How Metal Braces are Removed

It’s that much anticipated time…time to remove your braces! Here at York Mills Orthodontics, we know how excited our patients get, in anticipation of getting their braces off. Many, may be anxious about how it may feel to remove their braces. So we thought you would love to learn how braces are removed.

The process of removing braces is not complicated or lengthy and it is not uncomfortable. Braces that are bonded directly to the teeth are removed by slightly deforming the base of the bracket.  Your orthodontist will use sterile orthodontic pliers to squeeze the bracket base. Once the bracket base is compressed, the bond is released, and the bracket will easily come off from the teeth. After all the brackets are detached, your orthodontist will carefully remove the bonding adhesive with specialized instrumentation, which will also aid in polishing tooth enamel. Usually, the adhesive that is used to hold your braces is purposely left until all brackets are taken off to prevent tooth damage during the braces removal procedure.

Some patients who undergo braces removal may report slight discomfort during the procedure. However, in general, it is not an uncomfortable procedure. Some patients who have swollen gum tissues may have more discomfort, but this swelling will typically disappear within a week. After your braces are removed, it is essential to follow a good oral hygiene routine. It will also take a few days for you to get used to the feeling of having no braces but you will adjust to the feeling and love your new smile!  After your treatment with braces is completed, your orthodontist will recommend the use of retainers.

If you have questions about the procedure to re move your braces, please contact our orthodontic office, York Mills Orthodontics,  in North York.

-The York Mills Orthodontics Team