After months or even years of wearing braces, it’s easy to get excited about the day when you finally get them taken off. However, some worry about the actual process of having the braces removed, as well as what happens after your braces are gone. The procedure to get your braces removed shouldn’t be a source of anxiety, but rather one of anticipation. Soon, you’ll be seeing your new and improved smile, braces-free. But we understand that knowing what’s going to happen can help to ease any worries, so here’s what to expect from your braces removal appointment.

Your orthodontist will use a set of sanitary orthodontic pliers to gently squeeze the bases of the brackets of your braces. When this happens, the bonding adhesive is gently broken and releases, allowing the removal of the brackets. Once all of the brackets are detached, the bonding cement is carefully removed with a dental tool that will also polish the enamel of your tooth. Your orthodontist will probably wait until all the brackets are taken off for this step, as the cement also prevents any damage to the enamel of your teeth during the removal of the brackets.