Life After Braces & What to Look Out For

Congratulations on being free of your braces! However, there are a few things to keep in mind post-treatment. Here, Dr. Cheba gives you a few tips for what to expect after your braces are removed – and a few things you should look out for.

What should I be expecting after my braces are removed?

You're excited to get your braces off – as you should be! It's a big moment.

But, just like when you first had your braces put on, you will have to adjust to your life without braces. 

Here are a few things you can expect and a couple signs to look out for or speak about with Dr. Cheba.

Easier Brushing & Flossing

Now that you no longer have wires and brackets to work around when brushing and flossing your teeth, the process will be quicker and won't require the special brushing and flossing aids you may have become accustomed to using.

It is still very important that you remain diligent in brushing and flossing to keep your straightened teeth healthy and clean.

Eating Will Feel Strange

Now that your mouth is braces-free, you can eat all the foods you love once more! Gum, popcorn, corn on the cob, and crunchy vegetables are all fair game now!

The act of eating itself will feel odd at first too. You have avoided certain foods for the past 18 to 24 months and your mouth is braces-free! Your mouth is going to feel a bit different and you'll need some time to get used to it. 

Calluses

When your brackets and removed from your teeth, one of the first things you might notice is that you have calluses on the inside of your lips where they rubbed against your skin. 

These calluses develop shortly after adding braces to your mouth, but aren't necessarily detectable to you until your braces are removed. Don't worry though, they will eventually fade.

Discolouration

It's very normal for your teeth to be darker in places where your braces were not attached, It might be worth considering teeth whitening to even out your teeth's color. 

A Straight Smile & Even Teeth

The whole reason you got braces was to achieve a straighter smile, and you should absolutely be able to see the results. Dr. Cheba may have taken some photographs before and after your braces so you can see just how far you've come.

You will now be able to enjoy to payoff to your diligent oral hygiene and adjustment appointments. Congratulations!

Followup Appointments

Even though your braces have been removed, your treatment may not be complete. Patients are encouraged to come for a few followup appointments to make sure your retainer fits properly and your teeth stay nice and straight.

Wearing a Retainer or Other Appliances

Your retainer helps to keep your teeth in their new positions. You'll have to wear your retainer all the time for a little while and then overnight in the years after that. Some patients find they also need spacers or other helpful appliances. 

If you identify any other issues that should be addressed on top of your followup treatment, Dr. Cheba would be more than happy to discuss those with you too. He is here to address any concerns you might have or develop a treatment plan for you. 

Do you want to find out more about life after braces? Dr. Cheba is here to answer all your questions, address your concerns, and provide dedicated orthodontic care to the Calgary area.

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