Braces represent a huge investment of effort. Wearing these remarkably effective orthodontic appliances requires an elaborate daily hygiene regimen, frequent checkups and adjustments, and frustrating dietary restrictions, so having them removed can come with a sense of achievement and relief. Unfortunately, failing to comply with your post-treatment instructions will allow your teeth to drift back out of position, undoing all of your work. Here’s how to ensure that your smile stays straight after you’re done with braces.
Immediately After Your Braces Are Removed
You can expect your teeth to feel differently immediately after your braces are taken off. Many patients report that the fronts of their teeth feel strangely slick at first, and it’s not uncommon for patients to report mild dental sensitivity. After your appliance is removed, it’s best to be careful when eating until you can do so comfortably and confidently. The calluses that formed on the insides of your lips and cheeks will also begin to fade shortly after the braces are removed.
Keep Everything in Order: Wear Your Retainer
After your braces are removed, your orthodontist will provide you with a customized oral device called a retainer. These appliances are designed to be worn over the teeth after orthodontic treatment, and they are necessary to ensure that the smile stays in its new alignment. Retainers come in two varieties:
- Fixed retainers: These are metal wires cemented to the backs of teeth, and they can only be removed by a dentist or orthodontist. They are typically placed on the bottom arch, and they are usually virtually invisible because of their positions.
- Removable retainers: While most patients will have to wear their retainers throughout the day when they first get their braces off, they will eventually only need to wear them when sleeping to keep their teeth aligned.
Oral Hygiene Is Imperative
Since you’ve undoubtedly invested a great deal of time and effort into your orthodontic treatment, you’ll certainly want to avoid your results being ruined by preventable dental infections. Thankfully, oral hygiene becomes much easier after your braces are removed since you’ll no longer have to work around them. Every day, brush, floss, and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate plaque and food debris and kill the harmful oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your comfort, oral health, and appearance. By complying with your orthodontist’s instructions, you can ensure that your results last for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Mariliza LaCap earned her dental degree at the Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery, where she graduated in the top 10% of her class. She has since pursued advanced training in specialties like orthodontics, Invisalign™, endodontics, and restorative care. Her office in Bergenfield offers traditional braces and clear aligner orthodontic services. To schedule your orthodontic consultation, contact her office online or dial (201) 453-4863.