The day your braces come off is an exciting milestone! After months or even years of enduring brackets and wires, you’ll finally get to enjoy your newly straightened smile. But while orthodontic treatment may be complete, your smile journey isn’t quite over. The weeks and months after braces are just as important for maintaining your results.
Here’s what you can expect after your braces are removed.
Getting Them Off
Removing braces is typically much quicker and more comfortable than putting them on. Your orthodontist will carefully remove the brackets and wires using specialized instruments. While you may feel some pressure during the process, it generally isn’t painful.
Once the brackets are off, any remaining adhesive is gently polished away, leaving your teeth smooth and clean.
Your Teeth May Feel Different
Many patients are surprised by how smooth their teeth feel after braces are removed. Since you’ve become accustomed to brackets and wires, your teeth may even seem unusually large at first. This feeling is completely normal and usually disappears within a few days.
It’s also common to experience mild sensitivity for a short period as your teeth adjust to their new positions.
Retainer Time
One of the most important parts of completing orthodontic treatment is wearing your retainer. Teeth naturally tend to shift over time, especially during the first several months after braces are removed.
Your retainer helps hold your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. Depending on your treatment plan, your orthodontist may recommend a removable retainer, a fixed retainer bonded behind your teeth, or a combination of both.
Following your retainer instructions is crucial for preserving your straight, new smile.
Continue Excellent Oral Hygiene
Braces can make brushing and flossing more challenging, so many patients look forward to cleaning their teeth more easily after treatment. Continue brushing twice a day along with daily flossing to maintain a healthy smile.
Your dentist may also recommend a professional cleaning after your braces are removed to eliminate any remaining plaque or stains that developed around the brackets during treatment.
Maintaining regular dental checkups will help keep your teeth and gums healthy long after your orthodontic treatment is complete.
Now the fun begins! Since your braces are off, you can confidently enjoy foods that may have been restricted during treatment, smile freely in photos, and appreciate the results of your hard work. But remember! Your smile still requires ongoing care. Wear your retainer as directed, practice good oral hygiene, and go to regular dental appointments to ensure your teeth stay straight and healthy.
About the Practice
Ready to begin your journey to a straighter, healthier smile? Willow Bend Orthodontics of Plano is led by talented, experienced orthodontists Drs. Tamara Jones and Stephanie Amerson, who would be thrilled to help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. We understand that braces are a costly investment; that’s why we accept dental insurance and offer zero-percent in-house financing so you can get the care that you deserve. Book your appointment online or call (972) 732-1400.