No matter your age, getting your braces removed is an exciting time.
Everyone from kids to teens to adults benefits from quality orthodontic care. And much of the time, the best oral health comes from metal braces. Metal braces have been around in some form for centuries. They are the trusted solution for the most severe tooth misalignment and gaps that can’t be fixed any other way.
Dr. Beauchamp makes metal braces more accessible for kids and adults alike.
First, our special “small form factor” braces are a lot more subtle than old-fashioned metal braces that were around 20 or 30 years ago. Because they are so compact, they’re much less noticeable than older braces, but provide all the same treatment benefits. Treatment doesn’t take longer, either!
We’re dedicated to saving you time, so you can even get same-day braces.
The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll be done with your braces and ready to enjoy the straight, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Results are usually fastest for younger patients, but everyone will benefit in time.
And then you get to have them removed. It’s an easy and simple process!
Getting Braces Removed Is Usually Faster Than Getting Them Put On
Believe it or not, having your braces removed is usually faster than having them put on!
That’s because it takes a while to prepare the enamel of your teeth when your braces first go on, but there’s no need for that step when they come off. While the whole visit may take an hour or so, you could actually spend only a few minutes in the chair. Then, you can really see your oral health improvement right in the mirror!
After your braces are off, you’ll have a few quick things to think about:
1. Get Your New Retainer
A retainer is used to keep your teeth in the treated position so they won’t gradually move back to where they started. A little bit of movement is normal for teeth, but a retainer is necessary to protect your hard work. The majority of retainers are removable, so you can take them out and clean them whenever you need to.
You’ll know weeks in advance before it’s actually time to get your braces removed, so Dr. Beauchamp will be ready with your retainer options. While some younger patients might not need to use retainers, the majority will. You’ll get all the answers you need about caring for and using your retainer before you leave the office.
2. Take Care of Your Teeth
While using your braces, you kept up the usual good oral health habits: Brushing, flossing, and (optionally) using a fluoridated mouthwash. After your braces come off, this gets a little bit easier! You should still do all of the above, but there’s a caveat: You may want to brush more gently for the first week or so.
Just like when your braces first went on, your teeth can feel a little bit sensitive right after they come off. This is nothing to be worried about, and things should go back to normal on their own within just a few days. If any discomfort or sensitivity (to heat or cold, for example) persists after two weeks, get in touch with Dr. Beauchamp.
3. Don’t Worry Too Much About Tooth Color
Depending on how long your braces have been on, you might notice that the parts of your teeth that were just beneath the brackets look a little bit brighter than those that weren’t. Enamel is an amazing substance that will take on its natural color over time, so these small variances will go away in just a few months.
Of course, you might still be concerned about long-term changes in color. Other than brushing regularly, the best thing you can do is drink any acidic or dark-colored beverages through a straw. This keeps coffee, tea, and soda from leaching through the porous surface of your tooth enamel and leaving stains.
4. Enjoy Life Post-Braces
After your braces are off, you’ll usually be done with your follow-up appointments with Dr. Beauchamp. You can always give us a call if you have questions about your retainers or anything else! Many of our patients say they like to spend the first few days after their braces are off enjoying foods that were off-limits with braces.
Are you ready to get all the facts on braces? Want to start your journey with orthodontic treatment?
Set your consultation today to find out more. It’ll be time to get your braces off before you know it.