How To Remove Braces
How to remove braces
The braces are removed when the orthodontic treatment period determined by the doctor is over and the desired results are achieved. This process is easy and simple and does not cause pain to the person. This includes the following:
- Remove the rubber and wires in the same way that the device is adjusted during regular visits to the doctor.
- Removing the brackets that have been attached to the teeth by pressing on the base of the brackets and trying to loosen the adhesion between them, but the adhesive will remain on the teeth; which means that the teeth and enamel layer will not be damaged as a result of installing the braces.
- The remaining adhesive is then removed using a hand tool similar to that used to remove tooth decay. It is worth noting that the pain associated with it is less severe because this procedure is not accompanied by the removal of any tooth structures. After removing all the adhesive, the gums may become inflamed; however, they will calm down and improve within a few days if you continue to follow the instructions related to care and cleaning.
How long do braces last?
The duration of keeping braces varies from one person to another, and this depends on several factors, including the following:
- Severity of the problem.
- Health of teeth, gums and jaw bones.
- The extent of the patient's adherence to instructions.
- The distance the teeth must move.
- The amount of space available in the jaw.
In general, braces are kept for a period ranging from one to three years, after which they are removed, while continuing to use the orthodontic retainer (in English: Retainer) all the time during the first six months after removing the braces, and then it becomes used only during sleep for several years according to the doctor's estimates. It is worth noting that adults need to keep the braces for a longer period compared to younger people, but they can achieve the same results in terms of correcting crooked teeth and protruding jaw because the facial bones have stopped growing and changing.
Post-braces care
Post-braces care includes:
- The use of a retainer after removing the braces, which ensures that the straight teeth are stable in their position for a period of time that varies from one person to another, known as the retention period; This ensures that the teeth do not return to their previous position by keeping the teeth fixed in place until the bones, muscles and gums adapt to the change that has occurred. It is worth noting that the retainer is specific to each patient, and is made of plastic or metal wires with plastic. It is noted that these retainers are mostly mobile, but there are also types of them that may be fixed or a combination of fixed and mobile together. The retainer is usually installed a week or two after removing the braces, but in certain cases it is installed immediately after removing the braces during the same visit, where impressions are taken to determine the new arrangement of the teeth and make a retainer suitable for the case.
- Visit the doctor for a comprehensive cleaning of the mouth and teeth. Although the orthodontist removes any remaining adhesives from the teeth after removing the braces, it is necessary to visit him again for a comprehensive cleaning.
- Teeth whitening is used if there is a noticeable difference in the color of the teeth where the brackets are placed and the enamel surface. Although it is possible to whiten the teeth during the orthodontic stage using toothpaste or special preparations for this purpose, it is better to wait and postpone this step until the braces are removed to avoid any damage that may occur to the components of the braces or a difference in color consistency.
- Several X-rays are taken and impressions of the teeth are taken after removing the braces, in order to ensure the straightness of the teeth and monitor the growth of the wisdom teeth. In this context, it is recommended to remove the wisdom teeth as soon as they appear, to maintain the straightness of the teeth and prevent them from returning to what they were before the braces.