Post orthodontic
Orthodontic braces treatment lasts for an average of one to three years in most cases. The purpose of braces is to realign crooked teeth and help correct the position of the jaws. In general, braces are very effective in achieving their primary goal, which is to have a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth. It is worth noting that the success of dental treatment using braces depends mainly on the individual who wears the braces and their commitment.
Noticeable changes
The individual may notice some changes after removing the braces, including the following:
- Get straight and regular teeth.
- Ease of eating, and the ability to eat different types of food in the way one wants without any obstacles, unlike what was previously the case with braces.
- Easy to clean with a traditional toothbrush and dental floss.
- Note a slight increase in sensitivity and softness of the gums in some cases; but without causing damage to the teeth.
- Slight yellowing of the teeth due to the difficulty of maintaining the whiteness and shine of the teeth during the period of orthodontic treatment.
- Sometimes, other orthodontic treatments are needed after removing the braces, in cases where there are dental problems that require treatment.
- The appearance of keratinized tissue (calluses) on the lining of the lips, which does not last and eventually disappears.
Teeth cleaning and whitening
After removing the braces, the orthodontist cleans the teeth and the area where the braces were placed; he gets rid of the remains of the adhesives used to fix the braces, so it is necessary to see a dentist in order to perform a comprehensive and deep cleaning of the mouth after removing the braces. Teeth can also be whitened if a noticeable difference in color is noticed between the enamel surface and the place where the braces are attached. Although it is possible to whiten the teeth during the period of wearing the braces using toothpastes or gels; it is recommended to wait until the braces are removed to prevent the possibility of damage to the components of the braces due to the use of bleaching materials, or to prevent any difference or mismatch in color between the teeth after removing the braces. The orthodontist often recommends that the individual wait for a period of approximately six months after removing the braces to perform teeth whitening sessions if necessary, and not to perform them immediately after removing the braces, for the following reasons:
- Tooth sensitivity: Placing braces on your teeth may cause weakness in your teeth for a short period of time after removing your braces. Waiting for a while gives the individual time to adapt to the new state of their teeth, making the whitening process as comfortable and effective as possible.
- Saliva: In many cases, saliva is enough to reduce the severity of the discoloration between the teeth after braces are removed.
If there is still a clear difference and contrast after six months of removing the braces, teeth whitening may be necessary to get a whiter and healthier smile. It is worth noting the importance of teeth whitening with a specialized healthcare provider. Teeth whitening under the supervision of a specialist is more effective than using home whitening treatments, to ensure the best cosmetic and health results for the mouth and teeth in a safer way. A dental specialist can identify areas of enamel that are poor in minerals, signs of a gum problem, or areas of tooth decay that are hidden under the braces.
Check results
The orthodontist may need to take a new set of x-rays of the individual's teeth, as well as new impressions of the bite after the braces are removed, to verify the quality and effectiveness of the braces in straightening the teeth. The doctor can also observe the wisdom teeth as they begin to emerge from these images and impressions. The dentist or orthodontist may indicate the need to extract the wisdom teeth if they emerge after the braces are removed, in order to avoid unwanted movement of the newly straightened teeth.
Install the stabilizers
Dental retainers are essential during the period of maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment; as they keep the teeth stable in their new positions, until the bones, muscles and gums adapt to the dental changes and modifications that have occurred. The reason for the teeth moving after reaching the final stage of treatment is due to the continued growth of the jaw, which may stimulate them to move; which may expose them to the risk of returning to their previous positions before the braces. The period in which the teeth are most exposed to this is shortly after removing the braces, so an appointment is usually set to visit the orthodontist about a week to two weeks after removing the braces to place the dental retainer, and sometimes the retainer is manufactured and placed during the same visit in which the braces are removed. Retainers also differ from one another; as the retainer is manufactured specifically for each patient, and the individual often needs to use the retainer at all times during the first six months after removing the braces, and after this period has passed, the need to use the retainer at night only; Note that the doctor alone determines the times for using orthodontic retainers, and the time period required to use a dental retainer varies between individuals; as teeth may sometimes move after a long period of time, so the doctor may recommend using a dental retainer for life, which is characterized by providing comfort instead of using it for a few months. It is also worth noting the necessity of the patient’s commitment to placing the retainer according to the doctor’s instructions, in order to avoid unwanted movement of the teeth, which may require re-orthodontic treatment. The following is a statement of the types of retainers:
Removable dental retainers
The removable retainer is custom-made for each individual. An impression of the teeth is made after the braces are removed. Removable retainers resemble a thin, clear gum protector that fits snugly to the teeth to hold them in place. In most cases, the retainer is worn only at night when sleeping. However, it is important to consult your doctor to determine when the retainer should be worn. One of the downsides of removable retainers is that they can be easily lost.
Fixed dental retainers
Fixed retainers consist of a thin stainless steel wire that is permanently attached to the back of the front teeth. In fact, it takes some time for the individual to get used to the presence of the retainer. One of the advantages of this type is that it cannot be seen by others. The retainer is usually installed as soon as possible after the braces are removed, before the dental impression is made to manufacture the removable retainer. Some individuals prefer to use this type of retainer to ensure that it is not lost, but in return, more care must be taken when brushing the teeth; due to the possibility of dental plaque forming under and around the wire.
Dental retainer care
It is common for individuals to have difficulty cleaning their teeth properly during the period of wearing a retainer, which may lead to gaps or cavities in the teeth, in addition to tooth decay; which may cause pain. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain oral hygiene and avoid sticky and sugary foods; to prevent these dental problems. The following are a set of practical tips for caring for dental retainers:
- Carefully follow your dentist's instructions on how to use, place, clean, and store your retainer.
- Use dental floss to clean the spaces between the wires of the fixed retainer that are connected to the teeth, in order to avoid the accumulation of dental plaque on them.
- Clean the removable retainer using lukewarm water. You can also use toothpaste and a toothbrush to clean it, after eating and drinking various foods and drinks.
- Carry the stabilizer storage box with you at all times to avoid losing it.
- Keep the stabilizer away from places where the temperature exceeds 46 degrees Celsius, such as: the heater, the fireplace, the dishwasher, and the car dashboard, because the mobile stabilizer is made of plastic that is sensitive to extreme heat.
- Keep the stabilizer away from pets.
- The stabilizer sometimes needs to be replaced periodically, as it may be used for many years.
Post-orthodontic risks
Installing braces is generally a very safe procedure; however, it may entail some risks and complications, which may appear during the placement of the braces or even after removing them. The most important of these risks are the following:
- The appearance of permanent white spots on the teeth, due to the loss of minerals in the outer enamel surface.
- Loss of dental adjustment and correction resulting from the use of braces, especially if the doctor’s instructions regarding the use of the retainer are not adhered to.
- Tooth decay and cavities.
- Gum disease due to the accumulation of dental plaque.
- Loose teeth: This is due to the teeth and their roots being exposed to pressure from the braces.
- Root resorption: The length of the tooth root decreases due to the movement of the teeth, which leads to the dissolution of some bone during their movement, while leaving new bone behind. This may eventually lead to the permanent loss of the length of the tooth root, which may result in a decrease in the stability and stability of the teeth.
Dental care after braces
The dentist may recommend regular visits twice or more per year to conduct the necessary examinations and clean the teeth in the clinic. Good daily dental hygiene habits are the basis for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile for the individual. These habits can be summarized as follows:
- Toothbrush: Commit to brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled brush, making sure to replace the brush every three to four months, or when the bristles become worn out.
- Dental floss: Clean your teeth with floss once a day, cleaning all the spaces between your teeth to remove accumulated dental plaque and food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Mouthwash: This is optional; if additional protection is needed after brushing and flossing, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine which mouthwash is best for the individual.
- Rinsing and rinsing the mouth with water: To maintain white teeth free of stains and discolorations, it is recommended to rinse and gargle the mouth with water regularly, after eating foods rich in sugar, and after eating foods and drinking liquids that cause stains to appear on the teeth, such as tea and coffee.
