Can You Request To Get Braces Removed Early?

“Can you request to get your braces taken off early?” It’s one of the most common questions we get from braces patients in London. But the truth is, there’s no fixed answer. Every person’s teeth move at their own pace — and that’s intentional. At Whites Dental, our experienced orthodontic dentists are here to help guide you through treatment, whether you’re wearing Invisalign, metal braces, Damon braces, or lingual braces. We’re based in London Waterloo, near London Bridge and Elephant and Castle.

Many people book a dental appointment due to pain or discomfort — but others come in for misaligned or crooked teeth, bite issues, jaw pain, or even bleeding gums. Braces are one of the best tools we have for straightening teeth. But let’s be honest — wearing braces isn’t always comfortable, which is why patients often ask if they can have them removed early.

Can You Get Braces Off Early?

Braces remain one of the most effective ways to straighten teeth and create a beautiful smile. Even with newer, more comfortable options like Invisalign, it’s common to ask whether braces can come off earlier than planned.

Several factors determine whether early removal is possible:

• The specific treatment plan and movement stages designed for your teeth
• Your consistency in attending adjustment appointments
• Your oral hygiene throughout treatment

It’s essential to follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely. That said, early removal is not guaranteed, even if you follow the plan perfectly — everyone’s teeth move differently.

What Might Prevent Early Removal?

In most cases, braces should only be removed once treatment is fully complete — and the teeth have spent time stabilising in their final positions. Rushing this step increases the risk of your teeth shifting back (relapsing). Sometimes, the movement may not have progressed as expected, or your orthodontist may feel that improvements are still being made. In these cases, the braces might need to stay on for a little longer.

How Are Braces Removed?

Whether your braces are removed early or on schedule, the process is the same. Once your orthodontist is satisfied with the results, they will use a special tool to gently detach the brackets from your teeth. Any residual bonding glue is polished off, and a deep clean is carried out to remove debris and plaque.

Next, impressions are taken for your retainers — an essential part of treatment that helps prevent relapse and keeps your smile straight long term.

Want to Finish Braces Early?

Most orthodontic patients want fast results. While this is understandable, the safest and most effective path is to stick with your treatment plan. If you’re considering braces or want to understand your expected treatment times, book a free consultation with our friendly team. We’ll answer your questions, review your needs, and help guide you toward the right plan.

You can also find more information on braces on our Orthodontics homepage.

We are located next to Southwark Tube Station and just a 5-minute walk from London Waterloo rail station. Our London Private Dentists are also around 10 minutes’ walk from Elephant and Castle and London Bridge. Our webpage provides guidance on whether you can request to get your braces taken off early.