Once your braces are off, not only is this tension removed but the brackets that covered your teeth will make your teeth feel more exposed. Your smile will look different – While this may seem obvious, it’s often a shock for people how straight and different their smile looks once braces are off.

Taking braces off will take about an hour. The process includes gently removing each bracket with pliers and then removing the bonding material by using a polishing tool. Your teeth will feel slimy at first because you’re used to having your braces on your teeth, however, you will adjust to your smooth teeth quickly.

The braces removal process usually takes between 30-45 minutes. There are several steps in the process and obviously it’s best for the orthodontics to take enough time to do it right and not to rush! If you are going to be receiving a permanent retainer, this may take a bit of extra time as part of the process.

Yes, undergoing orthodontic treatment can bring changes to a person’s face. Don’t worry though – the changes that braces will make are purely positive! Braces will fix alignment issues with your face and give you a more symmetrical, natural look to both your mouth and your jawline.

Your brackets and arch wires, or invisible aligners may feel weird at first, making it difficult for your tongue and facial muscles to move as they normally do when you speak. But don’t worry, your oral structures will adjust to these new feelings soon enough.

Foods to avoid with braces:

• Chewy foods — bagels, licorice.
• Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice.
• Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum.
• Hard foods — nuts, hard candies.
• Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots.