Braces represent a long journey for orthodontic patients from crooked, gapped, misaligned teeth to the perfectly straight smile they’ve always wanted. The day you get your braces off is always a memorable one, and the week or so after will involve plenty of people telling you how good your teeth look.
However, taking off your braces doesn’t mean the end of caring for your teeth. If you’re wondering what life will be like after orthodontics, here are some things that you may want to keep in mind.
Stop Being Sensitive!
After all this time, you’ve likely gotten so used to wearing braces that it feels strange for your teeth to be bracket-free. It’s common for your teeth not to be accustomed to being exposed to the outside air, which can make them sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
This should get better within a few weeks, but until then you may want to avoid any food that you notice makes you uncomfortable.
Seeing Spots
As you well know, braces involve a lot of different dietary restrictions to keep them healthy. One of the biggest ones is that you generally have to abstain from colored drinks, especially soda. This is partially because stains that soak into your teeth while you’re wearing braces will leave a clean spot in the center of them once your braces come off.
If this has happened to you, your orthodontics may recommend professional teeth whitening to remove these stains. That way, your new smile can look its best.
Wear Your Retainer
Of course, the most important thing to do when you take off your braces is also one of the first things that people neglect—wearing your retainer. Immediately after getting braces your teeth are still going to be fairly mobile, which is why it’s crucial to wear your retainer as directed until your smile has settled into place.
You should also clean your retainer carefully, brushing the oral appliance just as you would the rest of your teeth. By wearing it fastidiously and keeping it clear of plaque, you can keep your new smile for the rest of your life!
About the Author
From the time he was a teenager, Dr. Bradley Buchwald knew he wanted to be an orthodontist. He was always impressed with what great dental work did for him and the people around him, so he feels proud to be able to offer that to people today. Dr. Buchwald graduated from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and completed his orthodontic residency at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry. Today, he’s a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
If you have any questions about braces, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (972) 377-5940.