The day that people get off their braces is a magical one. After years of hard work and immaculate oral hygiene, they can finally see the smile they’ve been dreaming of all this time. It’s enormously rewarding for both the patient and their orthodontist.
However, while your journey with braces has come to an end, a brand new one is just beginning. Adapting to life without braces takes a while, but if you keep these things in mind, the transition will be much smoother.
Don’t Go Crazy with Sweets
Odds are that you’ve been on a pretty stringent diet for the last few years, and you’re probably raring to eat some of the foods you haven’t been able to enjoy for the last few years. However, it’s worth noting that many of the rules you abided by while you were wearing your braces are a good idea in general—avoiding sweets, soda, etc.
While there’s nothing wrong with taking a “victory lap” and trying out some foods you’ve missed, you shouldn’t go crazy. Otherwise, you’ll be back in the dentist’s office all too soon.
Consider Teeth Whitening
In some cases, people who have had their braces removed can notice a small light spot where their brackets were previously. This is especially common if your oral hygiene was lacking when you were wearing your oral appliance, though it can happen to anyone.
Teeth whitening isn’t possible for children and teenagers. However, if you’re a young adult, you might ask your dentist about whether that could be an option for you.
Wear Your Retainer
This final piece of advice is arguably the most important: you should wear your retainer. Even after your braces are taken off, the ligaments connecting the teeth to the jaw are still flexible. As a consequence, your teeth may continue to move, often in undesirable ways.
You’ve worked hard to get your perfectly straight smile. You should wear your retainer as directed if you want to keep it.
About the Author
Dr. Jessica Cohen is a mother of three children, and that has massively influenced the way that she runs her practice. She knows the difference that support, self-esteem, and good health can make in the lives of young people, and she prides herself on being able to provide all of those things to her patients. Dr. Cohen received her Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences and Certificate of Orthodontics from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Case Western Reserve University.
If you have any questions about how to finish orthodontic treatment in style, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (224) 427-6800.