What to Expect After Your Braces are Removed

Posted on October 9, 2021

Millions of people in the United States either have or need braces. However, while the process of getting braces might be straightforward, most people aren’t sure what to expect afterward. To help give you a better idea of what comes after getting your braces removed, here is everything you need to know.

Getting Your Braces Removed

If you have braces, you may be worried that getting them removed will hurt. Thankfully, it is a relatively straightforward process. Aside from a bit of discomfort, which is standard for most dental work, you’re unlikely to experience any pain. If you are sensitive to dental work, you may consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever ahead of time.

Overall, the process shouldn’t take a long time. Usually, the removal, cleaning and retainer fitting will be a short visit. However, this may change depending on your unique situation. Your Louisiana orthodontist should let you know before they begin how long you can expect to be in the chair.

Aftercare

Aftercare is something that many people overlook, assuming that once their braces are off, their teeth are permanently fixed. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, and you will need to take aftercare seriously in order for your results to last. You’ll want to continue brushing several times a day and flossing at least once per day. Your teeth may be slightly sore after getting your braces removed, so you may want to avoid sticky or hard to chew foods immediately after.

If your orthodontist had you fitted for a retainer, it’s important that you wear the retainer as directed. Otherwise, your teeth may begin to shift back to their original positions, undoing all the hard work your braces have done. You’ll also want to make sure you make every visit with your orthodontist and your dentist as referred by the professionals at Parker Orthodontics.

If you are thinking about getting braces, or if you already have braces, it’s important to know exactly what to expect once your treatment is done. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask the doctors at Parker Orthodontics, so that you can alleviate any anxiety you might have about the post-removal process.