After wearing braces for as long as you have, you’ve probably had more than one fantasy about what it is going to be like without them. You’ve also probably wondered what it is going to feel like once you have them removed. More specifically, is it going to hurt?
In short, the answer is no. As a brace-wearing veteran who has gone through all of the routine adjustments, you’ll be able to take any discomfort in stride. And the excitement of getting your braces off will far outweigh anything you might feel when the braces come off.
So what can you expect when you have your braces removed?
Removing the Brackets, Bands and Archwire
Rest assured, removing appliances is a lot quicker than putting them on. A special pair of pliers are used to pop the brackets off the teeth one by one. If you have bands they will be removed with a different type of pliers. You might feel a little pressure but it shouldn’t be painful.
Cleaning the Cement Off
The next step is to remove the bonding agent that attached the brackets. This portion is the most time consuming part of the procedure with the leftover bonding agent scraped, buffed or polished off it. Some brace wearers’ can be a little sensitive to the scraping, but it is not painful.
Here’s a video that shows the procedure (thanks BRACES4AQUARIOUSCHIC!)
Getting the Retainer
The orthodontist will take a mold of your newly straightened teeth, and fit you for a retainer. Though not painful, you might feel initial discomfort and develop a slight lisp until you become accustomed to it.
The entire process usually takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. So the real pain comes from having to wait an extra hour to be able to show the world your brand-new smile!
Here is a great link to an archwired post that discusses experiences and feelings that others have had when their braces were removed.
At Orthodontic Associates, we look forward to making you smile! It’s why we have the convenience of nine locations around Baltimore and an experienced group of doctors who use state-of-the-art appliances and revolutionary services. Contact us to make your complimentary initial consultation.
