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.
