What Happens After Braces Come Off?

You finally reached “debond day” in Pembroke Pines or Plantation, FL and your smile looks amazing. At Lucas Orthodontics, treatment does not end the minute your brackets come off. The next step protects your results so they last for years. Below is a clear, friendly guide to what comes next, based only on what Lucas Orthodontics actually provides.

Right after your appliances are removed, you receive retainers to stabilize your new smile. This is standard and happens the same day, so your teeth do not drift while the supporting bone firms up. 

What you can expect

1. A smooth finish and photos or scans to document your new alignment
2. Retainers delivered with wear instructions
3. Comfort tips for any short-term tooth or gum sensitivity
4. Clear guidance on your next check-in

Retainers: Your Insurance Policy for a Straight Smile

We provide and support multiple retainer options, including removable Hawley, removable clear, and fixed bonded wire retainers. Your team will match the style to your bite and lifestyle. 

How long do you wear them?

Full-time wear is recommended right after treatment, then night-only wear after about a year, a bonded wire is designed to stay on long term unless your general dentist advises otherwise, and periodic replacements are normal because retainers wear out over time.

Follow-Up Visits and X-Rays

Expect routine check-ins to monitor stability and wisdom teeth. The office schedules periodic visits and recommends radiographs on a consistent timetable to protect your outcome.

Tech That Supports Your Results

We use iTero digital impressions for precise records and appliance fit. The practice also leverages modern fabrication and 3D printing partners for custom appliances like retainers, mouthguards, and nightguards, which helps accuracy and turnaround time.

What if You Finished With Invisalign Instead of Braces?

Many patients complete treatment with Invisalign. You still shift to retainers after your last aligner so your teeth hold their new positions. The team also uses Dental Monitoring with Invisalign, which can streamline aligner progress and post-treatment oversight.

Financing and What’s Included

Your comprehensive treatment includes one set of retainers. If a retainer is lost or damaged later, the office can replace it for a fee, and will review all costs during your complimentary consultation.

Daily Care Checklist After Debond

Wear your retainers exactly as directed, store removable retainers in their case when not in use, keep appliances away from heat, brush retainers with a soft brush and mild soap, floss carefully around a bonded retainer, and call right away if a retainer cracks, loosens, or is lost.

Services That Support Long-Term Results

Our team offers the full spectrum of orthodontic care that complements life after braces, including self-ligating braces, INBRACE lingual braces, Invisalign for adults and teens, Invisalign First for younger kids, early treatment, adolescent treatment, adult orthodontics, retainers, digital impressions, and emergency care. These options ensure families in Pembroke Pines and Plantation can get the right start and stay stable after treatment.

Ready to protect your new smile?

If you just finished braces or aligners, your next win is consistent retainer wear and simple daily habits. Lucas Orthodontics will guide your schedule, monitor wisdom teeth, and replace appliances if needed so your results stay photo-ready for the long run. Call us for more queries.