from the surface of each individual tooth.
Does it hurt?
No. While you might feel a little pressure when the brackets are removed, the overall process should be entirely painless. However, you might feel a little discomfort when wearing your retainer until you completely break in the new mold.
What should I expect?
Brackets are removed from the surface of your teeth with the use of pliers. Once removed, the surface of your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned in order to remove any glue that might remain. A mold of your teeth will also be taken so that a custom retainer can be crafted for you to wear until your teeth have settle into their new position.
What happens after?
Just because your braces have finally come off doesn’t mean you no longer need to visit our staff at Senestraro Family Orthodontics. Nearly all patients will need to wear a retainer once their braces have been removed to hold the teeth into their new positions. The amount of time you’ll need to wear a retainer will depend on the complexity of the orthodontic treatment and how dramatic the shift in your teeth’s position.
How do I care for my teeth after?
Immediately following your treatment, your gums and teeth may experience a little sensitivity at first. So you’ll have to show a little restraint before crunching down on all of those hard foods you couldn’t eat while wearing braces. You’ll also need to wait at least a month before starting any kind of whitening treatments. This provides time for the newly exposed enamel to become less sensitive. Make sure to schedule a dental cleaning, as some areas of your mouth may have suffered neglect while wearing braces.
Anything I should know about wearing my retainer?
You may have trouble speaking at first, and you may develop a slight lisp. If you practice reading out loud, speaking or even singing whenever possible, the lisp should go away in a day or so. Singing or talking to yourself might seem a little embarrassing, but it’s the best way to condition your mouth to dealing with the wires and plastic.Like many of our patients with braces, you’ll have questions about your braces before, during and after treatment. Our friendly staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have about wearing braces, so be sure to ask us during your next appointment at Senestraro Family Orthodontics.
