What happens right after braces come off?

You’re fitted for retainers the same day. Expect a clear plan: full-time wear first, then transition to nights to hold your results. Mild tenderness is normal for a short time.

Why are retainers required after braces?

Teeth need time to stabilize. Retainers hold them in place while bone and gums remodel around the new positions, helping prevent relapse.

How long do I have to wear retainers?

Most patients wear retainers full-time at first, then nights long term. Your exact schedule is customized; many people keep nightly wear indefinitely to maintain alignment.

What Happens After Braces Come Off?

If you just finished braces, congrats! The next stage is called retention, which keeps your teeth in their new positions. Advanced Orthodontics in Bellevue, WA, offers retainers, following simple care steps, and coming in for quick checkups to make sure your smile stays aligned.

Your First Year After Braces

Step	What Advanced Orthodontics Provides	Your Job	Why It Matters
Debond day	Braces are removed and you’re fitted for retainers	Wear retainers exactly as instructed	Teeth need time to stabilize
Retainers included	At least one set of retainers is included with treatment	Keep them safe and clean	Protects your new alignment
Follow-up visits	Retention checkups for one full year	Show up for quick checks	Early fixes prevent shifting
Long-term plan	Clear wear schedule given to you	Nightly wear after stabilization	Keeps teeth from drifting back

What happens after braces removal?

Right after removal, you receive retainers. Expect a clear wear plan: full-time at first, then transition to nightly wear to hold your results. Mild tenderness is normal for a short time. If something feels sharp, loose, or off, call the office.

Why are orthodontic retainers required?

Braces move teeth. Bone and gums then remodel around the new positions. Retainers hold everything steady while this happens. Advanced Orthodontics provides both removable and fixed (bonded) options based on your case.

How do I handle teeth shifting prevention long term?

Wear retainers as prescribed every night after the initial phase
Come to scheduled retention checks during your first year
Tell the team right away if a retainer cracks or no longer fits

These simple steps are the best insurance against relapse.

What are essential retainer care tips?

Keep retainers in their case when not in your mouth
Clean with a soft brush and mild soap
For buildup, soak briefly in a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water, then rinse well
Keep retainers away from heat

Good care helps retainers last and work properly.

What if my retainer feels tight, is lost, or breaks?

A retainer can feel tight if you skipped wear; if it still fits and is not painful, put it in and resume your schedule. If it hurts or will not seat, call for guidance. Lost or damaged retainers can be remade; replacement fees may apply. Acting quickly helps prevent unwanted movement.

Do I have follow-up retention visits?

Yes. Your treatment fee includes one year of retention checkups to make sure your bite stays stable and your retainers fit well. These visits are quick and focused on long-term success.

Where do clear aligners or braces fit into this?

Whether you straighten your teeth with braces or aligners like Invisalign, you still need a retainer plan. Advanced Orthodontics treats patients with both braces options and aligners, then guides each patient through retention.

Quick Overview

You leave debond day with retainers and a wear plan
Wear full-time first, then nightly to prevent shifting
Clean retainers gently and store them safely
Replacement is available if one is lost or broken
Retention checkups are included for one year

Ready to protect your new smile?

Keep your results strong with a custom retention plan and quick retention visits. Call Advanced Orthodontics in Bellevue, WA to book your complimentary smile check or consultation today.