How Does the Propel® VPro At-Home Device Work?
If you’re considering accelerated orthodontics, you might be curious about the at-home options. Here’s how the Propel® VPro can help speed things up for you.
Adjusting to Life Without Braces
Adjusting to getting braces is harder than adjusting to life without them, but getting them taken off can come with its own unique challenges. It’s important to take care of your teeth after getting your braces removed., and it’s up to you to preserve your smile and make sure the results last. Luckily, regular visits to the dentist can keep your smile straight and sparkly for years to come.
At Chapman Smiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas, Oregon, orthodontist Dr. Gary Chapman has some tips to share for how to adjust when your braces finally come off.
What to expect from the adjustment period
When you receive dental braces, constant adjustments are part of the deal. You have to adapt to having braces in your mouth, which can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Your diet and hygiene routine change during this time too, since you have to brush around the brackets and avoid certain foods.
By the time you get your braces off, you might be tired of the constant changes. However, the adjustments don’t end there. Here’s what to expect once your braces are gone.
Retainers
Retainers are recommended after having braces removed. Your teeth can shift out of place once the braces are gone, so the retainer is necessary to preserve your results. Eventually, your smile will set and you can stop wearing the retainer, but it’s important you leave it in until your dentist instructs you otherwise. This can take around 4-6 months.
Calluses
The insides of your lips might feel odd without the braces. This is because your body has formed calluses to protect your lips against the brackets. The flesh inside your mouth replaces itself quickly, so you can expect these to go away naturally over time.
Discoloration
Even if you’re careful to brush around the brackets and keep your teeth clean, you might notice some discoloration once your braces are gone. Because of this, many dentists recommend a round of teeth whitening once they’re removed. Consider this the finishing touch on your smile.
Maintaining your smile
Now that your braces are off, you can enjoy your perfect smile. Stay on top of your oral hygiene, and enjoy the simplicity of brushing your bare teeth. You can keep your smile bright and white by avoiding foods and drinks that yellow them. A single cup of coffee or a soda won’t harm your teeth, but make sure to brush afterwards to prevent staining.
Preparing to get braces? Need to have yours removed? The orthodontists at Chapman Smiles can help with every step of the process. To get in touch, call 503-336-1883, or request an appointment online.
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