Most patients will wear braces for an average of 18 to 24 months before their Melbourne orthodontist is ready to remove them. It’s a big day, and you put in a lot of work to finally get there. Your teeth may look and feel amazing, but the work isn’t done just yet. It will take some aftercare to maintain the results. Here’s what to expect after braces come off. 

What to Expect at the Removal Appointment

Getting your braces removed is a quick and easy process. Most patients at our clinic are in and out in less than an hour. Dr. Reddick will gently remove the brackets and wires using specialized tools. There’s no drilling or discomfort involved, but you might hear a few popping sounds. Once the braces are off, we’ll clean away any remaining adhesive and polish the teeth to reveal your newly aligned smile. 

It’s normal for your teeth to feel a little strange after wearing braces for several months. Some of our young patients describe their teeth as feeling “slippery” or “bare.” That sensation goes away quickly as they adjust to life without braces. Before you leave, we’ll take final images and impressions to make your custom retainer. This appointment marks the end of active treatment and the beginning of long-term maintenance.

Life with Retainers

Once the braces are off, it’s time to adjust to a new appliance: the retainer. The teeth can still be unstable after they’ve been shifted into their new positions. A retainer helps to maintain the results. These are custom-made devices used to “lock in” the results and prevent the teeth from naturally shifting back to their old positions.

We primarily recommend Hawley retainers for patients. These are a removable type, and they’re very effective so long as patients wear them as instructed. Numerous studies have demonstrated that patient non-compliance is the primary reason for retainer failure. For most patients, we recommend wearing the retainer full-time (24 hours a day) for the first six months after the braces are removed. After six months, the teeth have usually stabilized, and the patient can switch to only wearing their retainer at night. 

Oral Care After Braces

It can take a few weeks for the enamel on your teeth to settle after your braces are removed. You may notice some areas of discoloration or white spots. These are common after braces and often improve with consistent care. 

The good news is that brushing and flossing just got much easier and faster! Continue with your daily brushing and flossing regimen, just as you did throughout treatment. Keeping up your appointments with your regular dentist is vital during this period. Your dentist will monitor your gum health, check for lingering plaque, and help your teeth maintain that fresh, post-braces smile.

Follow-Up Appointments with Your Melbourne Orthodontist

Follow-up appointments with Reddick Orthodontics are a crucial factor in maintaining your results and ensuring that your retainer remains properly fitted. We’ll schedule periodic check-ins with you to monitor the results. These visits are quick. They’re just a check-in to make sure the retainer is doing its job, and your teeth haven’t started to shift for some reason. If you’ve been fitted with a fixed retainer, we monitor it to check for wear and tear or buildup that could affect your oral health.

Even if everything feels fine, it’s essential to attend these appointments. Small changes in tooth alignment can occur gradually, and early intervention is the best way to prevent more significant issues later on. If your retainer starts to feel tight, loose, or uncomfortable, you shouldn’t hesitate to call us. The retainer is a crucial component of the process. 

Lifestyle Tips for Long-Term Success

It’s tempting to dive back into all the foods you avoided during treatment, but a little caution goes a long way after the braces come off. You can enjoy crunchy snacks like chips and popcorn again. Just remember to chew carefully and avoid biting into anything too hard. If you’re wearing a fixed retainer, it’s best to continue avoiding gum and sticky candies. 

Be mindful of habits that can shift your teeth over time. These include behaviors such as nail-biting, chewing on pens, or grinding your teeth at night. If you notice any of these behaviors returning, discuss solutions with your orthodontist, such as mouthguards or habit-breaking strategies. 

With wise choices and consistent care, your smile will remain healthy and camera-ready for years to come!