What should I expect after having braces for almost 2 years?

After living with braces for almost two years, you're likely wondering what comes next. I'm here to guide you through what to expect as you near the end of your braces journey.

What's Next? Unveiling the Post-Braces Journey 🗺️

Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room: will your braces be coming off soon? Generally, orthodontic treatments with braces last between 18 months to 3 years. However, the exact duration depends on your individual case and the complexity of your tooth alignment. Your orthodontist will guide you on this.

Brace Yourselves! The Big 'Braces Off' Day is Here 🎉

Once it's time to remove your braces, your orthodontist will use a special tool to gently break the bond between the brackets and your teeth. This process is usually painless. After the braces are removed, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to remove any residual adhesive. You can read more about this process here.

Embracing the New Normal: Life Sans Braces 🦷

Now, let's talk about life after braces. Although you might be thrilled to finally have your braces off, it's important to remember that your orthodontic journey doesn't end here. You'll need to wear a retainer to hold your teeth in their new position and prevent them from shifting back. This is a crucial step in maintaining the results of your hard work.

Retainers 101: Keeping Your Smile in Check ✔️

Retainers can be removable or fixed, and your orthodontist will recommend the best type for you. Removable retainers should be worn at all times initially, except while eating and brushing your teeth. Over time, you'll only need to wear them at night.

As for your oral hygiene routine, you'll need to continue brushing and flossing regularly. However, without the brackets and wires, this process will be much easier. You might also want to consider professional teeth whitening to remove any stains that might have developed during your treatment. Check out this guide to learn more about teeth whitening with braces.

Spot the Difference: Your Mouth After Two Years with Braces 😮

After two years with braces, you'll notice some changes in your mouth. Your bite will be corrected, and your teeth will be straighter. You might also notice an improvement in your speech and chewing ability. However, it's normal to feel a little strange initially as your mouth adjusts to the absence of braces.

Stay on Track: The Importance of Post-Braces Dental Check-ups 📅

Regular dental check-ups continue to be important even after your braces are off. Your dentist will monitor your teeth alignment and the condition of your retainer. If you're interested in learning how dentists manage braces, you can read more here.

Learn more about Life After Braces: What to Expect and How to Maintain Your Smile 😄 or discover other Braces Pros quizzes.

Michael Brooks

Health journalism, Dental health, Research

Michael Brooks is a health journalist with a focus on dental health. He's known for his investigative pieces on braces and oral health. Michael's writing is always factual, well-researched, and engaging.