Getting your braces off is exciting, but the journey isn’t over yet! Maintaining your straight teeth after braces is crucial to keeping that perfect smile. Avoiding certain habits now can make all the difference.
Ready to protect your results?
Here’s what you need to know to keep your teeth in place!
Mistakes to Avoid After Removing Your Braces
• Ignoring Your Orthodontist's Plan
After removing braces, your orthodontist will create a custom plan to keep your smile perfect, usually involving a retainer. At first, you’ll wear it full-time, then switch to nights only. Following these instructions is crucial to prevent your teeth from shifting.
Stick to your retainer routine to maintain the results you worked hard for and keep your smile looking great.
• Neglecting Your Retainer
Skipping your retainers after braces is a big mistake. Retainers are necessary for maintaining your new smile and preventing your teeth from returning to their original positions.
Without proper retention, teeth naturally try to return to their previous placement. To protect your straight, beautiful smile after braces, wear your retainers as indicated by your orthodontic professional. Usually, this starts with full-time wear and transitions to nighttime use.
Consistency is key—prioritizing your retainers after braces will help ensure your results last for years!
• Skipping Proper Oral Care
Once your braces are off, it’s easy to relax your cleaning routine, but doing so can put your new smile at risk. Without proper care, plaque and food debris can build up, leading to cavities, gum disease, and discolouration—undoing all the hard work of your orthodontic treatment.
Stick to consistent oral hygiene practices to keep your teeth healthy and bright. Brush thoroughly at least twice daily, floss each day, and consider adding a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel. A water flosser can help remove debris from those hard-to-reach areas for an even deeper clean.
• Eating Hard, Sticky, and Sugary Foods Too Often
After completing orthodontic treatment, diving back into all the treats you’ve missed is tempting, but certain foods still require caution. Hard candies, sticky caramel, and sugary snacks can harm your teeth and retainer, increasing the risk of cavities and making oral care more challenging.
Hard foods can also damage your enamel, which may be more vulnerable after braces. Instead, focus on a diet that supports healthy teeth—think crunchy fruits, leafy greens, and calcium-rich dairy. Enjoy your favourite treats in moderation, but make choices that protect your bright, healthy smile for the long term.
• Skipping Routine Dental Checkups
Once your braces are off, it’s easy to think you can relax when it comes to dental visits. However, maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile requires consistent care. Regular checkups are essential for catching potential issues early, ensuring your teeth stay aligned, and keeping your smile bright with professional cleanings.
Stick to biannual dental appointments—or follow the schedule your dentist recommends. If you notice any discomfort or shifting teeth, don’t wait. Reach out to your orthodontist for guidance. A little prevention goes a long way in protecting your post-orthodontic results.
• Whitening Your Teeth Too Soon
After getting your braces off, it’s tempting to whiten your teeth after braces right away, but waiting a bit can lead to better results. Braces can leave slight discolouration where the brackets were, and your enamel needs time to recover and even out naturally. Whitening your teeth after braces too soon may cause patchy results.
Talk to your dentist about the best timing—waiting a few months and choosing professional whitening can help you achieve a balanced, bright smile. Patience pays off!
• Failing to Monitor Teeth Shifting
Teeth before and after braces can look drastically different, but maintaining that perfect smile requires ongoing care. Over time, your teeth may naturally start to shift, especially if you’re not wearing your retainer as instructed. Even minor movement can impact your bite and the appearance of your smile, potentially leading to the need for additional orthodontic treatment.
Keep an eye on your retainer! It might need an adjustment or replacement if it feels too tight, loose, or shows wear. Don’t ignore early signs of shifting—consult your orthodontist right away. A little effort goes a long way in preserving your smile.
• Not Addressing Discomfort and Changes Early
Adjusting to get used to the retainers when you first receive them is normal, but persistent discomfort or shifting teeth shouldn’t be ignored. If your retainer feels painful or doesn’t fit right, act fast—it could lead to more significant problems and delay your progress. Contact your orthodontist right away. Early action can save you time, effort, and hassle.
• Using Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open packages or nibble on pens might seem harmless, but it can cause severe damage—especially after orthodontic treatment. Post-braces, your teeth are more vulnerable to chips, cracks, or shifting, undoing all your hard work. Remember, your teeth are for eating, not as tools.
Congratulations on getting your braces off—what an exciting moment! But your journey to a perfect smile doesn’t end here. Following the proper post-treatment care is crucial to keep your teeth healthy and beautifully aligned. Avoiding common mistakes, like skipping your retainer or neglecting oral hygiene, is key to protecting your results. Your hard work deserves a lifetime of confident smiles, and Pacific West Dental Group is here to help you every step of the way. Visit us to learn more!
Hello! I’m Dr. Kevin Lee, a certified orthodontic specialist at PacificWest Dental Group, proudly serving the vibrant communities of Vancouver and Surrey. My journey into orthodontics began back in high school. As a teenager wearing braces, I became fascinated by the intricate blend of art, engineering, and biology that defines this field. This early experience ignited a passion that has guided me throughout my career.
I pursued my academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2006, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011. After a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, I returned to UBC to complete a combined Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology and a Diploma in Orthodontics in 2015. That same year, I achieved certification from both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I remain deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements. At PacificWest Dental Group, we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy engaging with our community and staying active. Whether it’s through local events or outdoor activities, I believe in building strong relationships both inside and outside the office. I look forward to meeting you and working together to create a beautiful, confident smile.
Services we provide:
-Invisalign
-Braces
-Lingual Braces
-Digital treatment planning
-TMJ and headpain treatment
-Laser Therapy
-Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
-Dysport Cosmetic Injectables
