It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. If your final Invisalign® appointment is on the calendar or your braces removal appointment is scheduled, we’re so excited for you!
This is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter for your smile and your confidence – for the rest of your life!
As you transition from active treatment to maintenance, you may be wondering what happens next, and your Russell Orthodontics team is here to help you prepare.
Here’s your full guide to finishing orthodontic treatment, with tips for both Invisalign and braces wearers. We’ll discuss:
- The role of retainers after Invisalign and braces
- How to care for your teeth moving forward
- Fun things you can do to celebrate getting your braces off!
What to Expect after Braces or Invisalign
Finishing your last set of Invisalign aligners or getting your braces removed is a BIG achievement, but it’s not the end of your orthodontic journey. Just like your dental health, maintaining your beautiful new dental alignment is a lifetime commitment!
After active treatment, you’ll enter the maintenance phase – where your retainer is the star of the show.
Retainers provide the support that your teeth need to stay put and stabilize in their new positions. This is how we prevent your teeth from shifting back to where they were the day you first met us!
All-things-retainers (after braces or Invisalign)
During your final appointment in active treatment, we’ll take one last digital impression of your braces-free smile to have your custom retainer designed and printed.
We provide different types of retainers (including removable and fixed retainers):
- Custom Vivera™ Invisalign retainers that are similar to clear aligners
- Permanent wire retainers consisting of a thin metal piece permanently glued to the back surfaces of your top or bottom teeth
We’ll explain in detail how to wear and care for your retainer. Once you receive it, you’ll pop it in place and keep that smile in pristine condition.
How long will I wear my retainer after Invisalign or braces?
Doc Russell will provide specific instructions for your case, but when you first enter the retention phase, it’s important that you wear your retainer full-time for one year.
Once your teeth have stabilized, you’ll be able to switch your wear to nights only. Consistency is key, and wearing your retainer as instructed is essential for maintaining your results and keeping your smile in its ideal condition.
+SmileLOCK Retainer Program
Through our high-value +SmileLOCK Retainer Program, we help you lock in your beautiful new smile and protect your investment for a lifetime!
As a part of our one-of-a-kind Docaligners™ Invisalign® Experience, we offer our Platinum and Diamond treatment plans the valuable opportunity to join our +SmileLOCK program and unlock benefits. Here’s what you can expect through +SmileLOCK:
- Get significantly reduced retreatment fees for 5 years
- 50% off the cost of retreatment with our Touch-up Package and Platinum PLUS Package
- 100% off the cost of retreatment with our Diamond PLUS Package
- Get significantly reduced fees for replacement retainers as needed, for 10 years!
You’ll be wearing your retainer for a lifetime, so our retainer program can save you a lot of money over time. Learn more about +SmileLOCK!
Braces Removal: Step-by-Step
One of the most common questions people have when finishing braces treatment is, “does getting braces off hurt?” We are pleased to report that no, having your braces removed does not hurt. We are simply popping off your brackets and removing your archwires to reveal your stunning new smile.
Here’s what the braces removal process looks like:
- First, Doc Russell will examine your smile to make sure your treatment is complete – of course!
- Using a special tool, we’ll gently pop off each bracket from each tooth, and remove your wires. With any type of braces, this process is painless. You may feel a little pressure as the brackets are squeezed.
- After your brackets are off, we will remove the bonding adhesive, or glue, from your teeth. We’ll then polish your teeth, leaving your teeth smooth and clean.
It’s that easy! The whole braces removal process takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
What happens after my last Invisalign tray?
After your final Invisalign appointment in active treatment, you simply take out your last Invisalign trays and replace them with your new retainers. We’ll schedule a 3 or 4 month follow-up appointment at this time too! During that retainer check appointment, we’ll examine your beautiful new smile to make sure your smile is in its best condition, to answer any questions you have, and discuss retainer wear moving forward.
Can I use my last Invisalign tray as a retainer?
Please keep your last few sets of aligners, but do not wear the last one as a retainer. Aligners are designed for short-term wear and will weaken if over-worn. Since you already got the designated wear out of your last set, it won’t provide enough support to replace a durable retainer designed for long-term wear.
What Not to Do After Getting Braces Off or Finishing Invisalign
We know you’re eager to show off your smile, but there are a few things to be cautious of…
- Don’t neglect your retainer!
If you allow your retainer to collect dust in your retainer case, you may be visiting us again in the future for re-treatment. Especially in the beginning of your retention/maintenance phase – wear your retainer consistently and don’t allow all of your hard work to be lost.
And be sure to sign up for +SmileLOCK if losing or neglecting your retainer is likely for you. You’d be surprised how many retainers end up in the trash accidentally – or in your dog’s mouth!
- Don’t neglect your teeth either!
If you wore braces, you’ll enjoy the freedom of being able to brush and floss your teeth without brackets or wires again! If you wore Invisalign, you’re already familiar with the process of removing your aligners (and now your clear retainers) to brush and floss your teeth.
Give your teeth lots of love in the form of toothpaste, mouthwash and floss! The same way you kept your teeth nice and clean during active treatment, keep them clean now too.
Fun Things to Do When You Get Your Braces Off or Finish Invisalign
How should you celebrate your newfound confidence? Here are a few ideas!
- Indulge in your favorite foods: Enjoy the crunchy, chewy, and sticky foods you’ve been avoiding with braces. Movie night with tons of crunch popcorn, chewy chocolate-caramel treats and your favorite beverages? Yes please! (Just be sure to brush and floss after, of course.)
- Capture the moment — and capture it again!: There’s no better way to reward yourself for all of the hard work you put into treatment than by taking a bunch of selfies or planning a photoshoot! That stunning smile deserves to be shared. Share your experience on social media showing off your new smile – and be sure to tag us!
- Treat yourself to professional whitening: You may have whitened your teeth during Invisalign treatment — but if you had braces, you’re probably eager to whiten and brighten your teeth. However, it’s best to wait 6 months before whitening teeth after braces, because your teeth are in a sensitive state and it could be uncomfortable. Use this time to save up for whitening treatment, and have it scheduled right away after 6 months! (You’ll gain access to various incentives, like professional teeth whitening, through our +SmileLOCK program too!)
- Celebrate with friends & family: Your friends and family will be so happy for you and your new smile! Share the joy with those who supported you throughout your orthodontic journey. Have a BBQ, brunch, party or vacation and smile ‘til your cheeks hurt.
Say “hello” to a life of confident smiles!
Whether you just finished active orthodontic treatment, you’re preparing for your final appointment, or you’re just curious about what happens when braces or Invisalign treatment is over, we hope you have some answers now. If you have any unanswered questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
If you haven’t begun your journey yet, it’s time to get started. Doc Russell is your trusted children’s orthodontist, orthodontist for teens and orthodontist for adults.
Book your complimentary consultation at one of our orthodontist offices in Athens or Grayson – or get started from home with a virtual consult!
