All Done! What Now?

So, you’re ready to have your braces removed. This is a big day! Before we start jumping for joy, here are a few things you need to know about your final appointment and how to care for your teeth from here on out.

Removing your braces should take about an hour. Don’t worry, this part doesn’t hurt. What you will feel is a little pressure as your braces are being removed. At this appointment, pliers will be used to remove your brackets, your teeth will be cleaned to get rid of any leftover glue, and you should be molded for what comes next—a retainer!

Once those braces are off to reveal a beautifully straight smile, you’ll want to keep it that way. This will require wearing a retainer for a period of time or maybe indefinitely. Don’t worry—this is not the same as braces and sometimes only need to be worn at night as you sleep. It’s important that you are diligent about wearing your retainer as often as instructed. There’s no need for you to be sporting braces twice!

We know that after not being able to munch on so many of your favorite snacks, the first thing you’ll likely want to do is run out and grab a bag of popcorn or some hard candy. Resist the urge for just a little longer! Your teeth and gums will still be sensitive for some time after removing your braces. You’ll need to gradually ease into your old eating habits.

It’s also a good idea to schedule a dental cleaning. There are likely areas of your teeth that have not been cleaned very well since you got your braces. It’s not from a lack of trying, but having braces makes nooks and crannies hard to reach. Dentists have tools to see the spots you can’t and get rid of tartar that has built up.

Last but certainly not least, enjoy your new brace free smile! Show it off, take a #selfie, and be confident. Remember, your new smile only expresses all the beauty that was already inside of you.

Congratulations!

To (water) pick or not to pick

Are you finding it tough to floss with your braces? Keeping your teeth clean while wearing any orthodontic is so important and that’s why you need to know your options. If traditional floss just isn’t cutting it, consider a water pick!

What is a water pick? A water pick (oral irrigator) is a device that aims a stream of water at your teeth. A water pick can help remove food particles from your teeth and might help reduce bleeding and gum disease. Water picks are gentle on gums and braces.

While they are very helpful when removing food particles from braces, they are NOT to be used as a substitute for flossing. They aren’t as good at keeping your mouth and gums gingivitis and decay free. They are also incapable of removing plaque.

So while there are some benefits to water picks, you will need to continue flossing regularly to maintain an all-around clean, health and happy mouth.

Answers to questions about braces you may be too scared to ask

To many, braces can be very scary at first and you might have some questions. Here are a list of common questions and answers you might be too scared to ask -

Do braces rust?

Definitely not. Braces are made out of titanium alloy which will NOT rust. Do you think we’d ever put something in your mouth that had the potential to rust? No way, Jose.

Can I still play reed instruments while wearing braces?

Absolutely! It might be hard to get used to at first, but over time, you’ll get used to the extra appliance in your mouth and playing instruments will be a breeze! However, braces will NOT make you a better musician - that takes practice.

If I have braces and I kiss someone with braces, will our mouths get hooked together?

While this is a hilarious misconception, due to the sleekness of modern braces, there is no way two sets could get hooked together. Smooch away!

Will I set off the metal detector at the airport?

Braces are made of materials that do not interfere with metal detectors, even the ones at the airport. No one will even know you’re wearing them – unless you want to flash a big, metallic smile at a TSA agent. Try it – they could use some happiness.

Once I get my braces off, will they stay straight forever?

I wish this were the case. Truth is, once we get your teeth straight, it’s up to you to keep them that way. We’ll equip you with the tools, but it requires a little self-responsibility to wear any appliances we give you. As much as we love our patients, we only want to put braces on them ONCE.

Am I too old for braces?

Did you know that 1 out of every 5 new orthodontic patients is an adult? As braces become more affordable, they are more common – which means more people – even adults – have access to braces. You are never too old for a beautiful smile.

Can I play sports if I have braces?

While you should take proper precautions to care for your braces – like wearing a mouth guard, there is no reason why you would have to abstain from sports. Be especially careful when playing contact sports.

Will wearing braces increase my chances of getting struck by lightning?

The odds of becoming a lightning victim in the U.S. in any one year is 1 in 700,000. This is the same statistic for those in braces. The extra metal in your mouth will not turn you into a lightning rod. 

See, braces aren't so scary? As always, feel free to ask your orthodontist ANYTHING - that's what they're there for! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Are you sporting your favorite green attire today? We are too! This is officially a no pinch zone—as long as the green isn’t in your teeth! As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we want you feeling happy and confident with your smiles. Perhaps the luck of the Irish will help you get there! If you’re fortunate enough to stumble upon a four leaf clover today, don’t let it go! Legend has it that each clover represents something special.

The first clover is for hope. Today and every day, we hope that you have a wonderful and safe time. We hope that you’re on your way to growing more and more confident behind your beautiful smile. More than anything, we hope we can be part of that journey with you.

Two clovers are for faith. At Texas Orthodontics, we have so much faith in you we know you’ll be taking care of your pearly whites today. St. Patty’s Day parties have lots of yummy treats, but we trust that you’ll take the proper steps before and after your meal to protect your teeth and braces.

The third clover is symbolic of love. We love this holiday and this season, but most importantly we love our patients and making them smile! Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the faces of our clients light up once their braces are finally taken off revealing a smile that expresses their newfound confidence. It’s what we live for!

Should you come across a four leaf clover today or any day, know that the fourth clover is for luck. A little luck never hurt anyone and it sure can come in handy. However, we believe that with a little bit of hope, some faith, and a whole lot of love, everyone is capable of making their own luck. 

“May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours that stay with you all the year long.”

What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

All orthodontists are dentists. All dentists are NOT orthodontists.

Dentists focus on the teeth and tissues in your mouth. Dentists diagnose, treats, and manages your overall oral health care needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education.

Orthodontists are licensed dentists who have completed an orthodontic residency program.  Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry. An orthodontist is an expert in the diagnosing, preventing and treating dental and facial irregularities, or “malocclusion,” which means “bad bite.” Orthodontists are skilled in treatments that will bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment.

Orthodontics is not only for cosmetic purposes, but also treats and prevents physical health problems related to facial, jaw and tooth misalignment. Orthodontics can prevent bone destruction, chewing and digestive problems as well as headaches, speech impairments, tooth loss and chipped teeth due to a bad bite.

It's important to know the difference so you are getting the right treatment for your smile!

Foods that stain

You’ve brushed, you’ve flossed, you’ve worn every dental appliance known to man and today is the day you get your braces off. You just know you’ll have the brightest smile on the block. Your orthodontist clears away the brackets and cement. You reach for a mirror to admire your pearly whites, the only problem is – your teeth aren’t so white. They are stained. What could you have done to avoid this less-than-flattering problem?

Here a couple of foods to stay away from that could possibly stain your teeth:

Tea 

Colored Sauces (soy sauce, tomato sauce, curry sauce, etc.)

Wine 

Berries 

Soda and other Carbonated Drinks

Ten Reasons to Smile

One thing we never run out of is reasons to smile. That's why it's so important to us to keep those smiles the best, brightest and healthiest they can be. If you think you don't have a reason to smile, think again. We'll give you 10, and we want you to give us more, because at the end of the day, they're endless. That's what's so great about the smile - it's always a necessity.

1. You are loved, whether you realize it or not, by at least one other human on this planet. 

2. We live in a country where we can express our freedoms, and we have incredible troops protecting our rights every day.

3. You woke up today, and you may have even been lucky enough to have a cup of coffee.

4. You have eyes to read this or ears to hear it being read to you. 

5. You have the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life today.

6. The sun is shining, and if it doesn't happen to be when you read this, it will be out again tomorrow.

7. You made it through the day, whether you made mistakes or kicked butt, you learned, you progressed and you grew.

8. We bet you are having a great hair day, and if not today, just give it a little more oomph tomorrow.

9. Tomorrow brings more opportunity to be a difference maker.

10. Your smile will make someone else smile or already has. So, pass it on.