Your Antigonish Invisalign® Provider
You have finally completed your braces treatment. Congratulations! However, there are some things that you should know after your treatment. Here, our Antigonish dentists explain what you can expect from life after braces as well as a few things to keep an eye out for.
What can I expect after my braces are removed?
Now that you have reached the end of your orthodontic treatment, it's a big moment!
Just like when you first had your braces put on, you will have to adjust to life without braces.
Here’s what you can expect - and some signs to watch for that you may want to discuss with your orthodontist.
Easier Brushing & Flossing
Now that you don't have obstacles in the form of wires and brackets to contend with, flossing and brushing your teeth will be less time-consuming and you won't need to use special flossing or brushing aids.
However, it's critical that you remain diligent in brushing and flossing your smile to thoroughly keep your newly straightened teeth healthy.
Eating Will Feel Strange
Now that your braces have been removed, you can eat the foods you love again. Hello, corn on the cob, popcorn, crunchy vegetables, gum and almost anything else your heart desires!
You may notice that eating feels a bit strange at first, partially because you have avoided certain foods for the past 1 - 2 years, and because your braces simply aren't there anymore - your mouth will feel different. Give yourself some time to get used to it.
Calluses
When your brackets are first taken off your teeth, one of the first things you may notice is that there will be calluses on the insides of your lips where brackets have rubbed against sensitive skin.
These develop pretty quickly after your braces go on, but you can usually not feel them until your braces are removed. But don’t worry - they should disappear eventually.
Discolouration
It’s normal for your teeth to be darker in places where brackets were not attached. You might want to consider teeth whitening to even out the colour of your teeth.
A Straight Smile & Even Teeth
The entire reason you wore braces in the first place was to achieve a straighter smile and aligned teeth and you should be able to see changes in your smile as a result of wearing braces. Your orthodontist may have taken some 'before and after' photos of your teeth, so you can see how much your smile has changed over time.
All that time diligently caring for your oral hygiene, as well as attending appointments for adjustments, will now be paying off. Congratulations on all the hard work!
Followup Appointments
Though your braces are off, your treatment will likely not be fully complete. Patients typically come for a few followup appointments to ensure their retainer fits properly and that their teeth remain properly aligned.
Wearing a Retainer or Other Appliances
Your retainer will help to keep your teeth in their new positions. You will need to wear the retainer full time for a while, and then only part of the time in the months and years after that. Some patients will also need spacers or other appliances to help maintain the shape of their new smile.
If there are other issues you want to address in addition to your followup treatment, we would be happy to discuss those as well and address any concerns, or develop a treatment plan.