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Getting your braces off is one of the best days of orthodontic treatment. You’ve put in the time, kept up with your appointments, and now you finally get to see your straight new smile in the mirror. But before you celebrate too hard, you should know that there’s still work to be done. Keep reading to see what to expect from life after braces.
Hello, Retainer
The moment your braces come off, your teeth are straight, but they’re not stable. The bone and tissues surrounding your teeth need time to solidify around their new positions. Without something holding them in place, your teeth will start to drift back toward where they started—a process called relapse.
That’s where your retainer comes in. Your orthodontist will fit you for one as soon as your braces are removed, so there’s no gap in your treatment.
There are two main types: removable retainers, which you take in and out yourself, and fixed retainers, which are bonded to the back of your teeth. If you’re not sure which one works best for you, don’t worry. Your orthodontist will help you make the right choice.
How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer?
Retainer wear is a process, much like your braces were, meaning you’ll start by wearing it more and progress to wearing it less. Most orthodontists recommend full-time wear for the first several months after braces. After that, you’ll usually be able to transition to nighttime-only usage. Either way, you’ll need to continue wearing your retainer for life to make sure your results hold. It may sound like a commitment, but it’s a much smaller one than going through treatment again.
What Else Should You Expect?
A few other things commonly happen in the weeks after braces come off:
- Mild Sensitivity: Your teeth may feel a little sensitive without the brackets, and your gums may need a few weeks to settle.
- A Deep Cleaning: Keeping teeth clean with braces is hard, so a thorough professional cleaning shortly after removal is a good idea to get rid of built-up plaque.
- Whitening: Many patients notice some unevenness in color where the brackets sat. Teeth whitening can give you a more polished final result.
Getting your braces off is a pit stop, not the finish line. But that doesn’t mean you should be discouraged. A little diligence with your retainer and follow-up care is all it takes to protect everything you worked for, so you can smile your best forever.
About The Author
Dr. Saba Asrar completed her specialization in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She graduated at the top of her class and earned the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon award. She’s also one of only a few orthodontists nationwide selected for the Advisory Board of the Council of Innovative Orthodontics for 3M. At Big Smile Orthodontics, Dr. Asrar has been helping patients achieve lasting smiles since 2007. Ready to join them? Call (512) 828-7900 to schedule a free consultation.
