Getting Used to Life After Braces

Because braces treatment often lasts for a year or more, it is very common to find yourself in a comfortable routine that incorporates your braces.

That’s why when we finally have our braces off, our routine changes. For the better, of course, but the difference makes us feel as if something is off. And you’re right… because something is off: your braces!

Weird Feeling in Mouth

Braces treatment interferes with our lips, so when the braces our off and we begin to move our lips, it will not feel the same because our lips are no longer gliding over the braces. The muscles used in your smile will feel off as a result.

Nothing to panic about! This is normal and usually takes a few days to a week or so to adjust to the new feel. We recommend moving your lips around to help your muscles remember the right motions used to generate your smile. To avoid embarrassing yourself, do this exercise when no one is watching. 

Sensitive Teeth

Another common complaint is that teeth are sensitive. Our mouth became accustomed to an orthodontic appliance in the mouth… and of course adjusted for this. So when we finally have this appliance removed for good, our mouth will feel different. Sensitivity is a result. You may feel weird sensations to hot or cold or just a general weakness feeling. This is all sensitivity and will dissipate as soon as your mouth adjusts to life without your braces involved.  

Talking Funny

This is by far the most common complaint: talking funny such as having a lisp or speech impediment. With braces on, most of us talk funny until we adjust. The same applies for when we have braces taken off: we talk funny until our lips and tongue adjust to having no braces in the mouth. This process varies for everyone, but most people are sounding like themselves again after about one week.

No More Braces-Friendly Foods

What we mean by this is that after you have your braces taken off, you no longer have to worry about damaging them by eating foods such as gum, hard candies, popcorn kernels, apples, chewing on ice, etc. However, at least for the first couple of weeks of having no braces we recommend you still refrain from these foods as your mouth works towards re-acclimating itself without the interference of braces.

Have any other questions regarding braces? We’re sure you will find your answer in our Orthodontics Resources section containing many frequently asked questions regarding braces.

Best Way to Floss with Braces

If you currently have braces, specifically traditional metal braces, then you know by now just how difficult and obnoxious it can be to floss your teeth and make sure you aren’t suffering from poor oral hygiene. Is this a familiar scenario you can relate to?

Well, the good news is that your Las Vegas braces experts are going to let you in on a tip we all wish we had back in the day.

Ready for it?

Water flossers.

That’s right, water flossers are a blessing for those trying to floss with metal braces. Water flossers are clinically proven to be more effective than dental floss for those with braces. There are different types that you will find in stores, but they all accomplish the same goal: clearing all the food particles and debris effectively from your teeth.

The only downside is that the prices for these wonderful flossing machines may be above your budget. What do you do if that’s the case? Well, we do have one alternative. It’s not nearly as effective, but it’s still better than regular floss.

So what’s the alternative?

Waxed floss with a floss threader.

This type of floss is better than regular non-waxed floss, which has a tendency to catch on your braces and leave shreds of floss stuck around your mouth. Not fun. Using waxed floss with a floss threader decreases the chance of this occurring. Gently floss each tooth before moving on to the next one.

However, keep in mind that waxed floss is limited and that you must constantly keep re-purchasing it when you run out. With a water flosser, it’s a one-time purchase that utilizes your own water. You only have to re-purchase, but the machines tend to last awhile before this occurs.

If you want to make flossing life easier with braces, we strongly recommend you invest in a water flosser. Bleeding may occur initially as your gums become accustomed to the pressure. We recommend starting out on a low pressure setting and working your way up towards higher as you become used to the machine.