The final appointment of orthodontic treatment is a major milestone. Patients are eager to see their new smile revealed, free from the hardware that guided their teeth into alignment. The concern over whether the teeth will be “shaved” or altered is a common question regarding the final steps of the process. The ultimate goal is to transition from active treatment to a clean, stable, and aesthetically pleasing result.
The Process of Removing Orthodontic Adhesive
After the brackets are gently detached, a hardened layer of composite resin, commonly called “braces glue,” remains on the tooth surface. This adhesive is engineered to withstand biting forces throughout treatment, so it must be professionally removed. This necessary procedure focuses entirely on eliminating the non-organic bonding agent and restoring the enamel’s natural texture, though patients sometimes mistake it for tooth reduction.
Specialized instruments are used to safely and effectively remove the adhesive without damaging the underlying tooth structure. Orthodontists typically begin with a low-speed handpiece fitted with a tungsten carbide bur, which selectively removes the composite material. Since the bur is designed to be more aggressive on the resin than on the hard enamel, the process is precise and minimizes the risk of abrasion. This step is followed by a fine-grit polishing tool or an ultrasonic scaler to loosen any microscopic remnants.
The final stage involves a thorough polishing of the tooth surfaces using a gentle paste, similar to a routine dental cleaning. This action ensures the enamel is perfectly smooth and prepares the tooth for the retention phase. The entire cleaning process is usually painless, though patients may feel a slight sensation of vibration or pressure. The objective is to return the enamel surface to its original, clean state, not to reduce the size of the tooth.
When Minor Enamel Contouring Occurs
While adhesive removal is standard, the intentional modification of tooth structure—what most people mean by “shaving”—is a distinct and optional process. This intentional reduction of enamel is called enameloplasty or tooth contouring. It is reserved for cosmetic finishing or addressing minor issues that become apparent once the teeth are straight. This procedure requires the patient’s informed consent and is not a routine part of the removal appointment for every tooth.
Enameloplasty involves removing small amounts of enamel, typically to smooth uneven edges, correct minor chips, or adjust tooth length. The process is precise and often uses fine diamond-coated strips or discs to recontour the edges. Since the enamel layer is devoid of nerves, this procedure is quick and does not require anesthesia.
A related procedure is Interproximal Reduction (IPR), which removes a minute amount of enamel from the side surfaces of the teeth. This creates small amounts of space, often to eliminate “black triangles” (gaps near the gum line) or harmonize tooth proportions. The amount of enamel removed during IPR is minimal, often less than 0.5 millimeters per tooth surface. These contouring procedures are finishing touches designed to perfect the aesthetic result of the orthodontic treatment.
Ensuring Results Last (Retention Planning)
Once the brackets and adhesive are gone, the focus immediately shifts to stabilizing the newly aligned teeth, a phase known as retention. The surrounding bone and periodontal ligament fibers require time to reorganize and solidify the teeth in their corrected positions. Without a structured retention plan, the teeth will gradually drift back toward their original misalignment, a process known as relapse.
Retention relies on custom-made appliances that physically hold the teeth in place. Two main types of retainers are used: fixed and removable. Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded to the tongue-side of the teeth, typically the lower front six, offering continuous support. Removable retainers include clear, aligner-style retainers (Essix) or the traditional Hawley retainer.
The initial wear schedule for removable retainers is often full-time for several months, only taking them out for eating and brushing. Following this intensive phase, the orthodontist typically transitions the patient to nighttime-only wear. Long-term compliance is necessary because the forces that cause teeth to shift are continuous throughout life. Consistent use of the prescribed retainer is the most important factor for maintaining a straight smile indefinitely.