At O'Brien Orthodontics, we understand that the journey to a beautiful smile doesn't end when your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete—it's just the beginning of a new phase in your orthodontic care. As a family orthodontist in Beavercreek, Englewood, and Dayton, I often guide my patients through the exciting transition from active treatment to enjoying the long-term benefits of a straighter, healthier smile. Here's what you can expect after completing braces or Invisalign treatment:
1. Removal of Braces or Completion of Invisalign Treatment
After your orthodontist determines that your teeth have achieved the desired alignment and bite correction, the next steps are taken:
- With braces a digital scan (not a gooey impression) will be taken at the visit before the braces are actually removed so that retainers can be made and ready to seat on the day that braces are removed to ensure your teeth do not move from their newly corrected position.
- With Invisalign all of the attachments are removed and your teeth are scanned the same day for retainers to be made. You will be able to wear your final Invisalign aligners to maintain that final tooth position until the retainers are placed.
2. Retainers: Essential for Maintaining Your Results
Following the removal of braces or your last set of Invisalign aligners, your orthodontist will insert your retainers to ensure proper fit. Retainers are crucial to maintaining the new position of your teeth and preventing them from shifting back to their original positions. Here's what you need to know about retainers:
- Types of Retainers: There are different types of retainers, including removable retainers (clear plastic or acrylic) and fixed/permanent retainers (thin wires bonded to the back of your teeth).
- Wearing Schedule: Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how long and when to wear your retainers. Initially, you may need to wear them full-time and then transition to wearing them only at night.
- Maintenance: Proper care of your retainers is essential for their effectiveness and longevity. Clean them daily with a toothbrush and mild soap or cleaner as recommended by your orthodontist.
3. Follow-Up Appointments
After your braces or Invisalign treatment is completed and you've been fitted with retainers, you will schedule follow-up appointments with your orthodontist. These appointments allow your orthodontist to monitor the stability of your teeth and the effectiveness of your retainers.
- Monitoring Progress: During follow-up appointments, your orthodontist will assess how well your teeth are maintaining their alignment and make any necessary changes in wear time.
- Addressing Concerns: If you experience any issues with your retainers or notice changes in your bite or alignment, don't hesitate to contact your orthodontist. Prompt attention is important to prevent excessive tooth movement that would necessitate re-treatment to return the teeth to the previously corrected alignment.
4. Enjoying Your New Smile
One of the most rewarding aspects of completing orthodontic treatment is enjoying the confidence and benefits of a straighter smile:
- Improved Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues.
- Enhanced Functionality: A straighter smile / corrected bite will eliminate traumatic functioning to preserve the longevity of your teeth.
- Boosted Confidence: Many patients report increased self-esteem and confidence in their appearance after orthodontic treatment, which can positively impact personal and professional aspects of life.
5. Long-Term Oral Health Care
Maintaining a healthy smile after orthodontic treatment requires continued commitment to oral hygiene and regular dental visits:
- Brush and Floss: Continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure optimal oral health and to catch any potential issues early.
- Retainer Care: Follow your orthodontist's instructions for retainer wear and care to preserve your smile for years to come.
At O'Brien Orthodontics in Beavercreek, Englewood, and Dayton, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care throughout your orthodontic journey and beyond. Completing braces or Invisalign treatment is a milestone, but proper post-treatment care, including wearing retainers and attending follow-up appointments, is essential for maintaining your beautiful smile.
If you have any questions about what to expect after orthodontic treatment or if you're considering starting your journey to a straighter smile, please contact us at any of our locations in Dayton and surrounding areas. Together, we can ensure your smile remains healthy, confident, and radiant for life.
Remember, your smile is our priority every step of the way!