Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment! Now that your braces are off, it’s bye to dental crowding and other misalignment issues. Welcome, beautiful smile, confidence, and self-esteem! But you don’t want to rest on your laurels yet.
To maintain your perfect smile and its accompanying perks, and ensure all your hard work isn’t undone, there are some things you need to do. But first:
How do your teeth feel immediately after braces removal?
After your braces are removed, your teeth may be tender, and you may experience some soreness in your gum. These are completely normal as your teeth are used to the pressure of braces.
Your bite may also feel different due to the new alignment of your teeth. You don’t have to worry, though. These discomforts will subside within a few days as you adjust to the bracket-free, smooth teeth!
Now, let’s go into what comes next after braces.
Prevent a relapse with a retainer
Your teeth naturally want to return to their original position, especially in the first few weeks and months after treatment. Retainers ensure this doesn’t happen, keeping your teeth in the position that makes your smile as beautiful as ever. Also, as we age, our teeth move. Retainers prevent this movement, helping to maintain your perfectly aligned smile.
Before removing your braces, your orthodontist will talk to you about retainers and recommend which best suits you between fixed and removable retainers. Fixed retainers are bonded to the inner side of your teeth and remain there permanently until removed by your orthodontist. They are also invisible; you won’t feel their presence after a few days.
With removable retainers, you may have to wear them full-time initially. After a while, you will transition to wearing them at night (every night, every other night, or a few nights per week).
Always make sure to wear your retainers as scheduled by the orthodontist. You don’t want to go back to having crooked teeth and an ugly smile. Moreover, it’s months and years of hard work undone and money down the drain.
Care for your new beautiful smile
You kept your braces clean and intact with a good oral hygiene regime. Now that your braces are off, continue with the practices to prevent the formation of plaques and cavities and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.
Use a soft-bristled brush to brush your teeth morning and night. Remove plaques and food particles by flossing every day. Also, rinse your mouth after drinking tea, coffee, or other drinks that can stain your teeth.
Clean your retainers
Your retainer also needs cleaning once a day or as instructed by your orthodontist. Otherwise, they can get damaged quickly and even contaminate your teeth. Clean your retainer using dishwashing liquid and a soft toothbrush.
You can also rinse when you take it out at mealtimes or before drinking. Remember to keep your retainer in a case instead of wrapping it in a napkin and risk losing it.
Regular checkups are essential
Braces removal does not put an end to regular checkups. Keep with the biennial visits to your dentist, as they will check for signs of plaques and cavities during the appointments.
When you visit us at Brunswick Orthodontic Valley for your checkups, we will review the stability of your teeth and the condition of your retainers to ensure they are not damaged and still fit.
You deserve a gorgeous smile that lasts forever
Whether you have crowding in teeth, overly crowded teeth, crooked teeth bottom, or other issues, we can help you correct them. When you book an appointment, we’ll discuss the orthodontic treatment options and recommend the best plan.
If you want a new retainer, are experiencing a relapse, or have questions about caring for your new smile post-braces, don’t hesitate to book an appointment today.
댓글