What to Expect When Your Braces Come Off

When you get braces, they are going to be with you for a long time. In fact, at times it may seem like you will be wearing them for the rest of your life. But rest assured, whether you have to wear your braces for months or years, the big day will come!

When that day arrives, you may be surprised at how little time it takes to remove your braces. People usually don’t feel any pain, and overall, most people enjoy the sensation of their braces being removed, since for the most part, there is a decrease in pressure on their teeth.

Your first impulse may be to reach for a mirror, or even your phone to send a selfie to the world to display your new smile. But before that happens, the Orthodontist will need to remove the cement from the surfaces of your teeth. You may notice that the areas of your teeth not covered by your brackets is a different color than the rest of your teeth. This is normal, plaque has built up in those areas. This isn’t a big deal, and your dentist can correct it with a whitening treatment. In fact, it’s a good idea to schedule an exam and cleaning with your dentist. After your braces come off your, Orthodontist will also fit you with a retainer, to make sure that your teeth properly settle into their new positions.

If your dentist has suggested that you or a member of your family get braces, our Orthodontist, Dr. David Li would love to see you! If you live in the San Diego, California area and would like to make an appointment at San Diego Orthodontic Specialists, call 858-487-8900 today.