After months or even years of using orthodontic appliances to correct issues with your smile, you may find yourself beginning to daydream about life after braces. Though it may seem like the journey is almost over and you will no longer have to worry about depending on outside forces to give you a gorgeous grin, there’s more to treatment than you might think. Read on to learn about four things you can expect once they’ve been removed and how you can quickly adjust to life without braces.
#1: Your Smile Will Look Different
Since you’ve gotten so used to how your smile looks with braces, seeing it without them can be surprising. With the gaps, alignment issues, and other orthodontic problems gone, you’ll look like a whole new person! It can take some getting used to, but you’ll soon adjust to your new and improved smile.
#2: You’ll Be Able to Enjoy All Your Favorite Foods
When wearing braces, there is a range of foods that should be avoided to prevent damage to your brackets and wires, including corn on the cob, peanut brittle, and other crunchy foods. Some foods can get stuck in your wires, such as popcorn and gum. Luckily, once your braces have been removed, you’ll be able to indulge in all the foods that you had to avoid. Even so, it’s wise to stick to softer foods at first since your teeth will be sensitive after having your brackets and wires taken off.
#3: It Will Be Much Easier to Clean Your Teeth
As useful as braces are, they make brushing and flossing feel like a chore. However, once you have your braces taken off, performing your oral hygiene routine will be simple and hassle-free. Preserving the look and functionality of your smile starts with healthy pearly whites, so make sure to brush twice per day and floss at least once to keep your teeth looking their best.
#4: You’ll Need to Wear Your Retainer as Much as Possible
Though braces can correct all kinds of orthodontic issues, you’ll need to wear a retainer once you’ve completed treatment to keep your teeth from moving back into their original position. It’s important to wear this appliance as often as your orthodontist recommends, which will usually be for 20-22 hours each day. This will likely only last for the first six months, and then you will slowly begin to transition into wearing them only at night.
Completing your orthodontic treatment is incredibly exciting, but it’s important to continue to care for your smile afterward. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your life after braces to the fullest!
About the Practice
Whether you’re getting ready to finish up with orthodontic treatment and wondering what life after braces will look like or want to start straightening your pearly whites, Boston Smile Center is here to help. They offer a range of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign and several different kinds of braces. Regardless of which option you decide on, you’re sure to love your new and improved grin! To make an appointment with Boston Smile Center or for more information on their many orthodontic options, visit their website or call their office at (617) 739-1017.