How long does it take to get braces off?

How long does it take to get braces off?

Healthline says removing the braces, cleaning the teeth and fitting you for a retainer typically takes about an hour, though this varies by person. The American Association of Orthodontists' page on what to expect does not say how long the appointment takes. Allow extra time if impressions, scans, photos or X-rays are taken at the same visit, and ask your orthodontist's office for the length of your appointment when you book.

What happens at the appointment?

Healthline describes four steps: the orthodontist loosens each bracket with a special metal tool, usually removing the brackets and wires in one piece, with any molar band removed too, the teeth are cleaned and polished to remove leftover adhesive, X-rays, a bite impression or photos and sometimes a digital model are taken to make a retainer and check results, and if wisdom teeth are coming in the orthodontist may recommend removing them to prevent shifting. The AAO says the team polishes away leftover bonding adhesive so your teeth feel smooth, and may do a final check of alignment and bite.

Does getting braces off hurt?

Healthline says most people feel little or no pain, though some soreness or sensitivity is common because the teeth are no longer held in place, and over-the-counter ibuprofen can help. The AAO says you may hear or feel small clicks, that pressure or brief pulling sensations are normal and that most patients find it more comfortable than expected. Ask your orthodontist whether anything can be done if you have sensitive teeth.

Do you get your retainer the same day?

The AAO says you may receive your retainer the day your braces come off or shortly after, depending on the type, and lists clear retainers, Hawley retainers and fixed wires bonded behind certain teeth. Healthline says retainer fitting is part of the hour-long visit but also that the impressions and digital model may be used to make the retainer, so the final retainer may be made later. Ask whether you will leave with one, because teeth can begin to shift if there is a gap.

What to expect in the days after

The AAO says to expect possible mild sensitivity, teeth that feel unusually smooth and some looseness that usually settles, and to ease back into hard, crunchy or sticky foods since your teeth and gums may be sensitive for a few days. Healthline says to brush several times a day, begin daily flossing, avoid sticky or hard foods such as hard bread, popcorn, hard candy and raw vegetables until teeth feel normal, and that puffy gums typically improve within about two months. Discoloration around where brackets were may fade on its own, according to Healthline, and mouthwash or whitening may help.

Wearing your retainer

The AAO says at first you will likely wear a removable retainer most of the day and night, taking it out only to eat, brush and floss, and over time you may move to nighttime wear only, as your orthodontist guides. Our guides on how long to wear a retainer and whether you wear retainers forever cover the schedule, and Healthline warns that without wearing it as directed teeth may shift back.

How long does it take to take braces off for different types?

The sources we read do not give separate times for metal, ceramic or lingual braces. Time may depend on the number of brackets, the type of adhesive and whether other work is done at the visit. Ask your orthodontist for an estimate for your braces.

Questions to ask your orthodontist

Ask before the removal date.

• How long will the appointment take?
• Will I leave with a retainer, and what type is it?
• How long will I wear it full time, and when can I switch to nights?
• What should I eat and avoid for the first few days?
• What should I do if the retainer is lost or no longer fits?

Frequently asked questions