Braces are a long-term commitment that requires discipline and care on a daily basis, both during and after treatment. If you plan to undergo orthodontic treatment, then you may be wondering what comes after. However, even after your orthodontic treatment ends, you still need to remain disciplined. By keeping the following points in mind, you'll be ready to care for your newly straightened teeth once your braces finally come off.

1. Your teeth may be sensitive after braces

Because braces use brackets attached to your teeth to achieve their aim, you might experience sensitivity after your braces are off. This is because the enamel that was once covered by the brackets needs time to adjust to exposure to things like hot and cold temperatures again. So, for the first few days, be aware that foods at extreme temperatures may cause you discomfort.

2. Your teeth can benefit from a dental cleaning post braces

Post orthodontic treatment is a good time to get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist. While you wear braces, removing food debris from around the brackets can be difficult. As such, you may have some tartar on your teeth after your treatment. To give yourself the best possible start post braces, visit a dental hygienist. They can take care of this issue.

3. Your teeth are still adjusting to their new positions

Braces move teeth through bone. And once your teeth have moved into their new positions, the bone around them needs to heal. After your braces come off then, try to avoid eating hard foods like nuts and boiled candy. Within a week or so, you can gradually start to eat the foods you ate before getting braces, and that includes sticky foods too.

4. You'll need to wear your retainer every day at first

A retainer is a very important aspect of your post-braces care. This is because once moved, teeth may gradually drift back into their former positions. So be ready to wear your retainer every day at first to help ensure that your teeth don't gradually move back. Eventually, though, you'll be able to limit your retainer wear to just nights.

Alternatively, if you think you might have a problem remembering to wear your retainer, then opt to have a fixed retainer placed. Later, you can replace the fixed retainer with a removable retainer.

Orthodontic treatment requires your commitment even after your braces are off. But as long as you stay disciplined, your teeth will remain straight and healthy for the rest of your life. Contact an orthodontist for more information.