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Life After Braces: Retainers & Maintaining Your New Smile

A Smile Can Change Everything

3 Tips for Eating
  • Koch Orthodontics
  • | Aug 14, 2024

Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment and achieving a beautiful, straight smile! At Koch Orthodontics in Lawrenceville, GA, we understand how exciting it is to finally have your braces removed. But the journey doesn’t end here. To ensure your new smile remains perfect, it’s essential to wear retainers and maintain good oral hygiene. Here’s everything you need to know about life after braces and how to keep your smile looking its best.

The Importance of Retainers

After your braces are removed, your teeth will naturally want to shift back to their original positions. Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the alignment of your teeth by holding them in their new positions. Wearing your retainer as prescribed by Dr. Koch and his team ensures that your hard-earned results last a lifetime.

Without a retainer, there’s a high risk of relapse, where your teeth shift back to their misaligned positions. This can undo all the progress made during your orthodontic treatment. Consistent use of a retainer helps prevent this and keeps your smile straight and beautiful.

Types of Retainers

Hawley Retainers

Hawley retainers are made of a combination of metal wires and an acrylic base. They are adjustable and durable, allowing for minor adjustments if needed. These retainers are removable, making them easy to clean and maintain.

Clear Retainers

Clear retainers, also known as Essix retainers, are made of transparent plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. They are less noticeable than Hawley retainers and are also removable. Clear retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly and are an excellent option for those who prefer a more discreet look.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent or fixed retainers consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth. They are not removable and provide continuous support to keep your teeth in place. Fixed retainers are typically recommended for patients at a higher risk of relapse.

Tips for Maintaining Your New Smile

Wear Your Retainer Consistently

The most important step in maintaining your new smile is to wear your retainer as instructed by Dr. Koch and his team. Initially, you may need to wear it full-time, then gradually transition to nighttime wear. Consistent use is key to preventing your teeth from shifting.

Keep Your Retainer Clean

Proper hygiene is crucial for both your retainer and your teeth. Clean your removable retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a specialized retainer cleaner. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic. For fixed retainers, use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean around the wire and maintain good oral hygiene.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep them healthy and free from cavities and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential to ensure your oral health remains in top condition.

Watch What You Eat

While you no longer have to avoid certain foods as you did with braces, it’s still important to make healthy dietary choices. Avoid sugary and sticky foods that can lead to plaque build-up and dental issues. A balanced diet will help maintain your overall oral health.

Monitor Your Teeth

Keep an eye on your teeth and retainer for any signs of shifting or damage. If you notice any changes or if your retainer feels uncomfortable, contact Koch Orthodontics immediately. Early intervention can prevent more significant issues down the road.

Ready to learn more about life after braces and how to maintain your new smile? Contact Koch Orthodontics today to request a consultation. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you achieve a beautiful, confident smile that lasts a lifetime!

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PATIENT REVIEWS

Our 5-Star Experience

Check out what our patients are saying about their experience with our amazing doctors and team!

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Braces For Teens In Lawrenceville Loganville, GA
Mauricio A.
Excelente atencion del personal, enamorada totalmente de Wendys, Beky y de Gaby, siempre con una atencion de calidad y con gran cariño
Anita H.
Everyone is so friendly and helpful. My kid love it 😍 here!!
Alma J.
Amazing people and friendly love every body here it is a amazing dentist
Michelle B.
I am back with my second daughter to get her braces only place in Lawrenceville I would take my kids for orthodontist care. Dr. Koch and his team are the best!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Kendra
Jessica and Eyone are excellent. Best orthodontist in town this place would not disappoint. Will fix any crook teeth in the world. Very friendly very understanding and very prompt cannot wait to start my treatment. I love you guys continue being great😊❤️
Xander S.
Ive only been here once with my s/o and all the members are the sweetest and they make everything very affordable. My girlfriend pays for everything on her own for her only being 19 now. I say thats a great deal.
Kierra B.
Koch has been a breathe of fresh air! Everyone’s always so friendly and professional!
Jia S.
My daughter and I had a great experience with Koch Orthodontics! The staff is friendly, professional, and made us feel comfortable during the free consultation. My daughter's treatment plan was clearly explained. I highly recommend their service to anyone. We are excited for the journey of my daughter's bracing.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jia Son, for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear about your and your daughter’s great experience. We’re excited to be part of her bracing journey and appreciate your kind words about our team. Looking forward to seeing you both again! 😊
genaye A.
Great improvement on my teeth and such a positive environment!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Genaye! 🌟 We're so happy to hear about the great improvement and that you're enjoying the positive vibes here! Keep shining! 😄
Ladies of C.
Seen a great improvement in my mouth and a very great and positive place.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We're thrilled to hear you've seen great improvement and felt the positivity at our office. Keep smiling! 😁 – Koch Orthodontics – Lawrenceville
Necoya D
The staff were amazzzzingg. The ambience and personalized welcome is every thing. The affordable monthly plan makes it easier on my pockets. I have been coming to this office for almost a year and it’s always so refreshing to come and feel like home. Staff is always so warm and personable not to mention my kids love it here!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with our staff. Your kind words mean the world to us, and we're so happy we could make your visit a great one.
Dexter C.
2 of our children are patients with Koch. The staff is fantastic! They are always communicative and recommend what’s best for the kids!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the wonderful feedback, Dexter! 😊 It’s fantastic to hear our team’s communication and care are hitting the mark. We love seeing your family at Koch Orthodontics!
Azaziah P.
I love it here. Everyone is so friendly and I’m happy I chose Koch Orthodontics for my braces journey! 😁🩷
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Azaziah! 😄💕 We’re thrilled to be part of your braces journey and love having you with us! See you soon!
Melissa R.
Since day one, Koch Orthodontics and teammates have been amazing! They explain step by step and make sure any questions are answered. I've been lucky to work with Johnny, who has really provided attention and care. Definitely recommend!
Response from the owner:Melissa, your review made our day! 😊 Johnny will be so happy to hear your praise. Thanks for trusting Koch Orthodontics—we appreciate you!
GENESIS. N.
Pleasant visit today, they were really nice to me and my brother.
Response from the owner:Your feedback made our day, Genesis! 🌈 Happy to know you and your brother felt welcomed—see you next time!
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We have convenient locations in Lawrenceville and Loganville, and we serve everyone in the surrounding areas! Come visit us at one of our locations or contact us using the info below. We can’t wait to meet you and your family soon!

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  • 55 Towler Rd.
    Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Loganville
  • 4763 Atlanta Hwy, Ste 380
    Loganville, GA 30052
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