If you will be getting braces in the near future, you may have heard a lot about what will happen with greeting your braces installed and tips for wearing them every day. However, there will come a point where the braces are removed. Here is what to expect when the treatment is finally finished and your teeth are in the right position.

Your Brackets Will Be Removed

The process will start by removing all of the wires and brackets from your teeth. This is done by using a specialized tool that pulls the bracket off the teeth but leaves all of that adhesive behind. The experience is not painful, but it can feel a bit uncomfortable when having this part of the process done. Your orthodontist will then clean and polish your teeth to remove any leftover adhesive on the surface of your teeth. 

Your Mouth Will Be Scanned For A Retainer

The orthodontist will then scan your mouth with a 3D scanner to record the exact position of all your teeth. This data is used to create a retainer that is custom-fit to your mouth. There are several kinds of retainers that can be used, so it will depend on your specific needs.

You may only need a basic clear retainer that is worn to help maintain the position of your teeth. If you need more retention in your retainer, a different type of retainer may be used instead. This type of retainer is made from acrylic or plastic, with a wire that rests against your teeth. This does a much better job at preventing your teeth from shifting, especially if you had big changes made to the position of your teeth.

You Will Be Responsible For Wearing And Caring For Your Retainer

It is up to you to wear your retainer after the procedure. Your orthodontist may have a specific recommendation for how many hours per day and the total amount of days that you need to wear it. Now that you have control over removing the device, it's crucial that you wear it as instructed to prevent your teeth from shifting. Most patients wear their retainer almost all day long for about a month before they can shift to wearing it only at night. 

Your retainer can be cleaned by soaking it in a cleaning solution, placing it in an ultrasonic cleaner, or brushing the retainer. Proper care for your retainer can extend its lifespan, with it lasting for several years before you need a new one. 

For more information, contact a local orthodontic office, like Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP.

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