The day has come when you finally no longer require your braces. Even so, you still have some continued care to keep in mind to ensure you maintain your new smile. Here are a few things our Abbotsford orthodontist suggests you keep in mind and some changes to expect during life after braces.
What To Expect Once Your Braces Are Removed
During treatment with braces, you most likely spent much of your time thinking about the day that you would finally be free of the braces and that day has finally arrived. While you are excited about this moment, it is important to keep in mind that you will have some new adjustments to make.
Just like when you first had your braces put on, you will have to adjust to life without braces.
Here’s what you can expect - and some signs to watch for that you may want to discuss with your orthodontist.
Brushing and Flossing Will Be Simpler
You will now be able to brush and floss quickly and easily using normal tools and without the use of special brushes or flossing aids.
However, it's important to remain diligent about brushing and flossing thoroughly to keep your newly straightened teeth healthy.
Eating Will Be Different
Now that you no longer need to take the care of your braces into consideration you can return to eating all of the foods that you would like. Hello, corn on the cob, popcorn, crunchy vegetables, gum and almost anything else your heart desires!
You may notice eating feels strange at first, both because you’ve avoided certain foods for the past 18 to 24 months and because your braces aren’t there anymore, and your mouth will feel different. Give yourself time to get used to it.
You May Have Formed Calluses
When your brackets are first taken off your teeth, one of the first things you may notice is that there will be calluses on the insides of your lips where brackets have rubbed repeatedly.
While these are common and appear pretty quickly when you first get braces, don't fret, they will also disappear fairly quickly once your braces are off.
there May Be Slight Tooth Discolouration
One of the changes you may notice is that the area where the brackets were attached is darker. This is completely normal and your dentist can even out the shade of your teeth using teeth whitening treatments.
The Alignment of Your Teeth
The entire reason you wore braces was to achieve a straighter smile and aligned teeth, and you should be able to see changes in your smile as a result of wearing braces. Your orthodontist may have taken some “before and after” photos of your teeth so you can see how far you’ve come.
All that time diligently caring for your oral hygiene, as well as attending appointments for adjustments, will now be paying off. Congratulations on all the hard work!
Follow-up Visits
Though your braces are off, your treatment will likely not be fully complete. Patients typically come for a few follow-up appointments to ensure their retainer fits properly and that their teeth remain properly aligned.
Wearing a Retainer
Your retainer will keep your teeth in their new positions. You’ll need to wear the retainer full-time for a while, then part-time (typically only at night) in the months and years to come. Some patients also need spacers or other appliances.
If there are other issues you want to address in addition to your follow-up treatment, we would be happy to discuss those as well and address any concerns, or develop a treatment plan.