What To Expect When The Braces Come Off

4 November 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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You have endured pain, annoying orthodontists appointments, and shelled out a large amount of money for your braces. Now that your braces are off you can breathe a breath of fresh air and enjoy your beautiful smile. You might be wondering what you can expect after the braces come off.

Getting Your Braces Off May Take Awhile

You have probably learned the value of patience during your orthodontist appointments, but the appointment where you get your braces off will be agonizingly long. The problem is that the excitement of getting them off will make the appointment seem longer than it actually is. While you sit there having them removed, just think about how great your teeth will look and that this too will pass.

What Will it Feel Like?

The removal of the braces will not hurt, but it may feel a bit uncomfortable. Some people agree the most uncomfortable part of the process is having the glue scraped from your teeth after the braces are removed. Once they are removed, your teeth may feel slimy or slippery compared to what it felt like with the braces on.

Retainer

You will have to be fitted for a retainer. The type of retainer depends on what you and orthodontist agrees on. The length of time you have to wear the retainer is also up to your orthodontist. Make sure you follow the instructions exactly or your teeth can shift back to their old position. If this happens, you will be going right back into those braces.

What Happens After?

Your teeth may be sensitive following the removal of your braces. Be careful with what you eat and try using toothpastes for sensitive teeth. It is a good idea to set up an appointment with your regular dentist to have your teeth cleaned after your braces off. Chances are no matter how good you were at cleaning them, there are some areas that need to be cleaned professionally since braces can hinder a thorough cleaning. Just like you had to get used to having the braces on you will have to get used to them being off. Your speech may be affected once again giving you a bit of a lisp, but it should go back to normal quickly as you get used to it.

Now that you know what happens when you get your braces off, you can look forward to a wonderful smile that you will enjoy the rest of your life! Just make sure you follow your orthodontist's instructions and wear your retainer. Consider visiting a local dentist office, such as Landy Michael G DDS, after removing your braces to maintain your teeth in the best health possible.