Can You Request To Get Braces Removed Early?

Whites Dental Waterloo

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Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)

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“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 ceramic 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.

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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:

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.

What Happens If You Take Braces Off Too Soon?

We understand the urge to finish early, but removing braces too soon can have consequences:

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 Straighter Teeth, Sooner?

If speed is your priority, some options move faster than others depending on your case:

Treatment Type Speed (Mild Cases) Good for Complex Cases
Invisalign ✅ Often faster ❌ Limited for complex cases
Damon Braces ✅ Quicker than traditional ✅ Suitable for most needs
Metal/Ceramic Braces ❌ Slightly slower ✅ Best for complex corrections

Compare Invisalign and Braces in London

Book a Free Consultation

If you’re unsure whether you can remove braces early — or want to understand your treatment options — book a free consultation today. We’ll walk you through your current stage, review your goals, and give honest advice tailored to your case.

You can also find more details on our Orthodontics homepage.

FAQs

Can I stop braces treatment halfway through?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. Your teeth likely haven’t reached full alignment and may relapse without retention.

Is there a faster way to complete braces treatment?

Yes. Good oral hygiene, consistent appointments, and choosing faster systems like Damon Braces or Invisalign (for mild cases) can help.

Will my teeth shift if I remove braces early?

They can. That’s why retainers are essential — especially if braces are removed before your plan is fully complete.

Our clinic in London Waterloo is 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 clinic in London Marble Arch is located next to Edgware Road and is a 10-12 minutes walk from Paddington, Notting Hill and Bayswater.