When you think about braces coming off, you have a lot of excitement, as you think that you will get good-looking teeth and a beautiful smile. But, what if teeth look weird after braces?
There are different types of complaints about looking after braces.
Some people may say, “I don’t like my teeth after braces.”
Even a few people might also say, “My teeth look worse after braces”
But, why?
In this article, you will know why your teeth may look weird after braces, what other problems you might have to deal with, and what are the solutions.
Why do your teeth look so weird after braces?
There are various reasons for which your teeth may look so weird or bad after the removal of braces.
Let’s find it out.
Unrealistic expectations
Before getting braces many people make unrealistic expectations and later become upset after braces treatment.
First of all, you have to know about the severity of your case.
Yes, today we can treat almost all orthodontic cases nicely, thanks to modern orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry.
But, if your case is severe or unfavorable, you may not get what you want.
However, you can always expect an improved teeth alignment and a better smile after braces.
Let’s know more about it.
Suppose, you overbite or crooked teeth due to alignment with your teeth, but due to the size and structure of the jaw bones.
This is called the skeletal case.
In that case, you may not get what you want after having orthodontic treatment only.
On the other hand, if you have spacing between teeth, overbite, or crowding as a result of the alignment of teeth or discrepancy between arch length and tooth material, you can get a beautiful smile and teeth after braces.
Moreover, whether your teeth look weird also depends on your lips size, shape, and position of your lips.
Braces can change your teeth’ alignment, but they can’t change your lips directly.
You will get a better lip position after teeth since teeth change their old position.
But, if your lips are too thick or too thin, or too high or too low, they may not meet your expectations.
So, you have to be very clear about it if your teeth and smile are really looking weird or if it’s a result of your high expectations.
Solution
If you want to get an idea of your treatment results, you can ask your doctor for a digital smile design or morphing.
This will give you an idea of your potential results.
But, it’s not possible to achieve the 100% result as seen in the computer-generated image.
So, you have to be realistic about your expectations.
False perception
Just like high expectations, false perception can be another reason.
You might think your teeth look weird after braces come off.
But, in reality, it may not be true.
For years, you are used to looking at your original faces, smile, and teeth.
But, after braces, your facial appearance changes a lot. Your jawline may also change a bit.
So, as you are not familiar with this look, you might make a false perception that your smile and teeth look weird or worse.
Solution
This problem can be solved with time. Give some time to your brain to adjust to the new look.
But, if you still don’t like your new look, you can consult with your orthodontist and get it corrected.
Failure of braces
In this world, you can’t say for sure that you will succeed each and every time you do a job.
So, braces can also fail. But, it happens very rarely.
If you see a licensed orthodontist align your teeth, orthodontic treatment shouldn’t be failed.
However, sometimes patients can be responsible for this if he or she continuously neglects the orthodontist’s advice.
The reason is that braces treatment needs a lot of patience and some sacrifice.
Even, after braces, when you get retainers, if you don’t use them properly, it may lead to flared teeth. It will result in weird-looking teeth.
Solution
The solution to this problem is quite simple. If you have neglected the orthodontist’s advice, you can’t get a beautiful smile and teeth.
But, you can always consult with your orthodontist and get the problem corrected.
Orthodontic treatment is a long-term investment. So, you have to be very careful about it.
If you have any doubts or problems, feel free to contact your orthodontist.
He or she will guide you in the right direction.
In addition, always consult a licensed and experienced orthodontist for a better outcome.
Not using retainers regularly after braces
After braces, your teeth may be ruined if you don’t use retainers properly.
This is because retainers hold the teeth in their new position and if you don’t wear them properly, teeth will be shifted to their previous or unexpected position after braces.
This will lead to weird teeth after braces.
Solution
If you want to keep your teeth in their new position, you have to wear retainers regularly according to your orthodontist’s instructions.
Calluses on the insides of the lips
After getting braces off, you’ll notice that you have calluses formed on the insides of your lips. This is formed usually on the sensitive areas of the skin.
These calluses can make your teeth look weird. However, this will disappear over time.
Solution
If you want to get rid of these calluses, you can use a lip balm or petroleum jelly to moisturize your lips.
You can also use a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate your lips.
But, if the problem persists, you can consult with the orthodontist.
Uneven teeth color
One of the most common problems you’ll notice after your braces come off is that your teeth are discolored.
The color of your teeth, in particular, appears to be uneven. This is because the exposed portion of teeth changes color somewhat after 1/2 year of wearing braces due to food, drinks, or plaque.
Solution
If you want to even out the color of your teeth, you can use whitening toothpaste or consult with your dentist for professional teeth whitening.
But, make sure that you don’t over-whiten your teeth as it may damage the enamel.
Teeth discoloration
Maintaining oral hygiene with braces is necessary. This is because poor oral hygiene can cause tooth discoloration. Food debris and plaque make the yellow discoloration of teeth.
Moreover, bad oral hygiene can also cause tooth decay and sensitivity after braces come off and make the situation worse.
Solution
To avoid this problem, you must brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. You can also use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria in your mouth.
In addition, you should visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
White spot on teeth
Sometimes, you may see white spots on your teeth after braces come off.
The main reason behind this is decalcification. It happens when the braces trap plaque and bacteria against the teeth and cause demineralization of tooth enamel.
This can make your smile less attractive.
Solution
Maintaining proper oral hygiene can prevent the development of white spots on teeth. You should floss your teeth at least once a day and brush your teeth at least twice per day. You can also use fluoride toothpaste to prevent decalcification.
Teeth settling
After your braces come off, your teeth will start to settle. Teeth tend to move back to their previous position. Even though you get a retainer, teeth might move slightly.
Don’t be impatient as this is a normal event that occurs after braces. Just be sure to wear retainers regularly.
Solution
The best solution is to wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist. You should also avoid hard and crunchy foods, as well as chewing on ice or pen caps. Check out how to eat with braces.
Change in smile
The most common thing you’ll notice after getting braces is a change in your smile. This is due to the fact that your teeth’s position has shifted.
You may also notice that your teeth look different in photos after you get your braces off.
However, usually, you look good after the braces are off.
Solution
If you’re not happy with your new smile, you can consult with the orthodontist. They may be able to make some adjustments to your teeth.
You can also use whitening toothpaste or get your teeth professionally whitened to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Other changes after braces come off
Let’s take a look at them.
The strange feeling during eating
You may feel a strange sensation while eating after your braces come off.
This is because the position of your teeth changes and they are not used to this new position.
It takes some time to get used to this new sensation.
Sore teeth
Your teeth may be tender after the braces come off. This is because of the new position of your teeth. However, the pain isn’t so severe and this tenderness will go away after some time.
Soreness in the mouth
You may also feel soreness in your mouth after the removal of the braces because your mouth needs time to adjust to the new position of your teeth.
But, this soreness will go away after some time.
Change in speech
While wearing braces, you get used to speaking with them. So, after the braces come off, you may notice a change in your speech.
But, this change is temporary and will go away after some time.
The different feelings when brushing and flossing
After getting braces off, you will feel some difference while brushing and flossing. As the placement of the teeth gets changed, there might be a strange feeling.
However, after the braces are off, you feel great because you can brush and floss freely just like you did before getting braces on.
Irritation in the mouth
Sometimes, you may feel irritation in your mouth after getting braces off. This is because the new placement of teeth can put some pressure on your gums and cheeks.
But, this irritation will go away within a few days or weeks.
Tooth Sensitivity
After braces come off, your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
This is because the enamel of your teeth is damaged during the braces treatment.
But, this sensitivity is only temporary and will go away eventually.
What to do if your teeth look so weird after braces?
If your teeth don’t look good after braces, you may need to find out the cause of it. The solution will be according to the causes.
However, if your teeth look different after braces, don’t worry. This is because it takes some time for the teeth to settle into their new position.
Just be sure to wear a retainer as directed by your orthodontist. Moreover, you can also consult your orthodontist if you’re concerned about the way your teeth look.
But, still, if you’re not happy with the way your teeth look after getting braces, you can consult with your orthodontist. They may be able to make some adjustments to your teeth.
Why do my teeth look flared after braces?
Your teeth may look flared after the braces are off because of not wearing the retainer properly. The retainer is important to maintain the new position of your teeth.
Without it, your teeth will slowly move back to their original position. To avoid this, make sure to wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist.
If you are still seeing a flared appearance after wearing your retainer as prescribed, it is best to consult with your orthodontist. They will be able to determine if there is another issue causing the problem.
Another reason may be due to the way your teeth were positioned before your braces were put on.
Moreover, it could be that your orthodontist made your brackets too big or left them on for too long.
It is also possible that your braces were not installed correctly, but it’s very rare.
If you are concerned about the way your teeth look after getting braces, talk to your orthodontist. They will be able to help you determine the cause of the problem and find a solution.
In most cases, teeth may not be flared after braces are off because bites are corrected and teeth are aligned problem before the removal of the braces.
Why do my teeth look crooked after braces?
Your teeth can look crooked after braces if you don’t wear retainers regularly. Without retainers, your teeth may gradually shift back into their previous position.
However, it’s not uncommon for teeth to look slightly crooked or misshapen after braces are removed because your teeth may have shifted slightly due to settling.
But, it shouldn’t make you look weird even after settling if you wear retainers correctly.
Takeaways
There are many reasons that can make your teeth look weird after braces come off. However, don’t worry too much as most of these problems are temporary and will eventually go away. So, don’t worry too much about them. Just enjoy your new smile.
Pallab Kishore is a certified dentist and the owner of Orthodontic Braces Care.
He completed BDS in 2014. Now, he is an MS resident in Orthodontics, BSMMU. He likes content writing and has 12+ years of experience in blogging.