What happens in the last few months before braces are removed

January 18, 2024, Lawn Dental Center

If you've had braces for a while, you're probably starting to get excited for the big reveal - seeing your new, straightened smile for the first time! But while the day your braces come off may seem like the finish line, a few important steps still happen in the final months of orthodontic treatment.
Here's an overview of what you can expect as you enter the home stretch with your braces finishing stages:

Final Adjustments and Tightening

During the last few months with braces, you'll continue to have regular adjustments at your dentist near me to ensure your teeth are moving properly into their ideal positions. However, these final adjustments often involve more frequent tightening of the wires and bands to make sure everything is just right.
Your orthodontist will attach tighter wires and bands to put more precise pressure on specific teeth to straighten them. You may even need power chains, which are elastic bands that connect parts of your braces to create stronger forces. It can make the final months a bit more uncomfortable, but know it means treatment is working!

Addressing Any Remaining Issues

If there are any specific problem spots, like crowded teeth or a bite that is still misaligned, your orthodontist will tackle these issues head-on during the final months of treatment. It may involve:

• Implants - Implants may be placed to fill gaps and prevent shifting if teeth are missing.
• Extraction - In some cases, teeth may still need to be extracted to resolve crowding. It is typically done at least three months before braces come off.
• Special appliances - Unique appliances like braces, rubber bands, or a palatal expander may be used to fix overbites, underbites, or other issues.
• Reproximation - Reshaping teeth to the correct size and shape.

Addressing any final orthodontic issues ensures your smile looks its best when braces come off.

Retention Planning

Once your orthodontist decides your teeth have reached their ideal position, it will be time to start planning for life after braces! It involves discussing options for retention, which keeps teeth from shifting once braces are removed. Options may include:

• Removable retainers - Clear, removable plastic retainers that are worn at night.
• Permanent retainers - Fixed wires bonded behind the teeth.
• Clear corrective aligners - Removable, clear aligners that can be worn at night or in short bursts for retention.

Retention is a crucial part of the braces process from start to finish, so be sure to follow your orthodontist's recommendations for how often to wear your retainers. It will ensure your smile stays picture-perfect.

Final Records and Impressions

At your final orthodontic appointments, your orthodontist will take more photos, X-rays, and dental impressions to compare your teeth before and after treatment. It helps show how far your teeth have moved. It also provides important records of your new smile for your dentist's office.
These final records also allow your orthodontist to order custom retainers made specifically for your teeth.

Braces Removal Appointment

Once your orthodontist determines treatment is complete, it will finally be time for braces removal! This quick, painless appointment involves removing each individual bracket and wire. Your orthodontist may use a special tool to polish your teeth one last time.
And just like that, your braces journey is complete! Your orthodontist will likely take final photos of your bright, straight new smile as you prepare to leave their office brace-free. Time to show off those pearly whites!

If you still have braces but can see removal on the horizon, follow your orthodontist's instructions so you finish the treatment strongly. And if you've just had your braces taken off, congratulations! We hope these final months go smoothly as you put the finishing touches on your new orthodontic smile.

To learn more about braces and orthodontic treatments, contact the experts at the dentist office near me in Chicago, IL. Our skilled orthodontists help patients of all ages achieve healthier, more confident smiles. Call Lawn Dental Center at (872) 666-0130 or visit our office in the Lakeview neighborhood near Wrigley Field to schedule your next appointment!

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