What To Expect When You Get Your Braces Off

Having braces can be quite an experience. You might spend most of it waiting for the day you finally get them removed or transition into retainer use! Our team at Ollins Orthodontics is here to provide you with a guide for what to expect when you get your braces off!

One, Two, Three

If you have braces or aligners from our office, that means we’ve given you one of the following:

• We offer Invisalign, a subtle and effective alternative to traditional braces that you can remove daily. 
• Metal braces are the most economical option and are usually the most common treatment for our pediatric patients. We proudly offer Pitts 21 metal braces.
• Clear braces (aka ceramic braces) will match the color of your teeth while behaving like their metal counterparts. 

Finishing Traditional Braces

Everyone’s experience will be slightly different with orthodontic treatment, but this is a good general outline of expectations in the removal period.

1. Revealed Transformation: We share your excitement for the big reveal! Dr. Bruce or Dr. Gabriel may provide you with a mirror at your appointment, allowing you to admire the new alignment of your teeth in detail! A lot of times, this moment makes it all feel worthwhile.
2. Sensitivity: Some patients encounter increased sensitivity in their teeth after removal. Fortunately, this sensitivity typically subsides within the initial week or so.
3. Retainers: In most cases, we will provide you with retainers to wear. These devices play a crucial role in maintaining the newly achieved alignment of your teeth, preventing any potential regression. Clear instructions on when and how to wear them will be given, emphasizing the importance of diligence.
4. Smooth Teeth: You might be surprised by the smoothness of your teeth at first. The contrast is pretty shocking!
5. Dental Cleaning: Either our office or your dentist might perform a final cleaning to remove any lingering plaque or adhesive from the surface of your teeth.
6. Relief and Comfort: The removal of braces means a high degree of comfort, eliminating any pressure or tightness associated with the treatment and providing a welcome relief.
7. Final Adjustments: During the evaluation of your bite and alignment, final adjustments may involve subtle shaping or polishing to achieve the best possible results.
8. Follow-up Appointments: Anticipate being scheduled for multiple follow-up appointments with us to monitor the stability of your new smile and the success of retainer use. You should also attend regular dental check-ups to maintain your oral health.
9. Aftercare Instructions: Your entire treatment plan with us is customized, which means the aftercare will be too! If you have any special conditions, we’ll be sure to address them directly in our instructions. We also answer any questions about using a retainer or resuming your pre-braces diet.

Finishing Invisalign

You’ll notice some basic similarities in the removal of Invisalign but also a number of stark differences!

1. Removal of Aligners: Once you complete your treatment, you’ll no longer have to wear aligners for 22-24 hours a day! This means less maintenance and a more flexible diet.
2. Teeth Sensitivity: Like with other braces, some sensitivity may occur immediately after the removal of your Invisalign aligners. Again, this is very much a temporary sensation.
3. Retainers: One benefit of Invisalign is that you’ve already used a removable appliance, which a retainer might be (more on the alternative later!). This means you’re familiar with many of the steps to care for your teeth and new device.
4. Orthodontic Check-up: We’ll always have at least one initial follow-up to check how everything is being maintained and to address any last tweaks to your smile we deem necessary. 
5. Oral Hygiene Maintenance: Vigilant brushing and flossing is essential for your long-term dental health. It’s a key part of your Invisalign treatment, so it shouldn’t be anything new!
6. Adjustments to Daily Routine: The time previously used each day for cleaning your Invisalign aligners is no longer needed now, which can be great! But retainers also require responsibility and consistent use, so that might take some getting used to.
7. Whitening or Cosmetic Procedures: Sometimes, treatments like teeth whitening can be selected in conjunction with Invisalign. You’ll discuss the timing of these cosmetic processes with one of our doctors, and there’s a good chance it’ll happen sometime after you discontinue your aligner use.

Fixed Retainers

This is an additional option that is unique to certain practices like our own. We do utilize removable retainers, but fixed retainers are able to maintain alignment over time with less need for manual intervention (i.e., removing and replacing).

Shake It Off!

So, after months (or years) of orthodontic appliances, you’ve finally crossed the finish line! Our office works extremely closely with you during your journey and knows how hard you have to work to maintain this type of treatment. We take pride in your pride. We can’t wait to see you in our Nutley office at 973.667.0771.