Many patients at Brace Connection in Downey, CA ask Dr. Vahid Babaeian the same questions about what happens next. Let’s answer the most common questions about life after braces!
What Is Post Braces Care?
Post braces care is everything you need to do to keep your teeth healthy and straight after your braces are removed. Think of it like this: your braces did the hard work of moving your teeth into the perfect position, but now you need to make sure they stay there.
Your teeth are like memory foam, they want to go back to where they used to be. That’s why post braces care is so important. It includes wearing retainers, keeping your teeth clean, and following instructions.
Your Removal Day, Start to Finish
Let’s start with the day you get your braces off. We’ll walk through what happens so you know exactly what to expect. The good news is the visit is usually quick and comfortable.
- Braces are gently removed (debonding).
- Any adhesive is polished off, teeth are smoothed and cleaned.
- A digital scan or impressions are taken for your retainers.
- Retainers are fitted the same day or soon after.
- You leave with wear and cleaning instructions plus a follow-up schedule.
Will I Need to Wear Retainers?
Yes! Retainers are probably the most important part of your post-braces journey. There are different types of retainers:
- Clear plastic retainers that look almost invisible
- Wire (Bonded) retainers that go behind your teeth
- Removable (Hawley) retainers that you can take out to eat
At first, you’ll need to wear your retainers almost all the time, usually 20-22 hours per day. After a few months, the doctor might say you only need to wear them at night.
How Long Do I Have to Wear My Retainers?
This is the question everyone asks! The honest answer is that you’ll need to wear retainers for a very long time, maybe even forever if you want to keep your teeth perfectly straight.
Here’s the typical timeline:
- First 3-6 months: Wear retainers all day except when eating or brushing
- 6-12 months: Usually just at night
- After 1 year: A few nights per week or as doctor recommends
Phase |
Wear Time |
Notes |
| First 3-6 months | 20-22 hours/day | Remove to eat and brush your teeth |
| Months 6-12 | Nights only | In this phase consistency matters |
| After 1 year | A few nights/week or as doctor recommends | Long-term habit = stability |
Remember, every person is different. Some people’s teeth try to move more than others, so your retainer schedule might be different from your friends’.
What About Teeth Shifting Prevention?
Teeth shifting prevention is exactly what it sounds like, stopping your teeth from moving back to where they were before braces. Your teeth will always have some natural tendency to shift throughout your life, even without braces. That’s totally normal!
Best ways to prevent teeth shifting:
- Wear your retainers exactly as the doctor tells you
- Don’t skip nights (even one night can make a difference!)
- Keep your retainers clean and in good shape
- Come to all your follow-up appointments
- Tell Dr. Babaeian right away if your retainers feel tight or don’t fit
How Do I Take Care of My Teeth Now?
Taking care of your teeth after braces is actually easier than when you had braces! You can brush and floss normally again. Here are some tips:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily (it’s so much easier now!)
- Use mouthwash if the doctor recommends it
- Keep eating healthy foods
- Avoid really hard or sticky foods that might damage your retainers
Quick Recap: Top Things to Remember
- Retainers: 20-22 hours/day for the first 3-6 months, after that only nights long-term.
- Care: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, clean your retainers, and keep checkups.
- Call us if: Your retainer feels tight, doesn’t seat fully, cracks, or rubs sore spots.
Start Your Post Braces Care Today
Getting your braces off is a huge milestone, but remember that keeping your teeth straight is a team effort between you and Dr. Vahid Babaeian. Following your post braces care instructions, wearing your retainers, and focusing on teeth shifting prevention will help you keep that best smile for life!
If you have more questions about what happens after braces come off, don’t hesitate to ask. Your beautiful new smile is worth taking care of!