When patients get braces, they spend a lot of time fantasizing about the day that they get them taken off. The day you see the completed transformation of your smile, and the results of all of your hard work, is always one worth remembering.
That said, completing your braces treatment doesn’t mean the end of taking care of your teeth. There are still things you’ll have to do if you want to keep your smile in good condition. Here’s what the aftermath of wearing braces can entail.
What Will Life Be Like Without Braces?
Most patients will wear their braces for a few years before having them taken off, which is enough time for patients to forget what it’s like to live without them.
When you get your braces off, you’ll probably notice a few massive changes. For one, eating will feel a lot different; you’ll be able to indulge in certain foods that you might not have been able to enjoy before. However, your teeth might also feel a little bit sensitive for a while after your braces are taken off, seeing as they’re no longer protected by the metal brackets. You might therefore want to be a little cautious when eating until your teeth feel back to normal.
The Potential of Whitening
If you were a little bit lax with your dental hygiene, you might find that once your braces come off there’s a small bright spot where the brackets once were, almost like a clean area under a piece of furniture that’s never been moved.
In such cases, you might want to look into teeth whitening once you’re done with your orthodontics in order to address the discoloration.
The Importance of Retainers
As you might have guessed, wearing your retainer is also vitally important. Your teeth will still be fairly mobile after your orthodontics come off, so a retainer will be necessary until the teeth are solidified into place.
These retainers are clear plastic trays meticulously crafted to fit your smile. How long and how frequently you’ll have to wear them depends on the exact situation your teeth are in.
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli believes that excellent oral health is a journey that lasts a lifetime, which is why he works so hard to form strong relationships with his patients. He gets to know them as unique individuals so that he can help them take care of their teeth at home and in his office. Dr. Camenzuli received his dental degree from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, and has earned Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry.
If you have any questions about the aftermath of braces, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (504) 584-4225.