What It’s Like Getting Your Braces Off

The best thing about braces is getting them taken off. The Brodsky Orthodontics team loves seeing patients getting their braces removed. Dr. Joel and Dr. Charles celebrate along with each of our Lakewood patients. If that’s you, here’s what to expect when you get your braces off.

The Big Day: What Happens in the Chair

Your calendar is marked, and the countdown is almost over. It’s the day you’ve been waiting for—time to get those braces off! But what happens when you sit in that chair at Brodsky Orthodontics? Let our team lay it out for you.

Quick Process

First, you’ll be happy to know that getting your braces off is usually faster than putting them on (woohoo!). We’re talking about a process that takes about an hour. The doctors will first decide which type of retainer is best for your situation.  We will use special tools to remove the brackets and wires gently—no need to worry. You’ll find it all very straightforward. Plus, we’ll be there with you at every step. 

Mild Pressure

As the doctors work, you’ll feel pressure on your teeth. It’s a weird sensation. But it’s not painful. Think of it as a farewell wave from your braces. They’ve been with you through thick and thin. But now it’s time to part ways.

Retainers Ahead

Before you leave the chair, you’ll likely get fitted for a retainer. Why so soon? Your teeth are free agents now. And they might try to move back to their old spots. With our mix of fixed and removable retainers, we ensure your smile stays perfect. Remember, your retainer is key to maintaining your beautiful alignment. Wear it faithfully, and your radiant, confident smile will last a lifetime! 

Getting your braces off is a big day. It’s a mix of excitement, mild pressure, and a quick introduction to your new pal, the retainer. And just like that, you’ll be ready to step out of Brodsky Orthodontics with a brand-new, brace-free smile!

Eating and Drinking: The Do’s and Don’ts

Getting braces changed your menu a lot. We know you’re eager to return to your favorite snacks and treats. And we don’t blame you! A lot of us have been there too. But before you stock up on your favorite bags or boxes of goodies, here are a few things to remember. 

Hello, Crunch

When those braces come off, you might be tempted to dive into a bowl of popcorn or munch on some sticky candy. And guess what? You can! That’s right, those food restrictions are history. You can finally enjoy the crunch of an apple or the chew of a bagel without a second thought. But moderation is key. You don’t want to go from braces to a bellyache (blek!).

Sip Wisely

What about drinks? Without braces, sugary drinks are back on the menu. Well, to a point. While you’re free to enjoy a soda or a sports drink, remember that sugar is still not a tooth’s BFF. So, go ahead and sip, but opt for water or milk more often. Your teeth will thank you.

A Quick Note on Coffee and Tea

Love your morning coffee or afternoon tea? You can enjoy these again without worrying about staining your braces. But keep in mind they can still stain your teeth. So, use a straw or rinse your mouth after.

The Golden Rule

Your teeth have just been through a lot. They’ve been real champs. Your treatment shifted and moved them to give you that stellar smile. So, treat your teeth well. Balanced meals and smart sips are the way to go.

The New Sensation: How Your Mouth Will Feel

Wow! Your braces are off. We bet you feel like a whole new person. And you should. You deserve that feeling. You’ve earned it. Here are some new sensations to expect when you get your braces off. 

Light as Air

The first thing you’ll notice when those braces come off? Your mouth, cheeks, jaw, and head will feel lighter! You’ll feel a newfound sense of freedom. Your lips and cheeks won’t know what to do with all that extra room. It’s like taking off work shoes after a long day of standing up!

Tender Touch

Sensitivity is something else you’ll notice. Your teeth have been under wraps for a while, so they might initially feel a little tender. Cold drinks or hot foods might not be your best choice. But don’t worry. Sensitivity is normal and will pass in a few days. In the meantime, stick to foods that are at moderate temperatures. Your teeth are just now coming out of hiding. They need a little time to adjust to the spotlight.

Smooth Operation

Get ready for this—you’ll often run your tongue over your teeth. Why? Because they’ll feel incredibly smooth. No more brackets or wires to navigate around. It’s a wonderful sensation. So go ahead and get used to it!

Keeping That Smile in Place

You worked hard for your new smile. Months upon months of checkups and tightenings have finally paid off. But now that you’ve got a new smile, you want to keep it. Smiles (especially recently liberated ones) need maintenance. Yours is no different. Here are a few things Dr. Joel, Dr. Charles, and Dr. Jeremy recommend to keep your fantastic new smile intact. 

Retainer 101

You’ve bid farewell to braces. But now we need to introduce you to your new sidekick: the retainer. This little gadget is crucial for keeping your teeth in their new positions. Dr. Joel, Dr. Charles, or Dr. Jeremy will fit you with a retainer after your braces come off. 

Brush and Floss

You’ve been keeping these habits with braces. You’ll keep doing it without them. Brushing and flossing are still your go-to routines for a healthy smile. The good news? They’re way easier now. No more threading floss through wires or navigating around brackets. It’s smooth sailing for your toothbrush and floss.

Retainer Insurance

Congratulations on your graduation from braces. Yay! But remember your journey in the “school of oral health” continues. Retainers, while sturdy, aren’t invincible, and they can sometimes go missing. That’s where our retainer insurance program steps in. For a small fee, you can replace a lost or broken retainer anytime you need. It’s like a safety net for your smile, ensuring it stays perfect no matter what. So sign up today, and let’s keep that radiant, confident smile of yours shining bright! 

It’s A Brace-Off At Brodsky Orthodontics

Braces on, braces off! That’s how it works at Brodsky Orthodontics . Dr. Joel and Dr. Charles have been using braces on patients in Lakewood for years. What can braces do for you? Visit us here to schedule a free consultation and find out!