What Do you Expect About Retainers When Getting Your Braces Off?

You’ve done it! Months ago, you decided to begin your orthodontic journey toward a healthy and perfectly straight smile. You’ve put in time, effort, and dedication to achieve the smile of your dreams, and you made it! Your teeth are now healthier than ever, and your smile is radiant.

What Happens After Braces Are Removed?

Patients who have had to wear their orthodontic appliance for so long to realign their teeth have to go through numerous checkup appointments, diet restrictions, occasional discomfort, and a few uncomfortable situations. Even though the results of a beautiful and healthy smile are well worth it, orthodontic treatment is demanding, which is why so many patients are excited about the day they can finally have their braces removed.

As you prepare to come to our office and have your braces removed, you may wonder if the process will hurt, how long it will take, and what other things to expect. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect when you get your braces in Yulee removed.

How Long Does It Take To Get Braces Off

Granted, the process will feel odd. Your mouth will feel different, and it should, as you will now have a brand-new smile to show off. We will use a special set of pliers to squeeze each bracket and remove them from each tooth. Then, we’ll move on to cleaning any remaining bonding glue with a polishing tool, but we won’t take longer than 10 to 15 minutes to do so.

There is nothing unusual about this process, and you shouldn’t feel any pain.

Finally, we’ll take care to create a model of your mouth as it is to start work on your new set of retainers.

Do Your Teeth Hurt After Getting Braces Off

You can expect a bit of soreness when we remove your braces and brackets. The discomfort you feel is due to the relief of pressure from your teeth. Besides, your teeth will still be sensitive because nothing is holding them together, and the jawbone supporting them is still not hardened completely.

Pay close attention, as some spots on your teeth may be especially sensitive or feel tender, which can lead to a bit of pain. We should also warn you that some patients report hearing a bit of cracking or popping as their teeth settle in. Don’t panic; these sounds are more likely related to the cement between the brackets and your teeth finally cracking a bit. Just keep in mind that your teeth are much more durable than this bonding agent, so they will be fine.

Will I Have Swollen Gums After Getting My Braces Removed?

It’s not uncommon to see patients with puffy, red, or swollen gums after removing their braces. This is not directly caused by the removal of your braces, however. Instead, it is more likely that the symptoms you notice are the result of problems with oral hygiene and a potential gingivitis.

You might have thought that you wouldn’t have to worry about much after removing your braces. But maintaining good oral care after your braces have been removed is more crucial than ever.

The good news is that It should be a lot easier to clean and care for your teeth following the removal of your braces. Remember to brush several times a day, especially after meals. You may begin flossing daily as well. Using mouthwash may help reduce any discoloration caused by your braces, as can whitening treatments recommended by your orthodontist. But don’t worry and give your teeth some time; in some cases, the discoloration may resolve by itself during a natural remineralization process. You can expect your gums to return to normal after a few weeks.

How Should You Care For Your Teeth After Braces?

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles appear worn.

Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach. Make sure to floss every single space between teeth.

Mouthwash is optional, but if your teeth need a little more protection than just brushing and flossing, talk to your Yulee orthodontist about the best mouthwash options for you.

Rinse your mouth with water regularly. Rinse with water after eating anything sugary and after coffee, tea, and other stain-causing foods. This habit will help prevent stains and keep your teeth white.

So, we’ve talked about the fact that getting your braces removed doesn’t really hurt and what you can expect during the removal process; we also touched base on the importance of maintaining good oral care after having your braces removed, and now there is one last, crucial subject we need to keep in mind, and that is the none negotiable use of a retainer.

Do You Have to Wear a Retainer After Braces?

Retainers are used to keep teeth in their position after movement. Teeth will likely move a little every few years of your life, whether you have braces or not. So, if you want to keep them straight, you need to wear some form of retainers, at least at night. At the end of your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will recommend the best retainer for teeth after braces.

How Long Should I Wear My Retainer?

A retainer is needed after braces in almost every single instance. One of the biggest mistakes made after braces removal is not wearing a retainer often enough, shifting teeth, and requiring additional orthodontic care to fix the issue.

Types of Retainers

Today, there are many types of retainers to choose from, but they fall into one of two categories. Either removable or fixed. Your orthodontist may suggest only one type, or you may receive a removable retainer for your top teeth and a permanent one for your bottom teeth.

There are two kinds of removable retainers: Hawley and clear plastic retainers; both types of removable retainers should be removed and cleaned with gentle brushing daily.

Hawley Retainers

Also called wire retainers, these are removable retainers made of thin metal wire and plastic or acrylic shaped to fit the roof of your mouth or along the inside of your lower teeth. The attached metal wire runs across the outside of your teeth to maintain alignment.

Clear Plastic Retainers

Clear plastic retainers are removable retainers that are molded to fit your teeth’s new position perfectly. They’re also called molded retainers. (The technical name for them is thermoplastic or vacuum-formed retainers.)

This retainer type is made by making a mold of your teeth with a very thin plastic or polyurethane is then heated and sucked down around the mold.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers consist of a solid or braided wire that is curved to fit the shape of your newly straightened teeth. The wire is cemented or bonded to the inside of your front teeth to keep them from moving. Most often used on lower teeth, fixed or bonded retainers. Only your orthodontist will be able to remove your permanent retainer.

What Does a Retainer Do For Your Teeth?

To have your braces removed, or if you have any questions regarding the proper use of your new retainer, remember that the Drs and team at Onshore Orthodontics are here to help you. Make an appointment with us today.