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Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Your braces removal appointment should be a triumphant moment. The excitement of being done with your braces and enjoying your new smile, however, may be marred by the prospect of actually having them removed. Braces have been a part of your life for a while now, so it’s natural to feel anxious about getting them taken off. Below, we’ll show you what to expect from your braces removal appointment and how to prepare. This way, your appointment can be the relief that it should be.

Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.

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How are Braces Removed?

The best way to prepare for your braces removal appointment is to understand how your braces will be taken off and what you can expect to feel. Compared to having your braces put on or tightened, the removal process is relatively painless.

The main tool your orthodontist will use to separate your braces from your teeth is a pair of delicate oral pliers. These pliers apply pressure to squeeze off the adhesive that cements your braces to your teeth. While this is happening, you’ll feel a popping sensation as the pressure from the brackets and wires is severed.

Next, your orthodontist removes the leftover adhesive that remains on your teeth. The bonding cement both holds your braces in place during treatment and protects your teeth from the wires while your orthodontist removes them. However, it’s no longer needed once the wires and brackets come off. Your orthodontist will use a special polishing tool to scrape and shine the cement from your teeth.

This will feel strange at first since your teeth have been under pressure for so long and are now smooth. However, this step will feel good in the end, as your orthodontist removes the cement and polishes your new, straighter smile.

Does the Procedure Hurt?

This will likely be every child’s (and adult’s) first question about having their braces removed. The procedure doesn’t hurt, though it can feel very strange. As pressure is released from your teeth, it may feel weird for them to be suddenly free. The adhesive coming off may also sound and feel like a cracking sensation that many patients worry is damaging their teeth.

You shouldn’t worry, though. Your teeth are far tougher than the bonding cement that your orthodontist is removing. It would take far more to crack a tooth than the tiny pliers and scrapers that will remove your braces.

How Long Does It Take?

Braces can usually be removed in an hour or less. It may feel longer in the chair, but there’s no reason to worry. In addition to removing your braces, your orthodontist will also take a new impression of your teeth in order to make your retainers. They’ll also explain how to wear your new retainers, but this shouldn’t take long.

Caring for Teeth After Braces

Your orthodontist will explain how to wear your retainer and what to do about brushing and flossing. In addition to these tips for general care, you may notice that your teeth look different than they did before your treatment, and you may be wondering what to do.

For some patients, removing braces reveals discolored teeth due to insufficient brushing or flossing while the braces were on. It may be tempting to have your teeth whitened right away after your treatment. However, you should wait at least a month or two. Your teeth will be sensitive for a while after the braces are removed.

Your gums may also feel sensitive, inflamed, or irritated. This is normal and should pass within the first week of your braces being off. During this time, it’s important to brush and floss normally as this will reacquaint your gums to their normal sensations and let the irritation pass.

If they still feel painful or irritated after a few days, feel free to contact your orthodontist and ask for their treatment advice.

Choose Reese Orthodontics

For orthodontic care in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic options can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatments are right for you.

Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible care in your area.

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Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
click here to read reese orthodontic reviews
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Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).