This week, Dr. Shalin Shah shared the latest clinical recommendations from CDOCS for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Shah shared tips on effectively managing braces in patients’ mouths, including insertion and removal techniques to help patients navigate daily wear, especially with a high number of attachments.
Dr. Shah noted that brace removal can sometimes be challenging, but with a few tips, it can be easily accomplished.
For example, it’s recommended to start unilaterally removing braces from the back teeth, gently lifting one side and gradually peeling them off from the end of the arch. This provides better leverage, making it easier to remove the braces from the teeth.
This procedure may produce some noise, and patients may worry about damaging the braces. Dr. Shah emphasized that braces are designed to withstand these forces and can typically withstand the torques of normal wear and removal within one to two weeks of use.
When choosing which side to start, it’s best to begin on the side with fewer attachments, typically the terminal molars, such as the second or first molars.
These methods can help both doctors and patients manage braces more smoothly. Dr. Shah also reminds dentists to always strengthen the connection between orthodontic and restorative care and refer patients to their local orthodontic team before they are 7 years old.
