Although traditional braces are extremely effective and reliable, they do require some alterations to your day-to-day activities, from the foods you can eat to the way you floss. As a result, you may be counting down the days until it’s time to have them removed. But what happens next? For an inside look into life after braces, read on!
#1. Your Teeth Will Feel… Different
In the grand scheme of things, your time with metal brackets and wires is relatively short. However, you may be surprised by just how odd it feels not to have braces on. As a result, you may find yourself running your tongue along your teeth throughout the day!
#2. You Can Enjoy All of Your Favorite Foods Again
From corn on the cob and popcorn to caramel apples and meat on the bone, there are quite a few dietary restrictions you need to abide by with braces. Don’t worry – once they are removed, you’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorites again. Just make sure to stick to softer foods for the first couple of days, like applesauce, yogurt, and oatmeal, if your teeth are sensitive.
#3. You’ll Need to Wear Your Retainer
Remember, while braces can guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions, only your retainer can keep them there. Therefore, you’ll be instructed to wear it for 20-22 hours a day immediately following the removal of the brackets and wires. Once your teeth have “set,” which is typically around the 6 to 12-month mark, you’ll be given the green light to transition to wearing them solely at night.
#4. You May See Some Slight Discoloration
Since your toothpaste can’t reach underneath the bracket, you may notice some slight discoloration. That’s why it’s so important to limit your intake of dark-colored foods and beverages throughout your treatment. If any stains do arise, you can talk to your dental team about the available treatment options, like teeth whitening.
Life after braces is an exciting time. It means your new and improved smile is ready to be shown off! Just make sure to remain committed to wearing your retainer so your teeth don’t begin to drift back to their previous positions.
About the Practice
With our team at Simply Orthodontics, braces are just the first step to helping you achieve your smile goals. Keeping your teeth in their perfectly aligned positions requires custom-made retainers, which we happily provide for our patients. Plus, we can provide you with a replacement should yours get lost or broken throughout the years. If you want to learn more about life after braces or want to schedule your initial consultation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (508) 757-3173.