The day has finally arrived – your braces are being removed! This momentous occasion marks a new chapter for your smile. The anticipation and excitement are palpable as you prepare to unveil your new smile to the world. Here at Blackburn Orthodontics, we have set out what to expect when your orthodontist removes your braces.
Dental Spots and Care
Maintaining good dental hygiene remains crucial, even without braces. After having braces for some time, you might notice darker spots on your teeth where the brackets once covered them. This can be attributed to using toothpaste with whitening agents or the inability of regular toothpaste to reach those areas. Don’t worry; this is normal and easily remedied. Consider switching to a whitening toothpaste or consult your orthodontist about teeth whitening treatments. At Blackburn Orthodontics, we encourage you to continue brushing and flossing diligently to keep your teeth in shape.
Retainers and Maintaining Your Smile
Your newly straightened smile will only stay that way with proper maintenance. Retainers play a vital role in preserving the results achieved by braces. Your orthodontist will fit you with a retainer designed to keep your teeth in their corrected positions. Unlike traditional braces, retainers are removable, but they are essential. Embrace this new accessory and follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing and caring for your retainer. Most retainers are removable, allowing for convenient eating, brushing, and flossing. However, following your orthodontist’s instructions and wearing the retainer regularly is essential. Neglecting to wear the retainer can cause your teeth to shift back to their original positions, undoing the progress made by braces.
Changes in Eating Habits and Food Choices
Bid farewell to the days of avoiding gum, toffee, hard bread, and whole apples! With your braces gone, you’ll regain the freedom to enjoy these foods (in moderation). Relish in the newfound liberty and savour the pleasure of biting into your favourite treats once again.
The Initial Adjustment Period
Once your braces are removed, your mouth will need time to readjust. It may feel strange initially, and you might experience some sensitivity. Don’t worry; this is completely normal and temporary. Within a few days, your mouth will adapt, and any discomfort will subside. Eating will also feel different as you get accustomed to chewing without braces. Embrace this adjustment period as a small price to pay for the newfound freedom of your smile.
Calluses and Teeth Discoloration
While wearing braces, the constant rubbing of brackets against your mouth may have resulted in calluses. Although these calluses may seem rough and irritating, they will diminish within a few days once the braces are removed. Additionally, it’s common to notice yellow or white spots on your teeth caused by tartar build-up or calcification. Your orthodontist can address these discolourations with teeth whitening treatments. Still, it’s advisable to wait about a month after brace removal due to tooth sensitivity.
Gum Inflammation and Teeth Maintenance
It’s normal for your gums to experience some inflammation after removing braces. This inflammation is a result of removing the adhesive from your teeth. With proper dental care, including brushing and flossing, this inflammation will gradually subside within a few days. Remember, maintaining your dental hygiene routine is crucial, regardless of braces. So, here at Blackburn Orthodontics, we recommend you continue prioritising oral care and keeping your smile healthy and vibrant.
Teeth Settling and Follow-Up Appointments
Once your braces are removed, it’s normal for your teeth to undergo some settling. This process may continue even when wearing a retainer. However, rest assured that your orthodontist has anticipated and planned for this settling when removing your braces. They will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress, ensure the proper fit of your retainer, and address any further alignment needs. So, don’t consider this the end of your journey—your orthodontist’s job isn’t yet finished.
After months or even years of wearing braces, unveiling your new, beautiful smile is the most exciting part. Braces have improved your oral health, digestion, and appearance and boosted your self-confidence. Embrace your new smile, take pride in it, and continue to maintain it through a thorough teeth maintenance routine. If you are looking for an orthodontist in Blackburn, contact Blackburn Orthodontics today on 01254 775165 to book your appointment.
