Adult Braces Before And After: What To Expect When They Come Off

According to Your Dentistry Guide, your orthodontist checks and tracks the position of your teeth with each visit, and will decide when your treatment is complete. Having braces removed is typically pain-free. You don't need to prep for the appointment in any special way. In fact, you'll probably love the reduction in pressure once the braces have been removed.

Your immediate impulse might be to take a photo so you can have that classic adult braces before and after shot, but you aren't done just yet. Don't forget to wear your retainer. Orthodontists usually fit you for a retainer to keep your teeth from moving after the braces come off. According to the Mayo Clinic, they can either be removable, or fixed in an unseen position in your mouth.

Each retainer is custom to the wearer, so it should fit pretty comfortably within your mouth. Caring for them is easy as well; simply brush them regularly with fluoride toothpaste as a natural part of your oral care routine.

If you prefer to whiten at home, choose a toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide, which can remove stains and lighten the color of your teeth. You can use a whitening toothpaste such as Colgate® Optic White®; if used regularly, it will help give you a brighter smile.

Getting your braces off is definitely the most exciting part of the entire experience. By listening to your orthodontist's advice and following his instructions exactly, you can protect your investment and sport a perfect smile for life.