Are you about to get your braces or Invisalign off and wondering what the next steps are? Are you nervous about getting your braces or Invisalign removed?
I’m Dr. Nate, and I’ll walk you through what happens when you complete your orthodontic treatment.
Braces or Invisalign Attachment Removal
If you were in braces when you came in for your debond appointment, we will all your braces. This is a rapid and painless process. The noises the brackets make when removed are more nerve-racking than the pain they cause.
After your brackets are removed, we remove the composite (glue) that was holding your braces in place. This is also a very easy process that involves your orthodontist using a high-speed handpiece and a bur. There is no numbing involved.
Often, your orthodontist will smooth out the rough edges of your teeth to ensure the best possible result.
If you have Invisalign, the process is similar. We remove your attachments with a high-speed handpiece, which is even easier than braces removal.
Pictures after Orthodontic Treatment
Your orthodontist and orthodontic assistant will take the same photographs and radiographs as when you first started your orthodontic treatment.
These records are taken so you can see your before and after results. The photographs also allow your orthodontist to verify that your treatment proceeded as planned.
Impressions for Retainers
Retainer wear is vital to the long-term success of your smile. We typically take alginate impressions to pour up a cast to make your retainers.
The impression material solidifies in roughly 30 seconds and is very accurate. The dental assistant will take those impressions to make your clear retainers.
We like to complete your retainers within a day or two to prevent shifting. If you go too long without a retainer, your teeth can return to where they were before orthodontic treatment.
What are the different types of retainers?
At our office, we prefer the clear Invisalign style of retainers. Clear aligners offer the best retention and long-term stability of your teeth.
You can also request a permanent retainer on your bottom teeth or a more traditional Hawley or metal-type retainer.
How often should I wear my retainers?
It’s important to note that retainer wear is a lifelong commitment. You will wear your retainers all day for three months when you will transition to nighttime.
You will wear your retainers every night for two years and then transition to 2-3 nights a week forever.
If you ever lose or break your retainer, come in immediately for a new set.
How to Care for Your Retainers
If you properly maintain your retainers, they can last many years. I had the same retainers for over a decade.
You should wash your retainers with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly afterward.
If your retainers have a lot of build-up, you can use products such as retainer brite to dissolve the tarter and make it look new.
Conclusion
Removing your braces or Invisalign is quick and easy. Remember that to maintain the smile you have worked so hard for, you must wear your retainers for life.
