What to Expect When Your Braces Come Off

Finally getting your braces off will be a great experience – one you’ve probably anticipated for quite some time.  But to ensure you get the best post-braces experience, there are certain things you should expect when the metal comes off.

At Runnels Orthodontics, we know that you’ve been waiting for a long time – probably years – to get your braces off. Improperly caring for your new smile could result in shifting, staining or general discomfort. Here are some things you can expect when your braces are removed, as well as tips for keeping your smile looking and feeling its best.

Your teeth will probably feel a little strange, and there may be a certain numbness when you move your tongue across them. This is to be expected, and is something you will get used to with time. Your tongue hasn’t touched your bare teeth in a long time, so it’s normal that they feel a little weird – some say slimy – for the first few days.

We recommend scheduling a dental cleaning with your dentist, as there are probably areas of your mouth and teeth that have been overlooked or neglected. A professional cleaning will is a great starting point for the general care of your newly straightened teeth. It’s important to wait about a month before doing any whitening, until your teeth become less delicate.

Your teeth will also be relatively sensitive, so make sure you ease back into the use of gummy or chewy foods that were previously off-limits. It will take about a month for the enamel on your teeth to become less sensitive, so be patient and slowly incorporate new foods back into your diet.

Most patients will be required to wear some type of retainer to prevent shifting. There are different options – metal retainers, clear trays or permanent retainers – and we can discuss all of those options with you. We can also recommend which option is best for you based on your individual orthodontic needs.

Retainers will also take some time to get used to, depending on the style of retainer that you choose. For the first few months, you could be required to wear your retainer all day every day – except when eating or drinking. After the recommended period of time, you’ll be able to decrease to just wearing your retainer at night – generally 10-12 hours.

We know how exciting it is to finally get your braces off. It’s important to properly care for and maintain your award-winning smile, so your teeth don’t shift back to their old ways. We’ll help you along the way with regular checkups and we’ll make sure you always love your new smile.

At Runnels Orthodontics, we have a highly trained and professional staff that is here for you. We aim to provide an outstanding orthodontic experience in an uplifting, comforting environment where patients and their families are the primary concern. Contact Runnels Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment or talk to a member of our staff about how we can help you!