It’s time to remove your braces after months, or even years, of orthodontic treatment. It’s been a long, arduous journey to achieve the perfect smile. But it doesn’t end with your braces coming off.
After your orthodontic treatment, you still need to do certain things to maintain your beautiful smile. This post will cover everything you need to know about what happens following your orthodontic treatment.
Remove the Braces
Only a qualified orthodontist should remove your braces. You’ll need to make an appointment to have the braces removed. The length of the braces removal appointment varies depending on each case, but in most cases, it is possible to complete the procedure relatively quickly.
When you come for your braces removal, your orthodontist in Sandpoint will use a metal device to loosen the brackets. The brackets and the wires should come out in one piece. They will also remove the molar bands that anchor your braces to your teeth. This should only take 15 to 20 minutes.
Invisalign aligners are easier to remove than traditional braces. The aligners can be removed in a matter of minutes. However, you will still need to make an appointment with your orthodontic specialist. Some people pop off Invisalign aligners themselves once they feel that their teeth are in the right position, but this is not what you should do. It is important to follow through with your treatment and see your orthodontist for proper removal.
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Clean Your Teeth
After the braces are removed, you will usually need to clean your teeth thoroughly. This helps remove any food particles, plaque, and discoloration that may have been trapped by the braces. Teeth cleaning after orthodontic treatment also helps to remove the adhesives used to attach brackets and aligners. Your orthodontic specialist will remove this resin by drilling it away and then polishing the surface of the teeth with a grinder.
Get Your Retainers
Your orthodontist may take bite impressions and X-rays during your final visit. This is done for two reasons. First, these scans are compared with the impressions taken of your teeth prior to treatment to determine if the braces have produced the desired results.
Second, digital models can also be used to create a custom retainer for you. This type of orthodontic appliance is used to hold your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from moving. The final phase of your orthodontic treatment is retention. It’s important to ensure that your teeth, surrounding bone, and gums adapt to the new position within the first few weeks after the active treatment.
There are basically two types of retainers. The fixed wire retainer is installed behind your teeth, and there are also removable retainers. After your braces are removed, you will receive a fixed retainer. You will receive removable retainers within 24 to 48 hours using the final scans and impressions. The length of time you need to wear your removable retainer will depend on how well and where your teeth are arranged. Retention takes an average of 12 months, but some people will need to wear retainers for longer.
Care for Your Retainer
It is easy to care for your retainer. Brush your teeth as usual. Retainers can be made from wire plates or clear acrylic, like a mouthguard. Clear plastic retainers have become more popular because they are more comfortable and almost invisible.
You should remove your retainers whenever you drink, eat, or do sports. Keep the retainer in a safe place (preferably its container) whenever you remove it. Keep the retainer clean. It can be brushed or rinsed each time it is removed before it’s put back in.
During the first few weeks, you might need to wear your retainer for as much as 22 hours per day. Over time, your retainers will only need to be worn at night or a few times per week. Your orthodontist can track your progress and will guide you on how to properly use the retainers.
Oral Aftercare
Orthodontic treatment is not complete without good oral hygiene. This includes regular dental visits and diligent brushing. Even after the initial treatment, this should continue. Here are some tips for aftercare following the removal of your braces.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
After your braces are removed, it should be easier for you to brush and clean your teeth as normal. Brush your teeth several times (especially after eating). Also, floss your teeth daily and rinse with fluoride mouthwash. After orthodontic treatment, many people suffer from discoloration. Your teeth may look better with a whitening procedure. Your teeth may naturally remineralize, which will help to fade the discoloration.
What You Eat Can Be Very Important
One of the problems with orthodontic treatment is that you can’t eat what you want. Removing braces can allow you to eat foods you have been unable to eat for a few months. However, you may want to be careful with foods like hard candies, popcorn, and hard bread.
Visit Your Dentist
Regular dental visits are important for everyone, whether or not they have had orthodontic treatment. It’s more important than ever to visit your dentist regularly after you have had your braces taken off. During your regular dental visit, your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay, plaque, and other teeth problems.
Check in with Your Orthodontist
You will need to make regular appointments with your orthodontist over the next few weeks. You can then have your orthodontist ensure that your teeth remain in their proper position. You’ll have to get another X-ray after about 6-9 months to ensure that your teeth are still in the right position.
Conclusion
The road to a perfect smile is not just about removing your braces or Invisalign. To maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment, you must follow your orthodontist’s instructions and adhere to the aftercare regimen recommended by your orthodontist.
This post was written by a professional at Elite Dental and Orthodontics. Your Partner for Healthy Smiles at https://elitedentalandorthodontics.com/. Elite Dental’s mission is to provide exceptional dental care that brings smiles to life. Whether you’re seeking relief from tooth pain, considering a veneer smile makeover, or require a dental implant, our experienced team is here to guide you on your journey to optimal oral health in Los Angeles, CA.