What to Expect After Braces Removal
The day for braces removal is here and all of your patience and hard work has finally paid off. Now that your braces are going to be removed, are you curious about to expect? Many patients report that their mouth feels strange and it may take some time to readjust to life without braces.
If you’re scheduled to have your braces removed, here are six things you might notice once they’re taken off.
Brushing and Flossing Will Feel Different After Braces Removal
A major difference that you may notice once your braces are removed is that it’s much easier to brush and floss. You will no longer need to use special brushes or maneuvers to navigate your dental floss between metal wires and brackets. With fewer obstacles, you will have better access to your teeth. However, it’s important to remain diligent about brushing and flossing thoroughly as you start incorporating certain foods back into your diet.
Discoloration and Teeth Stains
This can be disheartening for many patients once braces are removed. When brackets cover the majority of your teeth, it’s very difficult to effectively clean the entire tooth. As a result, your teeth might be a little yellow. Additionally, you may also notice some calcification. However, it is normal for your teeth to look a bit stained or yellow. If you notice spots or discoloration on your teeth, talk to your orthodontist about teeth whitening methods to remove them.
Eating is Strange
Just as your teeth felt strange when the braces were first put on, it will also feel strange once they’re removed. Over time, you’ve likely gotten used to chewing certain foods carefully around your brackets. As a result, your teeth will be very sensitive, especially to extreme temperatures. Therefore, it’s important that you hold off on eating hard or sticky foods for at least a week or two.
Wearing a Retainer After Braces Removal
After braces removal, you’ll want to maintain that straighter smile. Therefore, it’s crucial that you consistently wear your retainer. If not, your teeth could shift right back to where they were when you first began your orthodontic treatment.
Retainers are custom fit to your mouth, so it should be comfortable to wear. Be sure to clean your retainer with a soft toothbrush each day and store it in a secure spot. If you lose your retainer, contact your orthodontist to receive a replacement.
Follow up Appointments
After braces removal, it’s important to schedule a dental exam and cleaning. This helps ensure that no oral issues have developed during your orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, this allows your dentist to remove any tartar build-up that may have occurred while you had braces. You may also need to visit your orthodontist for follow-ups. Generally speaking, you will need to schedule a 6-8 month evaluation to ensure that there haven’t been any major changes.
A Beautiful Smile
Smile! Getting your braces off is a drastic change that everyone will notice. Your teeth are straight, your bite is aligned, and you no longer have brackets and wires covering your smile.
If you have braces or are thinking about getting them, be sure to visit your local orthodontist. Moles & Ferri Orthodontic Specialists has locations in Milwaukee, Racine, and Brookfield. We can answer any additional questions you have and offer tips to keep your teeth in tip-top shape. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.