What Happens When Your Braces Come Off?

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A soon as you get your braces on, you will probably start counting down the days until they come off. And who could blame you? Sooner or later, that big day will arrive, and you will be ready to show the world your brand new smile.

Having your braces removed is not painful and will take around 30 minutes. You may even be surprised at how good it feels to have the pressure on your teeth relieved. But before you reach for your phone to post a selfie on social media, remember that there are still a few things you will need to do before your new smile is complete.

You may notice that you have some spots on your teeth where your brackets were. That is because plaque may have built up around the brackets, which is what has caused the discoloration. Don’t panic, that is normal. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your regular dentist after your braces are off for a cleaning and an examination. At that time, your dentist can remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, and give you a whitening treatment if necessary.

Your dentist will create a retainer for you to wear while your teeth settle into their new homes. A fixed retainer can only be removed by your orthodontist, while a removable retainer needs to be worn for the length of time your dentist directs.

If you are considering braces for yourself or a member of your family, why not plan a visit with our orthodontist, Dr. Christopher Liang? If you live in the Potomac, Maryland area and would like to make an appointment at Liang Orthodontics to find out what procedure would be best for you, call 301-983-3132 today. Let’s get started on your new smile.