Life after Braces: What to Expect After Orthodontic Treatment

The perfect smile is everybody’s dream, and with braces, it’s an attainable one. If you’ve undergone orthodontic treatment that involved getting braces and it’s nearing its end, there are some things you should know. Read on to see what you can expect after getting orthodontic treatment.

Preparing to Remove Them

When the time comes to remove your braces, you will need to go for an appointment. If there’s a complication or your teeth have not moved adequately yet, your orthodontist may postpone the removal for a few days, so don’t be disappointed if this happens, because it’s for the best. Maintain good oral hygiene to avoid stains like yellow tartar forming on your teeth, which may become a lot more visible once the braces come off. With over 3.5 million children in America starting to wear braces each year according to Dr. Allan S. Phillips Orthodontics, you will just be one among many other people with braces, but one that’s a bit closer to having them removed!

Actual Removal

Each bracket and band will be removed individually, and the process is relatively painless for the most part. Sensitive or tender spots in your mouth may feel a momentary pain when force is applied during the removal, but many people report feeling relief after they’ve been removed. Once they’re off, the cement between the teeth and brackets may need to be scraped off, and this is also painless.

Aftercare

When your braces are taken off, your mouth will likely feel different. This is because your teeth have been moved and realigned. While your mouth may feel weird for a few days, this feeling will pass as you adjust to your new oral alignment. If you experience pain or sensitivity that lasts for more than a few days, you should go back to your orthodontist to have it checked out. You will often need to have a retainer fitted to maintain the adjustments that have been made, which could range from months to years. You may ask your orthodontist to fit you with retainers that you can remove and wear only at night.

You may be eager to flaunt your new perfectly aligned smile right away, so carry on this enthusiasm to taking care of your teeth after the braces come off. If you get a retainer, take care of it, wear it often, and clean it regularly to make sure your new alignment lasts.