01 Oct What to Expect After Your Braces Are Removed

After your braces are removed, you can expect to have straight teeth and a more attractive smile. It’s important to continue wearing a retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist to help maintain the alignment of your teeth. Here are some helpful tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene after your braces treatment. Overall, following the instructions of your orthodontist to help you maintain your beautiful, straight smile for years to come is essential for the overall success of your orthodontic treatment.

Easier Brushing & Flossing

You won’t have to worry about cleaning around wires and brackets, so brushing and flossing should be easier. Make sure to continue brushing and flossing regularly to help prevent cavities and gum disease, and to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

Eating Will Feel Strange

After your braces are removed, you will be able to eat most of the foods that you may have had to avoid during treatment. However, it’s important to be mindful of your teeth and gums as they may be tender after the removal of your braces. It’s a good idea to start with soft foods and gradually introduce harder or crunchier foods as your mouth adjusts. It’s important to continue brushing and flossing regularly and to avoid sugary or acidic foods and drinks as much as possible.

Calluses

It’s common for calluses to develop on the inside of the lips after wearing braces, as the brackets and wires can rub against the skin and cause irritation. These calluses usually resolve on their own within a few days or weeks after the braces are removed. If the calluses are causing discomfort or are taking longer than expected to resolve, you can try using a lip balm or moisturiser to help soothe the skin. You can also try using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently exfoliate the area.

Discolouration

It’s common for the teeth to appear darker in areas where brackets were not attached after braces treatment. This is because the brackets and wires can block the teeth from receiving the same amount of exposure to oral bacteria, food particles, and other substances that can cause staining. If you want to even out the colour of your teeth, you may want to consider teeth whitening. There are several methods available for whitening teeth, including in-office treatments and at-home kits.

A Straight Smile & Even Teeth

Wearing braces and following the treatment plan prescribed by your orthodontist can help to achieve straighter teeth and a more attractive smile. The changes in your smile may be noticeable to you and others, and your orthodontist may have taken “before and after” photos to show the progress of your treatment.

Followup Appointments

It’s also common for patients to have follow-up appointments after the removal of their braces to ensure that the retainer is fitting properly and that the teeth are remaining in their proper alignment. These appointments are typically scheduled at regular intervals and allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Wearing a Retainer or Other Appliances

The frequency of retainer wear will depend on your treatment plan and the specifics of your case, but it’s common for patients to wear their retainer full-time for some time after treatment, then only at night for a few months or years.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about life after braces, feel free to contact our Taunton Orthodontics clinic in Whitby. We also offer treatment for adults who have had braces as a child or teenager, but need touch-up treatment as a result of shifting. We will provide the necessary care and support to help you maintain a healthy, aligned smile.