Whether you are quickly approaching the day your braces come off or you just started treatment, there’s a good chance you’re wondering what will happen after you say goodbye to your orthodontic appliances. Adjusting to life without your metal brackets and wires may take a bit of time, and you’ll need to know how to keep your teeth in their new location permanently. Keep reading to discover the answers that will ensure your straighter smile lasts a lifetime.
What is Required After Having Your Braces Removed?
As soon as your braces are removed from your teeth, you can expect your orthodontist in Western Massachusetts to recommend retention. This phase is essential if your teeth are to remain in their new, permanent location.
While you’ll no longer need metal brackets and wires, a custom retainer will help prevent shifting teeth – an unfortunate reality many patients face after completing the phase of treatment that requires wearing braces.
Your orthodontist will discuss how long you will need to wear your new retainer. Generally, this device will need to be worn all day, every day for a while; however, after some time, you may only be required to wear it at night while you are asleep.
Are There Different Types of Retainers?
Yes, your orthodontist will go over the several types of retainers that are available to determine which one is right for you. These include:
- A fixed wire retainer that is placed on the back of your upper and lower teeth that helps keep them straight
- A removable retainer or set for the upper and lower arches
- A fixed retainer for one arch and a removable one for the other
What Will Life Be Like After Braces?
Once you no longer have to worry about food getting stuck between your teeth and braces, you can expect life to be a little different. Instead of facing the challenges that were normal before treatment, you can:
- Expect to enjoy a greater variety of food. While wearing braces, certain indulgences are off limits; however, after these brackets and wires come off, you can begin to eat corn on the cob, chips, and other similar crunchy and hard foods again. Just be careful not to overindulge, as this can cause damage or decay.
- Expect some level of tooth sensitivity. Metal brackets and wires will no longer cover your teeth, so there may be a slight bit of discomfort when consuming anything hot or cold, spicy, acidic, or crunchy.
- Expect minimal discoloration. Metal brackets cover a small portion of your teeth, so if you see there is a difference in their color once they are removed, do not worry. This will go away in time, but you can ask your dentist about possible teeth whitening down the road.
- Expect a straighter set of teeth that helps boost your confidence. You’ll be so pleased with your results that embracing new opportunities will feel exciting once again.
Post-orthodontic treatment can be a time to celebrate. Spending years improving the aesthetics and health of your smile is a great achievement, so make sure you follow your orthodontist’s instructions and take all the necessary steps to keep your new smile firmly in place.
About the Practice
Treehouse Orthodontics consists of five talented and experienced orthodontists who are committed to helping all patients enjoy life with straighter, healthier teeth. While much of our work consists of applying orthodontic appliances that encourage teeth movement, we also offer retention – a phase of treatment that is designed to keep teeth in place. If you need help to understand what life will be like after your braces come off, visit our website or call one of our offices to speak to a member of our team.