The day has finally arrived. It’s time for your child to have their braces removed. Now that they’ve achieved their desired results, it’s time to say goodbye to the brackets and wires and hello to a healthier, more beautifully aligned smile. But what’s next? How can you be sure that their teeth won’t shift back into their original position? Before embarking on your quest to improve your child’s dental problems, you probably searched for an “orthodontist near me” who could take you through the process from start to finish, right? Let an orthodontic specialist explain what your child can expect as they prepare for life after braces.
What to Expect During the Removal Phase
The process of removing metal braces does take some time, so you’ll need to be sure to schedule your child’s appointment when it is convenient and doesn’t require them to be somewhere immediately following the visit.
A children’s orthodontist in Canfield will need to remove each bracket and band individually. This can require a small bit of force, but you can trust that your child’s dental team will take great care when removing these fixtures from their teeth. Underneath each bracket is cement, which will also need to be removed and is often the most time-consuming part of the removal process.
If you’re worried about any pain associated with the removal of braces, don’t be. While there are times when additional pressure is applied to remove a bracket, there should be little-to-no discomfort for the patient.
What Life is Like When Free from Braces
Once your child is free of the metal brackets and wires, it is likely they’ll be smiling ear to ear because of how great their teeth feel. With a newly aligned smile, they will notice how much straighter their teeth are and how their bite functions more normally than before. But before leaving, the most crucial aspect of maintaining a successful smile after braces is being fitted for a retainer.
This oral appliance is necessary to keep teeth from shifting back into their original position. Your child will need to wear their retainer continually for at least six months following the removal of their braces. This will allow the gums and alveolar bone tissue to fully heal and fuse with their tooth roots. Once this process is complete, it is less likely your child will need to continue seeing their dentist in Canfield as often. Eventually, these visits may no longer be necessary.
Although the time with your child’s orthodontist will end at some point, it is still necessary that they continue to see their regular dentist for checkups and cleanings.
The orthodontic process is a timely but worthwhile investment, but it can be easily reversed if your child does not abide by the instructions provided by their orthodontist when wearing a retainer. Make sure their smile stays in place by reminding and encouraging them to make their teeth and oral health a priority. This will ensure they enjoy lasting and beautiful results for a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Marissa Mikolich has more than a decade of experience helping her patients achieve beautiful smiles. She obtained a doctoral degree in dentistry from The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine before going on to receive a master’s degree in oral biology from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. She and her team at Mikolich Orthodontics will walk you through the entire process of orthodontic treatment from start to finish, even providing tips and tricks to help you live life with a healthier, more beautiful, metal-free smile. If you or your child could benefit from braces, contact us via our website or by calling (330) 967-4110.