Braces are Coming Off, but Teeth are Still Crooked?

Typically, braces must be worn from anywhere between 12 and 24 months. Depending on the kinds of orthodontist problem you have, your dentist will set an estimated time frame by which time your teeth should have straightened. However, if your braces are to be removed soon, but your teeth still don’t look as straight as you would like them to be, it’s a good idea to raise your doubts with your orthodontist.

It’s also very important to remember that your orthodontist is a specialist with several years of straitening teeth behind him. He most likely knows what he is doing, and if he has decided that now is the time for you to have your braces off, then he’s most probably right. It’s also possible that you’re noticing flaws in your teeth that aren’t really there. Sometimes, it’s natural to be overly critical of the end result, and see issues or flaws that are not visible to others. It takes some time to get used to seeing your teeth without braces after months of barely being able to see them.

Most of the time, an orthodontist will prescribe a retainer to be worn for several weeks after the braces come off. These retainers must be worn exactly as your orthodontist recommends. Many people fail to wear these retainers after the braces come off because of negligence or laziness. They may soon find that their teeth, that had moved to the right position, are now slowly going back to their former crooked appearance. Retainers are meant to hold the teeth in their desired place, so that the effects of the orthodontic treatment permanent.

If you don’t wear your retainers even for a couple of weeks after you get your braces removed, then you will begin to see your teeth becoming crooked again. In rare cases, it may be possible that you need to wear braces for a little while longer, so if you have doubts about your teeth looking crooked, inform your dentist, so he can see if the braces need to be left on for a few more days.