I Want a Perfect Smile After Braces Come Off!
When you’re suffering from some type of orthodontic problems like crowded teeth or an overbite, the problem may require intensive treatment like braces or Invisalign. How you treat your teeth after the braces have been removed is just as important as the initial movement of your teeth. In this post, we’ll answer – I Want a Perfect Smile after Braces Come Off! Let’s get cracking.
Contents
People Also Ask
- What happens after your braces come off?
- How long do your teeth hurt after getting braces off?
- Can you eat after getting braces off?
- How long do you wear retainers after braces come off?
How Your Teeth Will Benefit from Braces
Braces offer an array of benefits that other orthodontic solutions simply can’t provide. Whether you select Invisalign or metal braces for your teeth straightening solution of choice, you’ll be provided with brackets or aligners that can move your teeth into the correct position.
Even if the orthodontic problem you’re suffering from is a severe one, braces are designed to provide substantial movements. Once you obtain straighter teeth, you’ll have a more beautiful smile and should get a boost in confidence.
To make certain that your teeth move into the ideal position when wearing braces, it’s important that our orthodontist looks at them on a regular basis. Any issues with the teeth straightening process need to be corrected immediately. Keep in mind that each person has different requirements in regards to how long they will need to wear braces to obtain the full benefits. The treatment time can range anywhere from six months to several years depending on the severity of the orthodontic issue that you’re dealing with.
First Thing After Braces Come Off?
While your teeth will undoubtedly be straighter after removing braces, there’s still going to be some work to do in order to make sure that your smile is perfect and remains that way. For instance, flossing and brushing your teeth properly was likely very difficult while wearing the metal brackets that come with braces.
Even if you brush regularly and vigorously, it’s likely that a substantial amount of plaque has built upon the surface of your teeth. This is particularly common in situations where an individual has had to wear braces for a lengthy period of time.
Your Braces Are Off, Now What?
It’s also essential that you wear your retainer consistently after removing braces. While wearing a retainer can be a slightly unappealing prospect after you’ve worn braces for so long, doing so will keep your teeth in their current position.
Although the movements that are made by braces are designed to be permanent, your teeth will invariably want to slide back to their old position. The month or so following the removal of your braces is the most important for keeping your teeth straight, which is why you should endeavor to wear your retainer every night.
Your tongue will discover new sensations that take a little getting used to.
Retainers
Permanent Retainers
While most retainers can be removed and are primarily designed to be worn at night, there are a variety of retainer types that you should be aware of.
Bonded Retainer
One of which is permanently glued to your teeth. A bonded retainer is a thin piece of wire attached to the back of the teeth. It isn’t visible. Your tongue will discover new sensations that take a little getting used to. A bonded retainer is securely attached to the back (tongue) side of the front teeth. Make sure to clean your retainer on a regular basis to keep it from dirtying your teeth.
Vivera Retainer
The more common type of retainer is a clear one that looks very similar to the clear Invisalign aligners. Some are made with metal wires and come with an acrylic base.
Hawley Retainer
A Hawley retainer is a piece that is placed inside your mouth after orthodontic treatment has been completed. The retainer will help to keep your teeth in place in order to keep the high quality work that has been done. It can also help in completing any minor movements that may need to be done.
The base of the retainer is an acrylic piece that fits into the roof of your mouth or along the bottom gum line below your tongue. The base gives the other parts of the retainer the support they need. They come in a design that is clear or can be a variety of different colors and designs as well.
Oral Health After Braces Come Off
Soon after using braces, it’s highly recommended that you schedule a professional dental cleaning in order to have this plaque removed. If plaque persists on your teeth, it’s possible for your teeth to become damaged and for cavities to develop, which would tarnish your smile.
A dental cleaning can be completed in a very short period of time and will leave you with much whiter and cleaner teeth. You could also inquire about obtaining a professional whitening, which goes further than dental cleanings and focuses entirely on whitening your teeth.
There are also several things that you can do at home to make sure that your smile is perfect once your braces come off. By maintaining good oral hygiene techniques, you will be able to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Always brush your teeth at least twice per day, which should be done with a toothbrush that comes with soft bristles. Consider replacing this toothbrush at least once every four months or so.
When you conduct a visual inspection of the toothbrush and find that the bristles are beginning to fray, this is when the toothbrush should be replaced. You should also floss every day and may want to consider using mouthwash.
The mouthwash and toothpaste you use should consist of fluoride, which is a substance that helps to keep your teeth from decaying. When you’re eating, try to stay away from sugar as much as possible and avoid drinking beverages like coffee that can stain your teeth. Rinse out your mouth thoroughly after every meal or snack that you eat.
Schedule Regular Visits with Your Orthodontist
As long as you maintain good oral health techniques, it’s likely that your smile will remain perfect after braces come off. However, there are some things that you will be unable to do without the assistance of a professional orthodontist such as ours. We understand what it takes to keep teeth clean and straight once the braces have been removed.
Our orthodontists are also able to use stronger and more effective solutions to keep your teeth clean. While it’s generally recommended that individuals have their teeth professionally cleaned at least once every year, you should consider doing so twice each year due to wearing braces.
It’s also important that you regularly visit your orthodontist in the months following the removal of your braces so that they can determine that everything is alright. It can be difficult to identify when an issue has arisen, which is something that an orthodontist will be able to determine. Your orthodontist should provide you with an aftercare schedule that ascertains how often you should make an appointment. This schedule should be followed completely.
Conclusion
Whether you want to obtain a full dental cleaning after your braces come off, or are considering braces, get in touch with our orthodontic office today to schedule your first appointment with Dr. McDermott.
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MCDERMOTT ORTHODONTICS
13046 Falcon Drive. Baxter, MN 56425
Phone: 218-829-1630
After Braces Come Off! | WHAT TO DO NOW? (5 EPIC FACTS)

Dr. Michael McDermott earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Chemistry and Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He followed his undergraduate degrees with a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with highest distinction.
Dr. Mike then furthered his dental education by earning a masters and certificate in Orthodontics at the University of St. Louis in Missouri.