Many people spend at least a year wearing braces, so knowing that it won’t be long before your orthodontic appliances are removed can be exciting! After all, you’ll finally be able to smile without showing metal wires and brackets and eat and drink whatever you please. However, it can take some time to get used to wearing braces, and the results of your orthodontic treatment will not last if you don’t adopt the right habits. Here’s what to expect after your braces are taken off and how to adjust more easily afterward.

Immediately After Your Braces Are Removed

You will probably notice a few significant differences after your braces are removed. These include:

• Eating feels different: Once you are no longer wearing braces, you will not have to worry about breaking your orthodontic appliance when biting into something or enjoying crunchy foods.
• Dental sensitivity: The removal of the braces removes a lot of tension from your teeth and leaves them more exposed, and it can take some time for them to get used to this new situation. Avoid eating crunchy or chewy foods until you can do so comfortably.
• Calluses: You may have formed calluses on the interior of your lip to protect your soft tissues from your braces. These may feel strange for a while, but they will fade away soon after the braces are removed.
• A beautiful new smile: Many patients are startled by how much their smiles change during their orthodontic treatments. Braces not only straighten teeth but also help realign the jaw, which can change the shape of the face.
• Easier oral hygiene: Without the wires and brackets to worry about, brushing and flossing become much simpler tasks after the braces are removed.

Maintaining Your Results

After your braces are removed, you will probably need to wear a retainer to ensure that your teeth do not drift back out of place. These appliances come in two varieties:

• Fixed retainers: These are wires cemented to the back of the teeth, making them completely unnoticeable to casual observers. These appliances must be flossed using threaders.
• Removable retainers: Many patients must wear their removable retainers only when they go to bed, but others may need to wear them all day for a while after receiving braces.

It’s also crucial to practice excellent oral hygiene to prevent nasty infections that can ruin your beautifully straightened smile. This includes brushing at least twice and flossing at least once, as well as rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash every day.

Completing your orthodontic treatment is an achievement worth celebrating. With the proper care, you can keep your realigned smile in great shape for life!

About the Practice

Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Framingham has proudly served the needs of families in Framingham and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide variety of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including traditional metal braces. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 403-8034.