Dental Spots and Care
Maintaining good oral hygiene matters just as much after braces. After wearing them for a while, you might notice darker spots on the teeth where the brackets sat - usually because whitening toothpaste hasn't been able to reach those areas. It's normal and easily addressed. Try switching to a whitening toothpaste or talk to your orthodontist about teeth whitening. At Cheshire Orthodontics we encourage continued careful brushing and flossing to keep things in great shape.
Retainers and Maintaining Your Smile
Your newly straightened smile will stay that way with proper maintenance. Retainers play a vital role in preserving the result. Your orthodontist will fit you with a retainer designed to keep teeth in their corrected positions. Most retainers are removable, allowing for easy eating, brushing and flossing - but they need to be worn as advised. Skipping retainer wear allows teeth to shift back, undoing the result your braces achieved.
Changes in Eating Habits
Goodbye to the days of avoiding gum, toffee, hard bread and whole apples. With your braces gone, you can enjoy the foods you love again (in moderation).
The Initial Adjustment Period
Once braces are removed your mouth needs a little time to readjust. It can feel strange and you might notice mild sensitivity for a few days. Eating will feel different too as you get used to chewing without brackets. Treat the brief adjustment period as a small price for your new freedom.
Calluses and Discoloration
While wearing braces, the constant rubbing of brackets may have created small calluses on the inside of your mouth. They feel rough at first but usually settle within a few days. You may also notice mild yellow or white spots from tartar or calcification. Your orthodontist can address these with teeth whitening treatments, though it's worth waiting about a month after de-bond as teeth are usually more sensitive in the immediate aftermath.
Gum Inflammation and Maintenance
Some gum inflammation is normal after braces removal, often from removing the bonding adhesive. With diligent brushing and flossing it settles in a few days.
Teeth Settling and Follow-Up
Teeth tend to settle for a short period after braces come off, even with a retainer. Your orthodontist will have anticipated this and scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor progress, check retainer fit and address anything that needs attention.
After months (or sometimes years) of treatment, revealing your new smile is the exciting part. Braces have improved your oral health, your digestion, your appearance and your confidence. Embrace the new smile and keep it healthy through good dental care.
If you're looking for an orthodontist in Sandbach, contact Cheshire Orthodontics on 01270 297 086 to book your appointment.