The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here: it’s time to say goodbye to your braces! You might feel a mix of excitement and a tiny bit of nerves. But don’t worry; your team at Botsford Orthodontics is here to tell you exactly what to expect when you get your braces off.
The Big Day: Getting Your Braces Off
Debonding appointments usually take about an hour. Please remember that when scheduling, so you’re not late for the next thing on your agenda! We also encourage you to make your appointment during a week when you can relax. Your teeth and gums will likely feel sore or unusual, and you don’t want to add that to an already hectic week!
During your appointment, Dr. Botsford will use special tools to remove the brackets and wires gently. Once the brackets are gone, she will polish off the glue that secured them to your teeth. The debonding process can feel weird, but it doesn’t hurt!
After your braces are off, you’ll be fitted and given instructions for your retainer (see below).
The Transition: Getting Used To Not Having Braces
After you look at your new smile in the mirror, you’ll probably be itching to leave the office to show it off. Seeing your perfectly aligned smile made you realize that missing out on certain types of food and carrying orthodontic wax everywhere was worth it. Before you go, though, we want you to have realistic expectations of what to expect for the week or so following the removal of your braces.
- Texture. Your teeth will seem incredibly smooth. It’s normal to spend some time running your tongue over your teeth – after all, it’s an exciting reminder that your hard work paid off!
- Temperature Sensitivity. On top of the soreness we mentioned earlier, you may also notice that your teeth are sensitive to cold or hot foods. This is totally normal and will get better with time.
- Loose Teeth. If your teeth feel a little loose, don’t panic. They’re just settling into their new positions without the braces to hold them in place.
- Difficulty Talking. Speaking might also be odd for a few days. Your mouth isn’t used to having so much space! If you are lisping or stumbling over words, slow down and consider practicing speaking at home. It won’t be long before you’re talking smoothly again.
Life After Braces
Once your braces come off, you’ll not only see a change in your smile but in your confidence, too. You might find yourself more eager to show off your smile in photos and at social events. This boost in self-esteem can touch every part of your life, from making new friends to speaking up in class or work.
We want to help you hold on to that positivity and confidence for years to come. Here are some things you should expect to keep in mind after your braces come off.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
It’s crucial to continue seeing Dr. Botsford for follow-up appointments. These visits are key to ensuring your alignment doesn’t shift. After all, you want your smile to stay as straight as the day your braces came off, right? She will monitor your teeth as they become accustomed to their new homes and adjust your retainer or treatment program as necessary.
The Importance Of Your Retainer
Now, let’s talk about the retainer! Unfortunately, your teeth are always at risk of moving out of their perfect line. Your custom retainer prevents this by holding the teeth in place. Unlike your braces, your retainer will not put pressure on your teeth. Its purpose is not to move your teeth; instead, it is to stop them from moving.
Wearing your retainer as directed by Dr. Botsford is super important. It may seem like a chore at first to care for and wear the appliance, especially coming on the heels of getting your braces off, but it’s a small task with a big reward—preserving your straight and beautiful smile for a long, long time.
No Food Restrictions
Without braces, your grocery list will get a little longer because you no longer have food restrictions! You can say a big hello to popcorn at the movies and bite into a crisp apple without a second thought! Your days of picking out food trapped in wires are over.
But remember, just because you can eat anything doesn’t mean you should forget about being smart with your choices. Your teeth are strong, but they are not invincible. Enjoy the sticky and crunchy treats and meals you’ve missed, but be sure to have a balanced diet to keep those teeth healthy!
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining your stunning smile starts with sticking to a stellar oral hygiene routine. It’s easier to defend your mouth from plaque without the nooks and crannies of braces, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off! Brushing twice daily and flossing are still critical after braces for gorgeous and healthy teeth and gums.
In addition to brushing and flossing, you must continue to see your dentist! Dental check-ups and cleanings are your first defense against preventing decay and other issues. If you want to brighten your smile, your dentist can also recommend the best time to start whitening treatments so you get the most even, appealing results.
Embrace Your New Look With Botsford Family Orthodontics!
Having a perfectly aligned smile without braces is something you’ve been waiting months or years for. The switch to being braces-free can be more jarring than you might expect. Dr. Botsford and her team at Botsford Orthodontics are here to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Schedule your debonding appointment with us in Medford, Oregon, to get the full rundown on what to expect when you get your braces off. We look forward to seeing your new smile as much as you do, so don’t delay!