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Orthodontist in Hebron, OH Answers, “How Are Braces Removed?”

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smiling children with and without braces Congratulations! After years of diligent care, your child’s braces are about to come off, and you just can’t wait to see their beautiful new smile. Of course, this begs the question, “How are braces actually removed?” We’re glad you asked! Today, an orthodontist in Hebron, OH is going to walk you through the procedure step by step so you and your little one know exactly what to expect on the big day.

Step 1: Removing the Brackets

Then, using the same pliers, the orthodontist will gently squeeze the base of each individual bracket until it pops off. Your child may hear some cracking noises or feel a little pressure while this is going on, but this is completely normal, and there will be no pain.

Step 2: One Final Polish

There will be a little bit of bracket adhesive left on the teeth after they have all been removed, so your orthodontist will then use a small tool to gently clean it away. This process shouldn’t take more than five minutes.

Step 3: Take a Look!

At this point, your child will certainly want to see their new smile, so the orthodontist will have a mirror handy so they can start getting used to their new look!

Step 4: Taking Impressions for Retainers

Retainers will help your child’s newly shifted teeth stay in place after treatment, as they would start to drift back to their original positions if left alone. To make sure your child’s retainers fit perfectly, their orthodontist will take an impression of their teeth. And, for a little extra fun, your child will have the chance to choose the color and finish of their retainers as well!

It takes about a week to get retainers back after the initial impression, which is why some orthodontists begin this process a week before your child has their braces removed. That way, their retainers are ready to go at the removal appointment.

Step 5: Enjoy!

At this point, your child is done! You should expect the entire process to only take about an hour or so. Afterward, make sure your child wears their retainers as instructed and attends regular follow-up appointments as well. And with that, your child’s beautiful smile will be able to shine on for many years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a certified children’s orthodontist in Hebron, OH and graduate of the Ohio State University. At his practice, he helps patients of all ages achieve the strong and attractive smiles they deserve using his years of expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and a wide variety of orthodontic treatments. If you have any questions about your child’s orthodontic treatment, he’d be happy to talk to you, and he can be contacted through his website.