Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Life After Braces

 Congratulations! You’ve reached the finish line with the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Though this monumental moment is a time for celebration, the end of your orthodontic treatment still requires some work. Though your new and improved smile can finally be revealed, braces are just the first step in your orthodontic journey. This article will discuss the necessary steps to be taken once your braces are removed, along with how you can ensure that your new smile stays healthy and beautiful.

Brushing & Flossing

Keeping your mouth and gums healthy and thriving while undergoing orthodontic treatment can be challenging, as food and plaque can get trapped around the attached appliances. Braces can make teeth and gums more difficult to clean, and tartar can build up in those hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, routine dental care can often become overlooked while focusing on orthodontic treatment. If you were dedicated to maintaining a high level of oral care throughout your orthodontic journey, you may not experience any noticeable changes. But once your braces have been removed, it eliminates any challenging obstacles around the wires and brackets. It’s safe to assume that most patients don’t particularly enjoy flossing but you can enjoy the fact that it’s now easier than before. In order to keep your newly straightened teeth healthy, it’s important to remain diligent about brushing twice daily and keeping up with regular flossing.

Discolouration & Staining

We’ve all experienced some displeasure when it comes to the appearance of teeth. It may be discouraging to notice cosmetic imperfections on your new smile but it’s important to remember that these imperfections aren’t permanent. Since brackets cover the majority of teeth, effectively cleaning the entire tooth can be challenging. As a result, the appearance of teeth may be yellow or stained. However, this is completely normal and can be taken care of! To remove unwanted discolouration, you must maintain a dedicated oral care routine. On top of brushing and flossing regularly, speak to your orthodontist or dentist about teeth whitening methods, or ask for advice and suggestions for effective at-home whitening care. But remember, your teeth will feel different and very sensitive. The newly exposed enamel requires a period of adjustment to become less sensitive, so it’s recommended to wait until any discomfort dissipates before booking a whitening treatment.

Eating & Sensitivity

Remember how eating your favourite foods felt foreign and uncomfortable when you first started your orthodontic treatment? Well, it’s unfortunately still going to feel uncomfortable once the appliances have been removed. Over time, you’ve likely become accustomed to chewing certain foods carefully and eliminating some foods altogether. As a result, teeth will be very sensitive, especially to different temperatures. It’s recommended to hold off on binging any of your favourite hard or sticky foods immediately after removal, but within a couple of weeks, you can happily transition back to eating everything you used to enjoy. Go ahead, bite into an apple! Corn on the cob? No problem! 

Post-Treatment Retainer 

Once braces are removed, dental maintenance is more important than ever. Orthodontic treatment is the best option to achieve a straight smile and correct bite but once the appliances are removed, teeth will likely miss the way they used to be. When the pressure has been alleviated from the teeth and they’re no longer forced to maintain their new position, there’s a strong likelihood that they will start to shift.

Braces do the majority of the work but post-treatment retainers help your new smile last a lifetime. Retainers are the most essential element in maintaining the positive impact braces have made on a smile. While it can be daunting to adjust to a new appliance after you’ve finally completed your orthodontic treatment, it’s necessary to incorporate an appliance to maintain the new smile that you’ve waited patiently for. Throughout treatment, and depending on the complexity of your case, teeth will have shifted in line with a carefully developed plan created by your orthodontist. The role of the retainer is to keep teeth in place while the bone tissue rebuilds around them.

A fixed or removable retainer will mold to the shape of your new bite and must be worn as directed by your orthodontist to keep the new bite fixed, especially while the jawbone and attaching ligaments adjust. Fixed retainers are custom-fitted wires that are bonded to the inside of your teeth, typically on the lower teeth, to keep them in place. It’s important to follow the advice and direction of your orthodontist and not neglect your retainer or else teeth will shift again and eliminate all of your hard work and progress.

Follow-up Appointments

After braces are removed, it’s essential to schedule a dental check-up and hygiene appointment. This will help to ensure that no oral issues have developed over the course of your treatment. Additionally, this allows your dentist to remove any unwanted tartar build-up that may have accumulated over time. And of course, be sure to schedule regular visits with your dentist every six months to keep your new smile in top-notch condition.

At-Home Oral Hygiene Care 

There’s no reason to stop being vigilant and taking care great of your teeth and gums once braces have been removed. It should be motivation to be more dedicated than ever before! Depending on the complexity of your case, you may have been waiting months or even years for this exciting new time in your life. Hang on to the great habits you’ve cultivated throughout your orthodontic journey. Stick to a daily oral care routine that consists of brushing and flossing, and schedule appointments regularly to visit your dentist and hygienist.

The final step is simple: smile with confidence! You’ve earned it.

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