If your orthodontic treatment is over, you are probably waiting for the moment when the brackets are removed from your teeth so that you can enjoy the beauty of your smooth and tidy teeth. This stage, which is called **orthodontic debonding**, is one of the most sensitive and important stages of orthodontic treatment. Debonding is not just a simple operation to remove brackets, but it is considered a vital step to maintain the health of the teeth and the final result of the treatment. In this article, we want to explain in simple language what debond is and how metal and ceramic orthodontic debond is performed. If you want to know how long this process takes and what problems you will face if it is not done correctly, stay with us until the end of this article. What is orthodontic debond? Debonding is a frequently used orthodontic term, the process of removing orthodontic brackets and connections from the teeth is called orthodontic debonding. After the orthodontist is sure that the treatment period is complete and all the teeth are in the correct position, it is time to perform debonding. You can watch the orthodontic debonding video below: In debond, the bracket of each tooth is carefully removed and the remaining adhesives are removed from the surface of the teeth. Orthodontic debonding day is the day you have been waiting for. After debonding, you will be relieved of orthodontic braces and you can enjoy the beauty of your straightened teeth. Of course, do not forget that the correct performance of this process by the orthodontist plays an important role in the health of the tooth enamel and the beauty of the smile. As you have noticed, orthodontic removal is specific to fixed orthodontics and all kinds of mobile orthodontic methods such as functional orthodontics do not have this stage of treatment. fixed metal orthodontic debond In metal orthodontic debond, the metal brackets that have been installed on your teeth for months or years are removed using a special tool and a little pressure. These types of brackets usually have more adhesion to the tooth surface, but due to the resistant metal material, they are less damaged during removal. After removing the brackets, the orthodontist cleans the remaining adhesive from the tooth enamel with a polishing tool. If the debonding of metal brackets is done correctly, it will not damage the teeth and the appearance of the teeth will return to normal. Ceramic orthodontic debond Orthodontics with ceramic or transparent brackets, which is one of the invisible orthodontic methods, are a popular choice among teenagers and adults due to their similarity to the color of the teeth and their more beautiful appearance. But during debonding, they may be more sensitive than metal brackets. Because ceramic brackets are more fragile than the metal type, and the process of removing them requires more precision so as not to damage the tooth or the bracket. With the help of precise tools and controlled force, the orthodontist separates the brackets and then removes the adhesives from the surface of the teeth. Ceramic debonding may take a little longer, but if it is done by a professional and skilled person, it will be completely safe and painless. How long is orthodontic debonding? The duration of debonding depends on the number of teeth that have brackets, the type of bracket (metal or ceramic) and the skill of the orthodontist, and it usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. During this time, the debonding steps include removing and removing the brackets, removing the remaining glue from the teeth, and polishing the teeth to clean and polish their surface. If needed, after the debonding process, the orthodontist will make the mold to make the retainer, which requires more time. Anyway, all these steps and actions take place during one meeting. Is it painful to remove orthodontic brackets (debond)? In general, none of the debonding steps are painful. When removing the orthodontic brackets, you may feel a cracking sound or a slight pressure, which is short-lived and completely tolerable. Some patients feel more sensitivity in their teeth after removing the brackets, which is completely normal and will disappear after several procedures. In case of gingivitis or weak tooth enamel, the dentist may perform special care measures for you. Don't worry, Debond is one of the simplest orthodontic procedures that can be performed in a quiet office environment without the need for anesthesia. Is it possible to do orthodontic debonding at home? Orthodontic debonding is a delicate and precise process that must be performed by an orthodontic specialist. And there is no possibility of debonding at home. This work not only requires specialized tools, but if done incorrectly, it can cause broken brackets, serious damage to tooth enamel, and even loose teeth. Removing the bracket at home can jeopardize the results of months of waiting and the challenges you have gone through and ultimately increase the cost of orthodontics and the duration of treatment. If you are close to the end of the treatment, it is better to consult your doctor to determine the right time for debonding. problems of incorrect debonding in orthodontics Failure to properly perform orthodontic debonding brings the following complications and risks: - Damage to tooth enamel - Remaining glue or additional materials on the tooth - Tooth fracture or chipping - Gum inflammation and bleeding - Loose teeth - The need for tooth restoration or re-polishing Orthodontic debonding is the physical end of orthodontic treatment and the beginning of aftercare. If this step is done correctly and carefully, it can bring you a beautiful, healthy and lasting smile. Whether you have used metal or ceramic brackets, you should leave this sensitive step in the hands of an expert and avoid any arbitrary action. Also, after debonding, by following the orthodontist's recommendations and using the retainer regularly, you can maintain the treatment result for years. If you are on the threshold of orthodontic debonding or if you have any questions or ambiguities about the steps of rebounding, contact the office of Dr. Saeed Qureshi, an orthodontic specialist in Tehran, and enter this stage with full knowledge.