When dental braces are applied, the patient begins a process of moving teeth into a new, desired alignment. The moment of their removal, known as debonding, signifies the successful completion of the active treatment phase. This final step requires precision to protect the newly aligned teeth and the tooth enamel. Understanding who is best qualified to perform this procedure and what the subsequent steps involve is necessary for anyone nearing the end of their orthodontic journey.
Orthodontist vs. General Dentist: Defining Roles
The primary difference between a general dentist and an orthodontist lies in the depth and focus of their education following dental school. Both professionals hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, but an orthodontist completes an additional two to three years of specialized, full-time residency training. This focused training centers exclusively on tooth movement, jaw function, and facial development, making them specialists in diagnosing and treating misalignment issues.
While a general dentist is licensed to perform a wide array of procedures, their training in orthodontics is foundational compared to the specialist’s extended residency. Braces removal is a technical procedure, and the standard of care dictates that it should be performed by the orthodontist who planned and oversaw the entire treatment. This ensures the specialist who understands the finished bite confirms the final result before the hardware is removed.
A general dentist possesses the tools and license to remove braces, but this is rare and generally reserved for emergency situations or when they are the treating provider for minor orthodontic cases. The specialist’s extensive experience with the debonding process minimizes the potential for iatrogenic damage, such as chipping the enamel or leaving adhesive residue that can lead to decay. The specialist who affixed the braces is the one who should remove them.
What Happens During Braces Removal
The process of removing braces, or debonding, typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is not painful, though slight pressure may be felt. The first step involves the orthodontist using specialized pliers to gently squeeze each bracket. This pressure breaks the adhesive bond between the bracket and the tooth enamel, allowing the hardware to be popped off without damaging the tooth structure.
Once all the brackets and wires are removed, a layer of adhesive remains on the tooth surface. This adhesive must be removed to prevent plaque and discoloration. The orthodontist uses a slow-speed handpiece with a specialized bur to carefully shave off the adhesive remnants without abrading the enamel.
The final step involves polishing the tooth surfaces to restore their natural smoothness. This eliminates any roughness from the cement removal, leaving the enamel clean and healthy. The patient’s teeth may feel temporarily sensitive or “slimy” immediately after the removal, which is a normal sensation as the teeth are exposed.
The Essential Next Step: Retention and Post-Care
The removal of braces does not mark the end of orthodontic treatment; instead, it transitions to the retention phase. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions because the surrounding bone and soft tissues require time to stabilize around the new alignment. Retention devices are mandatory to hold the teeth in their perfected positions while the periodontal ligaments and jawbone fully adapt to the changes.
There are two primary types of retention devices. Fixed retainers consist of a thin, custom-fitted wire bonded to the back surface of the lower and sometimes upper front teeth, offering continuous, passive retention. Removable retainers include the Hawley retainer, which uses a metal wire and acrylic, or the clear, vacuum-formed Essix retainer, which covers the entire arch of the teeth.
The prescribed wear schedule for removable retainers often starts with full-time wear for the first several months, followed by night-time wear indefinitely. Careful hygiene is necessary for both types. Fixed retainers require the use of floss threaders, while removable retainers must be cleaned daily with a toothbrush and cool water to prevent bacterial buildup. Failure to consistently wear the retainer is the most common cause of orthodontic relapse, necessitating adherence to post-care instructions for long-term success.