At some point in orthodontic treatment, you may have to use braces. Even though most people wear these for physical benefits, there’re many long-term health benefits of considering braces. Some of these include: they help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, bone erosion, risk of damaged teeth, improved comfort, mental and better digestive health.
Even with the perks mentioned above, you have to have your braces removed at some point.
In this post, we address a few frequently asked questions concerning braces, such as how long to get your braces off and everything you need to know.
Let’s jump right in!
How long do you have to wear your braces?
Wearing periods for braces varies from one patient to another, and the extent of the dental problem.
To answer the question how long to get your braces off, the short answer is, it depends. Several factors such as treatment type, age, and magnitude of the dental problem can affect how long you wear braces. Patients with minor issues can wear them for short periods, while those with severe cases such as jaw misalignment should wear them for extended periods.
After a comprehensive examination and evaluation, a professional orthodontist will let you in on the precise periods you will need to have your braces on. They will explain to you the procedure and any lifestyle changes you need to make.
Braces removal costs
As you may already know, having braces, regular dental visits, and even their removal can be pricey. For this reason, you need to consider having insurance that will cover all dental-related costs. Ideally, the cost of having your braces removed depends on the number of teeth you need to get moved and the type of braces.
Final visit to the orthodontist
You may have been visiting your orthodontic every once in a while for assessment. But the final one will look a little different. The professional will take x-rays of your jaw and teeth to ensure everything is aligned.
If something is amiss, you might get asked to return for readjustments and treatment before your braces can finally get removed.
The orthodontist will conduct a few tests to get an idea of the space created by wearing the braces. And take a look at your jaws and face.
Additionally, they will guide you on proper care of your teeth at home once the braces get removed.
In case you are already wondering, your braces can get taken off in a single appointment. And their removal takes about thirty minutes to two hours. That, however, varies from one patient to another.
The steps for braces removal are straightforward. And a professional orthodontist will ensure that you enjoy your new teeth as soon as possible. And reap the benefits of having new braces.
Will it hurt?
Since the orthodontist will have pulled some pieces of metal off of your teeth, you might experience discomfort and soreness, although not with the same intensity when you got your braces for the first time. The orthodontist can give you medication to help deal with the pain.
How long will it hurt after getting your braces off?
Once your braces get removed, it is not uncommon to experience sensitivity and pain for the next few days.
You may also experience itchiness since your gums are now exposed, but you can use an ice pack to deal with it. After a while, the pain will subside, and your teeth will no longer hurt. See the orthodontist if your teeth continue to be sensitive.
Additional complications that may develop after removing braces
Other common complications that can develop once your braces get removed include jaw problems and gum recession. That mostly happens when the tissues around your teeth are pushed back or worn away. One of the most common symptoms associated with the latter is difficulty chewing and clicking on the jaw.
Are there any risks if I remove the braces myself?
You should never remove the braces on your own! During the process, anything could potentially go wrong. And only a qualified orthodontist can help deal with the risks.
Some of the problems you can face when you remove the braces by yourself include:
Formation of cavities
Since you may not have the appropriate tools for the job, you risk chipping and scratching your teeth. These abrasions will attract bacteria which will hide and grow to become cavities. When you take your braces off unprofessionally, you might interfere with the quality of your enamel. And this will negatively affect your dental health.
Other risks associated with braces self-removal include:
- Losing teeth
When you consider self-removal, the odds are that you can lose your permanent teeth. That is because you can find your tooth at its vulnerable point as it’s moving to the desired location. When a tooth is shifting, your teeth might come out as you’re trying to remove your dental braces.
- Self-removal is painful
Removing your bracing can lead to unexplainable pain. More than you felt when they were getting fixed. By using ad-hoc and substandard tools, you risk messing your teeth structure, and this may result in pain.
During self-removal, your gums might begin to bleed. And this poses a risk of infections due to open wounds. However, a professional orthodontist has all the necessary tools. They will ensure that minimal pain gets felt throughout the removal procedure. That means that you will not get any infections.
- Shifting teeth
If you consider self-removal, you might not know how to align your teeth properly. They are going to go in any direction they please, and you will not have control. To keep your teeth in their actual position, you have to have the procedure done by a professional. They will use the best treatment procedures and will not give you teeth unnecessary stress.
Taking care of your teeth after braces
Proper dental care is essential after you have your braces removed, just as when you have them. You have to learn the best post-orthodontic hygiene practices to help you keep your teeth healthy.
Some of the tips to help you in this include:
- Flossing before bedtime
- Drinking lots of water
- Using toothbrushes with soft bristles
- Using proper brushing techniques
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Eating a well-balanced diet
Why should you take care of your teeth after your braces get removed?
By taking proper care of your teeth, your teeth align, and you avoid tooth stains that build where the brackets initially were.
Should you see an orthodontist even after your braces are off?
Yes. You need to schedule regular visits with the orthodontic. And this is part of your oral hygiene practices. That allows them to clean places that are hard to reach and prevent cavities due to food or drinks residue. The professional will spot any general oral issues and custom-make a treatment plan that is right for you.
Final thoughts
Getting your braces off should not give you sleepless nights wondering how to go about it. With a professional orthodontic and the insight provided above, you should be able to get the best oral treatment you deserve.
