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Does Getting Your Braces Off Hurt? How to Prepare for the Big Day

Hispanic teenager girl with dental braces wearing casual clothes smiling cheerful showing and pointing with fingers teeth and mouth. dental health concept.

Finally, braces off day! After months (or maybe even years) of wires, brackets, and those tiny rubber bands, your brand-new smile is about to be revealed. But amidst all the excitement, one question remains – does getting your braces off hurt? Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness is here to help you prepare for this milestone moment.

Does Getting Your Braces Off Hurt?

Removing braces shouldn’t hurt, but be prepared for mild teeth sensitivity. As the brackets are being detached, you might feel a pulling sensation, but that’s just mildly uncomfortable, if at all. This happens because, all of a sudden, a lot of pressure is relieved from the teeth. 

Overall, wearing that new smile will feel somewhat unusual, and you’ll have to give yourself some time to get used to your current teeth alignment, but that’s a good thing. Isn’t it exciting to finally retire the metal and show off those pearly whites? 

How Long Does It Take to Get Braces Off?

The length of the removal process varies from patient to patient, but it’s usually not much longer than the standard dentist appointment, somewhere around one hour. This includes braces removal, dental cleaning, and taking teeth impressions for your retainer. 

Woman wearing dental braces
Getting them off should be longer than your usual dentist appointment

What Does the Braces Removal Process Look Like?

We get it – those dental tools used for detaching brackets can look a little intimidating! However, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, is all about cozy, stress-free dentistry. After all, your smile makeover should be something to celebrate, not worry about!

From our gentle touch to our comforting amenities, your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark will make sure this exciting day is nice, relaxing, and even enjoyable. But to truly put you at ease, let’s talk about what you can expect from this visit. 

One by One, Brackets Will Be Gently Removed

Taking off the braces is simpler than it looks. Your dentist in Charlotte, NC, will use a special metal device, similar to a pair of pliers, to gently loosen each bracket. Most of the time, the braces will pop off in one piece – brackets, wires, and all. Doesn’t sound so bad, right?

Cleaning and Polishing for a Smooth Finish

Once the braces are off, your teeth will get a well-deserved teeth cleaning session. Our practice of advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, offers cleaning methods that are not only more precise but also gentler on the teeth. Any leftover adhesive that was holding the braces will also be removed. The end result? Teeth that are ready to shine!

Post-Cleaning Checkup and Retainer Preparation

Once the teeth are pearly white, your Charlotte, NC, dentist may take X-rays, digital photos, or even a bite impression. Looking over them, they’ll be able to tell if the braces have done their job. If wisdom teeth are starting to come in, removal will be recommended to prevent future shifting

These recordings and impressions also help craft your unique retainer, which is essential for keeping proper teeth alignment. We’ll talk about how and when to wear it to maintain that beautiful smile. This ensures all that hard work with braces lasts a lifetime!

Dr. Sladjana Bjelac consulting a patient in her office
If you have any questions, we’re always happy to help

How to Care for Your Teeth After Braces?

As we’ve already mentioned, you might be dealing with sensitive teeth after the braces are gone. To ease any discomfort, stick to soft, gentle foods, including the following:

  • Yogurt, 
  • Ice cream, 
  • Scrambled eggs, 
  • Oatmeal, 
  • Soup, 
  • Mashed potatoes, 
  • Soft pasta. 

Make sure you skip crunchy and sticky goods, such as nuts and popcorn. Start with the softest foods and, as the sensitivity fades, gradually reintroduce more solid options. If you’ve got any questions at all, Aspire Dental Wellness is always here to help!

Obviously, Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Is Important

With the braces gone, taking care of your teeth becomes much simpler, but keeping a good oral hygiene routine is just as important. Brush thoroughly after big meals, floss daily, and use mouthwash.

If there’s any discoloration left behind from the braces, you can always schedule a teeth whitening treatment to brighten up that smile. Most importantly, wear the retainer just as your dentist recommended – it’s the key to keeping that newfound smile!

a girl flossing her teeth
After your teeth are set free, it’s all about taking good care of them

Aspire Dental Wellness Also Offers High-Quality Clear Aligners

If you already have braces and are waiting to get them off, you might not be thinking about alternatives. But if you’re still exploring ways to straighten your teeth, you should know there are other options!

For example, our team offers more comfortable and convenient alternatives, such as OrthoFX and other clear aligners. They are removable, allowing you to continue with your usual routine with no disruptions. Moreover, the treatment itself is usually much shorter compared to braces that need to be worn for one to three years

We also offer nighttime aligners, literally perfecting your smile as you sleep. It might sound like a dream, but with our practice of cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, it’s a reality we’re proud to offer!

Let’s Find the Best Path for Your Smile Together

The journey to your best smile yet doesn’t have to include sacrificing comfort or convenience. Whether you’re about to take off the braces or considering flexible alternatives, with our team at Aspire Dental Wellness, achieving your dream smile has never been easier. You and your pearly whites deserve only the best – contact us today, reserve the appointment, and let’s talk about how we can make that smile truly shine!

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