What to Expect When You Get Your Braces Removed

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Medically reviewed by Shayne Guffey, DMD

Last Updated: December 13, 2025 Approved

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Preparing for Removal

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The Removal Process

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Aftercare

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

After a long and maybe arduous period of time wearing your braces, you are now nearing the moment of truth. Your orthodontist has told you that they will be removing your braces during your next visit. To prepare for this, find out more about the process by which your braces are removed, and what to expect after they have been removed.

Things You Should Know

Maintain good dental hygiene before you get your braces off to ensure you won’t be left with “white scars” (yellow tartar around where your braces used to be).
Expect some scraping and pressure when your braces are being removed. This is entirely normal; however, if you feel pain, tell the orthodontist right away.
Removing braces typically only takes a few minutes, but more work may need to be done by the orthodontist that’ll extend your visit.
Also, your brain may feel confused after your braces are removed about why your teeth are in these spots. This is because your teeth were misaligned for years, which you are used to now. Since the brackets were removed and it's your first day in these new spots, your brain will feel confused. However, teeth confusion from your brain usually goes away as you get used to it. This is normal!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing for Removal

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Know when the day will come. It's important to be sure about when your braces will be coming off, so you can prepare yourself. This is a big moment! There is no fixed time, but your orthodontist will tell you in advance of your visit. If you are unsure you can call and ask.
- Once you know when your braces will be removed you can read a few stories of other people's experiences.
- You can also find videos of the procedure online.
- Remember everyone's experience is likely to be a bit different.
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Understand that removal could be postponed. Although your orthodontist might have told that you will be getting your braces removed in your next visit, there is a chance that when you arrive they will tell you the removal has to be postponed. Your orthodontist has given you their best estimate, but it's not foolproof.
- Please understand that braces removal does not happen during the same appointment as the doctor confirming if you are ready.
- During that appointment of confirming removal readiness, they may do the mold for your retainer.
- If you are scheduling your appointment, make sure you are available on that day, the appointment will not crash into other events (It will take longer), and it is not before events that require you to eat hard or crunchy foods because your teeth will be sensitive and you probably will not be able to tolerate avoiding them for a week or two.
- It's possible that your teeth may have moved around unexpectedly between trips to the orthodontist.
- Or, they may have not moved enough and require a little more time with the braces. Even a week or two can make a huge difference in the end result.
- If this happens, don't get too dispirited. They will come off, it's just a waiting game.
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Ensure you maintain your dental hygiene. Throughout the whole period you have been wearing braces you should have maintained a high level of dental hygiene.^{[1]
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Research source} How your teeth look without braces will depend on how well you have looked after them. If you have done a bad job you may find yellow tartar marks on your teeth called "white scars".
- Don't let your dental hygiene slack off when you see the end is in sight.
It can be nice to take a few photos of yourself in your last days with braces. You can use these as a "before" picture and compare it to the new you after you have had your braces removed. Getting braces is a big deal, and so is getting them taken off, so you should document this transition in your life.

Part 2

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Understanding the Removal Process

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1
Know how long it could take. There is no fixed amount of time it will take to have your braces removed. One thing you can be sure of though, is that it will be much quicker than when you had them attached. Expect to be in there for around an hour for all the braces to be taken off and all the follow-up work to be done.
- Just removing the braces could take only a few minutes.
- After the braces are off there is more work to be done by the orthodontist.
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Understand how they are taken off. To remove your braces your orthodontist will use special pliers to gently squeeze each individual bracket. This will separate the bracket from the tooth. Most often the bracket will come off in one piece, and they will repeat this for your whole mouth. Some ceramic brackets are designed to break apart as they are taken off your tooth.
- If you hear some cracking noises or other odd sounds, just know that this is absolutely normal. Don’t worry if you hear anything like this.
- If you have bands across individual teeth, the orthodontist will remove these with pliers.
- You will feel some pressure when the brackets or bands are removed but little or no pain.
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Be ready for some scraping. After the braces are off, there will be some left over residue of the glue or cement on your teeth. Your orthodontist will get to work scraping this off with a special instrument. Typically, this cleaning shouldn't take more than around five minutes depending on how much glue you have on your teeth.
- A lot of people think it is the same process as installing braces, just the reverse order. It is not the reverse order where they begin by removing the colors, remove the arch wires on both arches, remove the brackets, remove the glue, and then polish your teeth. If that were to happen, that would take even longer and be even painful!
- Depending on your teeth, you may feel a little sensitivity during this process.
- You'll be desperate to see your new teeth, but be patient!
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Expect to make a mold for your retainer. After your braces have come off and your teeth have been cleaned from the excess glue, your orthodontist will most likely begin to make a mold for your retainer. Almost all people who have had their braces removed need to wear a retainer afterwards.
- In some cases retainers can be fixed, meaning that your orthodontist will bond a metal or fiberglass wire behind your front teeth.
- The orthodontist may make the mold for your post-braces retainer around a week before the day you get them removed.
- Or they might do it a week after.

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Knowing What to Expect Afterwards

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Be prepared to wear a retainer for a while. Don't be surprised when your orthodontist begins to measure you up for your retainer. It is important to have a retainer to hold your teeth in their new positions, and often an orthodontist will recommend wearing a retainer for years after your braces come off. But the time varies from person to person. What they mean by wearing your retainer does not only mean putting it in your mouth, it means whether you have to wear it "full time" (24/7) or "at night." In this situation, everyone is required to wear it full-time for 6 months or even longer if you had a severe misalignment or you are younger and have jaw growth happening. You might be required to wear it full-time less than 6 months if you had a less severe misalignment or not at all due to that same reason or having a bonded retainer. ^{[2]
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Research source}^{[3]
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Expert Source

Shayne Guffey, DMD
Dentist

Expert Interview}
- The way a retainer works is that it literally "retains" the shape of your teeth's new alignment by gradually removing the "memory" of how your teeth looked before so that your teeth cannot go back to their original shape.
- You will need to take good care of your retainer.
- This involves cleaning it properly, and not losing it.
- Make sure you wear the retainer as advised or you could undo all your good work.
- Wearing the retainer provided for you is also a way to help to reduce the pain.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Shayne Guffey, DMD
  Dentist
  
  Expert Interview}
- In some cases, the doctor may let you start with nighttime right away if your teeth responded well, the severity of the misalignment wasn't that bad, and even if school can be unpredictable. Switching to wearing your retainer at night due to school issues and you unable to tolerate it is usually a last resort if nothing works out... do not expect that to be the first solution. Also, if you have a bonded retainer and a removable retainer, sometimes being able to wear it at night might be an option too!
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Adapt to your new retainer. Getting a retainer can be a little trying and take a bit of time to get used to, but it's an important part of straightening your teeth. The retainer might feel awkward in your mouth, and you may find it hard to speak, or discover that you are speaking with a lisp.^{[5]
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Research source}
- The best way to deal with this is to speak and sing a lot so that you get used to the retainer.
- Do this, and your lisp should disappear in a few days.
- If you find you have some excess drool or saliva don't worry, this is part of the adaptation and should go in a few days.
- Make sure you use your retainer according to your orthodontist's indications. After a while, you will only have to use it during the night.
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Care for your teeth after braces. Don't dive straight into all the chewy food you couldn't eat with braces. Allow your teeth some time to adapt and heal. Talk to your orthodontist about how to care for your teeth after the braces have come off. The more closely you follow the orthodontist's guidance the better off your teeth will be, and the sooner you will be able to get rid of the retainer as well.
- The newly exposed enamel will be extra sensitive and dry, so wait at least a month before any whitening or bleaching treatments.
- Speak to your dentist about a safe way to whiten any stains on your teeth left from the braces. There are many ways to whiten your teeth including some home remedies that do not use chemicals.
- A lot of people think it's okay to return back to normal just because they aren't on, but you don't realize your teeth are sensitive from all of the pressure. Just returning back to normal will delay you from recovering, cause teeth to shift back too soon, and chip off teeth. Rather, give it a week - That's when most of the sensitivity should be gone if you don't return back to normal too soon.
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Understand that you will have to keep returning to the orthodontist. You will still need to visit your orthodontist regularly once you have had your braces removed and are wearing your retainer. They will usually stop it in 1-2 years. It will start off as 3-6 months, go to 6-12 months, and then stop. Once it stops, it will be on an "as needed" basis. It might feel annoying, but they are trying to monitor for shifting. Please understand that if your teeth are fine after or two appointments, that does not mean they will stop it. If you are required to wear it less as time goes on, wisdom teeth is not impacting your teeth alignment, and there has not been any shifting, you might be ready to stop regular check-ins. ^{[6]
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Research source} They will check up on your teeth to make sure they are staying in shape and your smile is looking great.
- Book an initial follow-up visit for a couple of weeks after your braces are removed.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Does it hurt after braces are removed?

Shayne Guffey, DMD
Dentist
Dr. Shayne Guffey, DMD is a Dentist and the owner of Mountain View Family Dental in Mesa, Arizona. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Guffey specializes in family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) from Oregon Health & Science University. Additionally, he’s a professional member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation.

Shayne Guffey, DMD

Dentist

Expert Answer

Teeth can be sensitive after removing braces, making eating and drinking a painful task for some patients. Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or Tylenol can help you manage symptoms.

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Question

How long do people usually have to wear a retainer? Is it forever?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

After the braces come off teeth are not entirely fixed in the bone even though they look straight. To avoid any modifications or changes, retainers have the role of maintaining your teeth steady until the upper and lower jaw bone finishes the process of apposition (the formation of new bone ). The length of the period may be variable and in some cases last up to one year and a half.

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Question

Do they scratch your gums when they take the glue off?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Gums have nothing to do with removing the glue off your teeth. The only area which may be painful in terms of gum issues is the one in the back where the orthodontic bands have been placed (the metal ring which is applied on the first molar in general ).

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Tips

Clean your retainer in the mornings and at night, otherwise it will start to smell and build bacteria.

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Get ready to smile a lot and flash your teeth once your braces are removed.

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Take care of your retainer. It can cost a lot of money to replace. So don't wrap your retainer up in a napkin on your plate, or you might accidentally throw it away!

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

You may want to whiten your teeth afterward to get rid of the spots on your teeth from the braces. The spots will usually go away after a while with brushing, though.
Make sure that you wear your retainer or all your teeth might move back into the wrong place. You may have to wear the retainer for a long time.

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Warnings

If you don't wear your retainer, your teeth will progressively shift to the way they originally were. In some cases, they may only partially shift back, but the whole point of a retainer is to retain your smile.

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You may have a lisp when you get a retainer. This will eventually go away.

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Some people have to wear retainers for a while, so be prepared! Eventually, you may only have to wear it once in a while, but you will never truly be able to be without one.

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If you are a parent of a child who is about to get their braces removed, they can be nervous. However, please avoid making them go to sleep as their "anesthetic." This process is not painful and does not require it. If you make them go to sleep, the orthodontist will NOT be able to remove their braces safely... meaning that this could cause your child to swallow the brackets by accident. This could result your child needing braces even longer due to their appointment getting postponed.

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DO NOT go back to the weird oral habits you did prior to your treatment - This includes tongue thrusting, biting on your nails, biting on pencils/pens, putting stuff in your month that's not food, or even thumb sucking. That will just cause shifting... please understand that your retainer isn't enough to hold your teeth in place. (It may look enough which is understandable, but it actually isn't because it's meant to hold your teeth in place, not put pressure. The time in between when you aren't wearing your retainer is usually the perfect time for your teeth to want to shift back.) Shifting does slow down as you get older, but it can speed up if you do stuff that can put extra pressure on your teeth.

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If your bonded retainer breaks or comes off, start wearing your removable retainer immediately to prevent your teeth from shifting. Your orthodontist may offer to reinstall the bonded retainer, but you can discuss whether continuing with just the removable one is a suitable option for you.

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Sometimes, school aged kids end up getting nighttime retainer plans, regardless of the misalignment's severity. This is possibly because their doctors are aware of the issues you may face during the school day like losing retainers, peer pressure, or unexpected incidents... you may never know what will happen to you!

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Have a discussion with your orthodontist about the pros and cons of the different kinds of retainers. Some different kinds of retainers are:
- Hawley - The classic metal retainer. It can last a long time and is easy to clean, but it's noticeable.
- Essix - The clear retainer. Resembles Invisalign. Virtually invisible, but does not allow your teeth to touch naturally and wears out faster.
- Fixed - A retainer that is permanently put on the back of the teeth. Completely invisible to others, but it can irritate the tongue and will take time to get used to. In some cases, they can even cause the gums to recede.
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NOTE: A bonded retainer will NOT work if you had a bite issue prior to braces. This is because bonded retainers are meant to hold a few teeth in place, not the WHOLE jaw. However, if you had gaps or crowding with the bite issue... you may have both, but that does not mean you will only have a bonded retainer. They will issue you a removal retainer as well.

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If you believe wearing your retainer full-time is not working for you due to getting bullied constantly at school, losing it, or having weird issues at school, please talk to your doctor. They might encourage switching to a clear retainer. If you believe you will keep losing it, they might encourage a bonded retainer. (NOTE: It will NOT work if you had a bite issue.) In some cases after going over everything... nighttime retainer plans with a removal one might be the only option. (NOTE: THIS IS USUSALLY A LAST RESORT IF NOTHING WORKS OUT... IT MIGHT END UP HAPPENING.) Check with your doctor!

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Sometimes, people can feel sad and miss their braces because they enjoyed looking cool due to the colors. It is OKAY to feel that way :) However, please do not try to lie that your retainer does not fit anymore, your teeth are shifting, skipping wearing your retainer completely or even trying to put pressure to make your teeth move to get braces again. That will make things very worse and result tons of larger problems later on. Instead, try to look cool in other ways.

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