Congratulations! You’ve had your braces for months or maybe even a few years now and it’s almost time to get them taken off. No matter your age, everyone gets excited when the big day comes! You may have had a sense of how your smile is changing over time, but now you’ll finally get to see it in the mirror!
You deserve to celebrate, and there will be plenty of time to do that every time you see your new smile. Many of our patients report that they feel more confident than ever before once their braces are removed. The other people in their lives respond positively, which helps them feel even better.
After your round of applause, though, there are a few things you should know.
There are a few important steps everyone needs to take after having braces off. While you don’t need braces anymore, that’s not the end of your orthodontic health journey. Keeping a few quick things in mind can help you ensure that your teeth and gums will remain healthy for many years to come.
Let’s take a look:
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
On the day your braces come off, you’ll have a chat with Dr. Beauchamp about what comes next.
Most patients will need to use a retainer once their braces are off. A retainer’s purpose is to make sure that your teeth remain in the healthy treated position and do not “migrate” back to where they originally were.
Retainers can be permanently attached to the back of teeth or they can be removable. If permanent ones are desired, removable retainers are usually used for a short period of time before permanent ones are placed.
Dr. Beauchamp will walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning and caring for retainers. Luckily, it’s very easy! She’ll also review some topics on keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. You’ll usually only need one or two follow-up appointments after braces removal and then you’re good to go!
Prioritize Your Investment in Health
After your braces are removed, you’re probably excited to get started eating some of the foods that were off-limits with braces. You can finally enjoy all of your favorite foods whenever you wish, but there are still some caveats you should remember to be sure your bright, healthy smile will stay at its best.
Brushing your teeth once in the morning and once before bed is essential. If possible, also try to brush your teeth after every meal. Brushing disrupts the formation of dental plaque before it can start, so early brushing can prevent lots of problems. Aim for three minutes of brushing per session using a soft-bristled brush.
If you have not been flossing your teeth diligently, right after you get your braces off is the perfect time to begin building the habit. Flossing removes bits of food and accumulated build-up from between teeth. Just like brushing, that’ll help hard-to-reach areas stay clean and make it less likely you’ll end up with cavities.
Even without braces, it’s a wise idea to stay mindful of how your food choices could impact your dental health. In particular, remember to floss and brush as soon as possible after you eat foods like popcorn or peanut brittle, where tiny shards can get stuck between your teeth. Also, be careful with hard foods that can damage teeth if “chomped” too hard and super sticky treats that will make your brushing routine more tedious.
Smile With Confidence
Before getting braces, lots of people “compensate” by smiling less or smiling with a closed mouth. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a closed-mouth smile. But you’ve worked hard and taken the most important step by getting orthodontic treatment via braces and sticking with the process. Now, you get to enjoy the benefits.
If you’re not used to smiling confidently yet, you might think about smiling to yourself in the mirror before you start your day. Smiling not only shows warmth and confidence to other people but also sends signals in your brain that release dopamine and serotonin. These can help you feel happier after as little as a few seconds.
Once you get used to enjoying your updated smile in the mirror, then it’s time to try it out with other people!
Beauchamp Orthodontics Will Get You Started With a Smile You’ll Love
It’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment in Port Orange, but the sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll see results! We are here to make it easy for you with a Port Orange family orthodontist who cares.
Schedule your consultation online today to find out more from the top family orthodontist in Port Orange!
