The day your braces come off is an exciting time. Being able to finally say goodbye to your brackets and wires and hello to a new and improved smile has likely been marked on your calendar for some time now. Although you may be eager to experience life without a mouthful of metal, you may wonder what to expect after your appointment. Keep reading to discover what kind of aftercare instructions you’ll need to follow to ensure your new smile stays in place.
How Are Braces Removed?
The removal process for braces is fairly straightforward. Your orthodontist will begin by using a special instrument that easily takes brackets and wires off without causing discomfort. You will notice how quickly each bracket pops off. Once they are no longer attached, the wires will be removed, leaving your teeth free of any metal. Your orthodontist will then buff your teeth to ensure no adhesive remains.
Braces Aftercare: What You Need to Know
Your orthodontist will provide you with special aftercare instructions to follow in the days, weeks, and months following the removal of your braces. This will help keep your smile on track and in the right place so you can enjoy the benefits of a healthier, straighter set of teeth. Some of the aftercare instructions you can expect include:
- Using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth twice a day for two minutes and after every meal.
- Floss with threaders, waxed floss, or a water irrigator to remove food and bacteria from teeth.
- Rinse after every meal to remove food particles.
- Mild sensitivity is to be expected, so avoid hot, spicy, sweet, or acidic foods for a few weeks.
- Keep your post-treatment cleaning a few weeks after removal to ensure there is no infection, white spots, etc.
How Can You Keep Your Teeth in Place?
Until your teeth integrate into their new location, they are at risk of moving back toward their previous spot. This is why your orthodontist will recommend a customized retainer. This device helps hold teeth in place, giving your smile the consistent care it requires.
Keeping your retainer clean is essential, so you’ll need to rinse it daily with lukewarm water, clean it with mild soap, and keep it in a protective case to avoid possible damage or loss.
Your orthodontist will explain how long you’ll need to wear your retainer. On average, you’ll wear it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until you are instructed to wear it only at night.
Life after braces doesn’t have to be difficult. Instead, you can remain overjoyed by your new results and feel confident showing them off to those around you.
About the Practice
Are you ready to say goodbye to your braces? Visit our website or call one of our offices to speak with a member of our team about what you can expect once your orthodontic appliances are removed. We’ll discuss each phase step by step, so you face no surprises along the way.