Although the most common reason people give for getting braces is to improve their appearance and smile, there are many other benefits of having straighter teeth. Braces can help improve your speech, chewing efficiency, and sleep. Improving the alignment of your teeth for a better bite can also help prevent TMJ pain, gum disease, and tooth decay. Keep reading to learn more about the process of getting traditional braces and having them removed.
To learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options for having straighter teeth, schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
How Are Braces Attached To Teeth?
The most anxiety-provoking aspect of getting your teeth straightened is the placement of the braces. Traditional braces involve attaching small metal or ceramic brackets that hold the wires in position. After polishing your teeth, your dentist places a dental bonding glue or cement on the back of each bracket. Next, the brackets are carefully placed onto the teeth, and the excess glue is removed. Finally, applying a bright blue dental light makes the glue harden and cement the brackets to the teeth.
After placing the brackets, you may also have bands placed on your molars. Like the brackets, dental glue holds the brackets in place. Although gluing the brackets and bands to the teeth is a painless procedure, it is time-consuming. The final step is connecting the orthodontic wires to the brackets.
How Does A Dentist Remove Braces?
After wearing traditional metal braces for a couple of years, it is an exciting day when you finally get the metal brackets, bands, and wires out of your mouth. Although it takes less time, you need the same patience on this day as required the day you had the brackets and bands glued to your teeth.
Your dentist uses a special orthodontic instrument to squeeze each bracket one at a time. Removing the brackets is painless, but you may hear some odd cracking or popping sounds as each bracket separates from the attached tooth. Any pressure you feel is slight and normal.
Even though the bracket is off the tooth, the glue used to hold it remains on your teeth. Cleaning the glue from your teeth may require more time than bracket removal, but it is very important to ensure that you have smooth and shiny teeth. Another special dental instrument is used to safely remove the orthodontic glue that won’t damage the surfaces of your teeth. Finally, your dentist uses a dental polish to produce the brightest smile possible.
You can also find dangerous videos of removing your orthodontic brackets with household pliers. Many people seem to do this for the same reason, to save paying a dentist to remove their braces. However, before you start a dental procedure yourself, you might want to consider the questions below.
Do You Save Money By Removing Your Braces?
You probably made a sizable investment in straightening your teeth before having the braces placed. Before going to get the pliers from the toolbox in your garage, consider that:
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The money you paid before getting braces most likely included an appointment for their removal.
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You may remove the braces prematurely and deprive yourself of straighter teeth and an improved smile.
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Removing your braces may cause the need to reinvest in having braces reapplied by your dentist.
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You will leave dental glue on your teeth which can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
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You miss the opportunity to receive a retainer at the optimal time.
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You can chip or break your teeth that might require expensive dental treatment to correct.
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Using nonsterile home tools can cut your gum, lips, or cheeks and result in an oral infection.
Is It Safe To Remove Braces Glue At Home?
You may discover some adhesive or glue after having your braces removed. However, just as removing orthodontic brackets comes with risks and possible complications, removing braces glue can cause problems. It is not a waste of your time to contact your dentist to remove the glue. You can damage the enamel on your teeth and possibly cause abrasions or cuts in your gums using home solutions to try and dissolve the glue. Your dentist has the professional instruments and light to remove any glue left on your teeth safely and would prefer to remove it and protect your new smile.
The Advantages of Invisible Braces
Besides the inconvenience of traditional metal or ceramic braces, you may find them uncomfortable, unattractive, a hindrance to your diet, and an obstacle to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Therefore, at Trident General Dentistry, we offer invisible braces as part of our cosmetic dentistry procedures.
ClearCorrect invisible braces use clear plastic aligners to move teeth into proper alignment without metal brackets and wires. You receive custom-made, clear aligners to wear for a determined amount of time before replacing them with a new set. Although a few types of orthodontic cases require traditional braces, ClearCorrect clear aligners can straighten most types of misaligned teeth. This includes most cases of overbite, crossbite, underbite, overcrowded, or widely spaced teeth.
The ClearCorrect aligners are thinner, more transparent, and more resistant to clouding than other invisible braces systems. When compared to traditional metal braces, the advantages of ClearCorrect invisible braces include:
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Clear. You receive almost invisible aligners custom-made for a perfect fit.
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Diet. You eat your regular diet without restrictions after removing the aligners.
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Convenience. ClearCorrect aligners require fewer dental visits than traditional braces and are easy to maintain.
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Comfort. The plastic aligners eliminate the cuts and sores caused by metal brackets and wires.
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Removable. You can remove the aligners if necessary for social events, recreational activities, or playing some musical instruments.
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Results. You get controlled and predictable results enjoyed by many other patients using ClearCorrect.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have always wanted straighter teeth but without the inconvenience of traditional metal braces, contact us for a consultation. Our ClearCorrect invisible braces offer a convenient, comfortable, and affordable option for many people to improve their smile.