Having braces can be quite an experience. You might spend most of it waiting for the day you finally transition into retainer use! At Glass Orthodontics, we want you to be prepared for what to expect when you get your braces off!
The Top Three
If you’ve gotten braces or aligners from our office, that means we’ve given you one of the following:
- We offer Invisalign, a transparent, removable alternative to traditional braces.
- Clear braces (aka ceramic braces) can match the color of your teeth and are just as effective as the metal alternative.
- Metal braces are the most traditional and affordable of the three options and are usually the most common choice for our younger patients.
Removable aligners like Invisalign have a different process than fixed appliances, of course. But we want to cover both, just in case!
After Traditional Braces
Let’s go over some of the common experiences you can anticipate after having traditional braces removed, especially in the beginning.
- Revealed Transformation: The most exciting part of finishing this treatment is seeing the final transformation of your smile. Dr. Glass may provide you with a mirror at your removal appointment, allowing you to admire the straightened alignment of your teeth. We might also take a photo to show you the before and after!
- Relief and Comfort: One of the first sensations you’ll encounter is a sense of relief and increased comfort. The removal of braces eliminates any pressure or tightness associated with the treatment, which will feel great!
- Smooth Teeth: Your teeth will likely feel super smooth, as the brackets and wires that were once attached are no longer acting as an obstruction.
- Retainers: In most cases, we’ll provide you with retainers to wear. Retainers help maintain the new alignment of your teeth by stopping them from shifting back into place. We will give you instructions on when and how to wear them. Diligence is key!
- Sensitivity: Some patients may experience heightened sensitivity in their teeth after their braces are removed. This will typically subside after the first few days.
- Dental Cleaning: We may perform a thorough cleaning to remove any residual adhesive or plaque from your teeth. This ensures that your smile is clean after the removal of braces.
- Final Adjustments: Final adjustments might be made to ensure that your bite is perfect and that your teeth are aligned as planned. This can entail slight shaping or polishing.
- Aftercare Instructions: Dr. Glass provides detailed aftercare instructions, including guidelines on wearing your retainers, oral hygiene upkeep, and any other recommendations that might be specific to your treatment plan.
- Follow-up Appointments: You will likely be scheduled for a few follow-up appointments with us to monitor the stability of your new smile and the effectiveness of your retainers. We also recommend regular dental check-ups to ensure ongoing oral health.
After Invisalign
There are going to be some parallels here, but a lot is different given the nature of the treatment.
- Removal of Aligners: You won’t need to wear Invisalign aligners once your treatment is done. This also means you’ll have the freedom to enjoy your meals without any restrictions imposed by the aligners.
- Retainers: Similar to traditional braces, your retainers help maintain the newly achieved alignment of your teeth. After experiencing Invisalign, you will probably adjust to this process quickly.
- Orthodontic Check-up: You will also have a follow-up appointment with us to ensure that your teeth have settled into their new positions and that your treatment has been successful. We will make any necessary adjustments at this time.
- Teeth Sensitivity: Invisalign treatment can also result in some temporary sensitivity directly after removal.
- Oral Hygiene Maintenance: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. You’ll need to continue using your toothbrush and floss regularly.
- Whitening or Cosmetic Procedures: If you’ve opted for teeth whitening or other cosmetic dental procedures in conjunction with Invisalign, you may discuss the timing of these treatments with us and your dentist after the completion of the initial treatment.
- Adjustments to Daily Routine: Your daily routine will change, as you’ll no longer need a lot of time for cleaning and maintaining your Invisalign aligners. However, you’ll need to get accustomed to wearing retainers as directed by our team.
Worth The Wait
You should be extremely proud of yourself when you finish orthodontic treatment! We walk with you through the whole process so we can join you in celebrating. We will always be available for questions or follow-up visits should you encounter any questions or issues after the removal of your appliance. We have four incredible Alabama offices: Daphne (251-263-5584), Bay Minette (251-299-9113), Atmore (251-299-9395), and Brewton (251-263-5584). We look forward to meeting you!