Getting your braces off is an exciting milestone; it’s the moment you’ve been waiting literally years for! It’s also the grand reveal that shows just how much you and your orthodontist’s hard work has paid off. But finishing orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean the journey is completely over; there are still a few important things to keep in mind, from wearing your retainer to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Here’s what you need to know about life after wearing braces.
How Will It Feel to Have My Braces Off?
When you get your braces off, you’ll feel some slight pressure as your orthodontist uses a special tool to remove all the appliances, but you will not feel any pain or discomfort. One of the first things you’ll notice is how different your teeth feel without the presence of the metal brackets and wires. Your teeth will seem extra smooth, and you may also notice small differences in your bite as you get used to chewing and speaking. You should know that it’s possible for your teeth to feel sensitive for a short period, often when biting into foods, but this usually fades very quickly.
Of course, you’ll also notice your teeth’s new appearance whenever you look in the mirror; in fact, many patients say that they feel immediately more confident the moment their braces come off, and they don’t want to stop smiling!
What Will I Need to Keep in Mind Moving Forward?
One of the most critical steps following getting your braces off is wearing your retainer; these devices do exactly what their name implies and help you to “retain” your new results. Once your braces are off, your teeth naturally want to shift back toward their old positions. Retainers prevent this, and your provider will give you specific instructions for how often to wear yours. Usually, it begins with wearing it quite often, gradually moving to only during the night.
It’s also wise to ease your way back into crunchy or hard foods, as much as you may have missed them during treatment. Foods like apples, nuts, popcorn, and chips may be back on the menu, but your teeth might be sensitive, and it could take a little time to become used to eating them again.
You will also need to practice diligent oral hygiene; dental issues like cavities or advanced gum disease also have the potential to cause unfavorable tooth movement. Luckily, brushing and flossing are much easier without braces, meaning it’s more effective—just make it a daily habit! Also, continue to schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist.
The removal of your braces is the beginning of a new chapter, and with a little care and thoughtful lifestyle adjustments, you can settle into life without braces easily—while ensuring remarkable results that are here to stay.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Hopkinton has served the needs of patients and families in the area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Jamie Moon and Dr. Sam Alkhoury. We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for all ages, including traditional metal braces, and we’d be more than happy to guide you along your orthodontic journey. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 435-1200.