Getting your braces off can be one of the most joyous days of a child or an adults life. The years of wearing the braces can quickly lead to the thought of getting the braces off. Many are excited to get the braces, to realign their teeth and to obtain a beautiful smile. This is quickly changed to the thought of getting the braces off, sometimes just days after getting the braces on. Days of eating whatever you want and leaving the extensive cleaning often become the new focus.

Finding out what to expect after getting the braces off will be a search many perform. What can I eat? How will they look? How will it feel to get the braces removed? What is next for my teeth? What kind of retainer will I get? How do I care for the retainer? How long do I have to wear the retainer? These questions will be addressed in this article?

Although the time it takes to get your braces removed can vary, the estimated time is 1-2 hours. This all depends on what procedures may be done after your braces are removed.

The first step in getting your braces off is removing the rubber bands or metal wires that hold on the arch wire. Next will be removing the arch wire. This all takes just a few minutes and should be something your are already used to since they do this at your monthly visits. After these are removed the dentist will use a tool to break the bond with the tooth and the bracket. This is usually painless and doesn't take much time either. The last step in actually getting the braces off is removing any leftover bonding agent. This is when you may experience some discomfort. All of this is usually done in forty minutes to an hour. Any other time that your dentist may have schedule can be used to make molds for the retainers you will be wearing after getting your braces off or install the bonded retainers, if needed.

First concerns about getting braces off are usually will it hurt. The braces are not tightened for the weeks prior to getting them off reducing the pain in the teeth. A pair of pliers is used to break the bond between the bracket and the tooth enamel. The bonding agent will remain on the tooth. The orthodontist will then smooth off the bonding material and polish the teeth. If you have sensitive teeth this may be uncomfortable. Taking a pain medication before the procedure is done could be your best option.

Many patients can’t wait to sink their teeth in to a juice red apple. This is something that is discouraged while wearing the braces. The eating of an apple can easily snap off the brackets causing an extra trip to the orthodontist. After getting your braces off you will be able to eat anything that you could before the braces were put on. There are exceptions. If you get a bonded retainer you will need to remain careful about what you eat. Eating certain things can break the bond of the retainer.

A bonded retainer is mostly used on the bottom front teeth. A wire is secured to the back of the teeth by a bonding agent. This retainer is used when the orthodontist feels that there may be movement of the teeth after the braces are taken off. Having a bonded retainer does require special cleaning similar to they braces A self treading floss will need to be used to clean between the teeth. Self threading floss has a stiff end that makes it easier to place under the wire of the retainer. Also you will need to check often to make sure the bonding hasn’t broken. This could cause a build up of food and plaque underneath and lead to tooth decay. A bonded retainer may be left on for years if the orthodontist feels that movement of your teeth may occur.

A removal retainer or Hawley Retainer is common after getting braces off. This retainer is often used for the top teeth and is made from a molded impression of your teeth. The advantages of this retainer are that you can remove it to eat, drink and brush. However you must remember to wear it all the time as instructed by your orthodontist. Anytime it is left out there could be a shift in your teeth. While a small shift may be corrected by putting the appliance back in, some movement may require the retainer to be adjusted.

If you find that your teeth don’t look as good as expected, you should discuss the results with your dentist. Sometimes in the first months after the braces are taken off there may be movement, especially if you’re not wearing your retainer correctly. Your orthodontist may opt to put your braces back on for a short time to correct this problems.

After getting your braces off you may want have a type of teeth whitening performed. Your orthodontist may already offer this or you may need to ask for this to be done.