Braces are the tried-and-true method for realigning crooked teeth because they have a long history of successfully straightening smiles. It can take 18+ months to complete treatment, but your time and patience will pay off when you finally have the wires and brackets removed and can flash a recently perfected grin.
However, many patients feel anxious as they wrap up their orthodontics if they’re unsure what to expect afterward. With that in mind, continue reading to learn more about four things that frequently happen when braces come off and how you can adjust!
Item #1: Wearing a Retainer
Most people are eager to get back to life as usual once they’re done with braces and are surprised to learn that they might not be as “finished” with treatment as they thought. In many cases, your dentist will provide a retainer for you to wear. These oral appliances ensure that your teeth remain in their new positions long enough for the muscles and ligaments in your mouth to become fully acclimated to the change. Otherwise, they might revert to their previous placements.
The amount of time you’ll have to wear your retainer depends on your unique circumstances. Some people need to wear them day and night for 12+ months, while others might only need to wear them a few nights per week.
Item #2: Experiencing Sensitivity
Another common concern that arises once your orthodontics are removed is tooth sensitivity. Your pearly whites have been under constant tension for months or years, so it’s only natural that they’ll feel lighter and more exposed afterward. You might develop sensitivity, especially when eating anything overly hard, crunchy, chewy, hot, or cold. Avoiding these options for about a week can help ease your transition to life without braces.
Item #3: Noticing Discoloration
Even those who diligently brush and floss around their wires and brackets might see spots and blemishes when they come off. Unfortunately, plaque can still form along the edges and demineralize enamel, leaving it looking discolored after the fact. Your dentist can provide a professional cleaning or teeth whitening to enhance your appearance. They might recommend additional cosmetic services, like dental bonding or porcelain veneers, to address more severe staining after orthodontics.
Item #4: Attending Follow-Ups
Just because your smile is straight doesn’t mean you no longer have to see your dentist. You’ll likely need to visit regularly in the first year for retainer check-ins to monitor your progress and ensure you’re still on track. Then, you should schedule a standard checkup and cleaning every 6 months to allow your provider to catch and address any potential problems before they can progress.
Understanding what your mouth will look and feel like when your braces are removed can help ease any anxiety you might have about the upcoming change!
About the Practice
At Healthy Smiles Dental Care, you and your family benefit from a team of experts who offer a full range of services conveniently under one roof. With both general dentists and specialists on staff, there’s no issue too simple or complex for them to tackle. They take the time to get to know your unique dental concerns and goals, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to administer fully individualized solutions to meet them, including orthodontics. If you’d like a consultation, you can request an appointment on the website or call (810) 720-6433.