Are teeth damaged during removal of braces?

Question

I haven't gotten braces yet, but I've watched videos of the procedure and heard narrations from friends. One nightmare I have is enamel/tooth surface damage during the scraping off of the glue during braces removal. Does this ever happen? I mean, they seem to use a very abrasive method of scraping off the glue. One person even said that their dentist used a drill to remove the glue/cement. Are most orthodontists aware of this phenomenon and careful to avoid it? Thanks, doctors! You guys rock!

Kathy Frazar, DDS, FAGD · Answer

After your orthodontics are finished, the brackets can be removed with a bracket remover which poppa off the bracket from the enamel.  If any cement remains, it is removed with a handpiece and a very fine bur as to polish away the cement and keep the enamel healthy!  If you do Invisalign, you will have the attachments removed with a handpiece also.  Trust the Dentist!  This is what we do all day!  We are tooth savers!   Best of luck with your future straight teeth.

Aashish Mathesul, MDS · Answer

Also a 12 fluted carbide drill does not damage enamel at all.these are routine polishing procedures.rest ,i a agree with dr.shervin expert answer.also a g c tooth mousse plus anti sensivity tooth can be used for enamel replenishment therapy

Shervin Abbaszadeh, DDS · Answer

The cement we use to place braces on is a rather strong material - essentially it is the same as a white filling material that would be used to fill a tooth.  There are different varieties of cements that can be used to hold a brace on during treatment.  Some come off by scaling them off, others will require a drill. Just because a drill is used, does not mean it will damage the surface of the tooth. It has to be done though by either the Orthodontist or a trained dental personnel. The tooth is then polished to bring it back to it's original shine. Typically, no enamel is ever removed. It is an exiting time to have one's braces removed, and is something that is done thousands of times a day across the US and Canada.  Damaging the enamel is certainly not a common thing that happens.  It can happen - but certainly not a usual occurrence.  Because it is very rare, I wouldn't give it much thought.

Are teeth damaged during removal of braces?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Are teeth damaged during removal of braces?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.