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?

At Onshore Orthodontics, we know you’ve been through a lot, numerous checkup appointments, diet restrictions, discomfort, and maybe even some pain. So, today we want to say Congratulations! As your trusted orthodontist in Yulee, we are proud to have you as a member of our orthopedic family.

Simply put, we are happy to have been a part of your journey, and better yet, we are delighted you are happy with your results.

The day you have waited for is finally here, and it’s time to remove your braces. Now you may wonder if removing your braces will hurt or how long it will take, among other questions. Relax, it’s normal to be curious and even a bit anxious, so let’s take a look at the process of removing dental braces in Yulee.

Does It Hurt To Get Braces Off?

Does it hurt to get braces off? This is one of the most common questions we are asked. For the most part, the process is pretty painless. Many patients will feel relief once the bands and wires are gone. However, most dental work is a bit uncomfortable, and you can expect a bit of soreness when we remove your brackets. This is due to the relief of pressure from your teeth. Your teeth will be sensitive because nothing is holding them together. Some spots on your teeth may be sensitive or tender and might cause a little pain, but only for a moment.

It is not unusual to hear some cracking or popping sounds when having your brackets removed. Don’t panic; this is likely the cement between the bracket and your tooth cracking under force. Your teeth are much tougher than this cement, so they will be fine.

The process of having your dental braces in Yulee removed may feel a bit strange; even your mouth will feel different, and it should! You have a brand-new smile. Most likely, touching the surface of your teeth for the first time in a while will feel weird for a couple of days; this too is entirely normal, so don’t worry.

Now that your braces are off and you are getting used to having a bright and beautiful smile, you should know that keeping your new smile straight is a never-ending process that you will have to work hard for with proper aftercare.

What is After Braces Are Removed

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.

After Braces Do You Have to Wear a Retainer?

You may also experience puffy gums; the puffiness should resolve within two months of having the braces removed.

Good daily dental hygiene habits will help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile you’re proud to show off.

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.

Is Wearing a Retainer After Getting Braces Removed Important?

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 is Braces Removal?

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 perfectly fit your teeth’s new position. 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.