Finishing orthodontic treatment is a milestone worth celebrating. Whether you’ve completed treatment with braces or Invisalign®, the excitement of seeing your brand-new smile is unmatched. But many patients in Miami, Brickell, and Weston ask the same question once the braces come off: How long will my results last?
At Smarter Orthodontics, Dr. Maria Yazji and her team remind every patient that orthodontics is a lifelong investment. The good news is that with the right care and follow-through, your straight smile can last a lifetime.
What Happens After Braces or Invisalign®?
The first step after completing treatment is retention. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions, a process known as relapse. Without proper retention, years of orthodontic progress can be undone.
That’s why every patient in our Miami, Brickell, and Weston offices leaves with a customized retainer plan designed by Dr. Yazji.
The Role of Retainers
Why Retainers Are Essential
Retainers help hold teeth in their new, correct positions while the bone and gum tissues adapt. Wearing them as prescribed is the only way to ensure long-lasting results.
Types of Retainers
At Smarter Orthodontics, patients can choose from different retainer options:
- Removable retainers: Convenient and easy to clean.
- Fixed retainers: Bonded discreetly behind the teeth for continuous protection.
Dr. Yazji will recommend the option best suited to each patient’s lifestyle.
Factors That Affect How Long Results Last
Patient Compliance
The most important factor is how consistently you wear your retainers. Skipping wear time, even occasionally, can allow teeth to shift.
Age
Younger patients may adapt more quickly, but everyone, teens and adults alike, must use retainers to maintain results.
Oral Habits
Habits such as nail biting, clenching, or grinding can cause gradual changes in tooth alignment over time.
Protecting Your Smile in the Long Term
Straight teeth are not just about aesthetics; they’re also easier to clean and help maintain healthy gums. Here are a few steps Dr. Yazji recommends for patients across Miami, Brickell, and Weston:
- Wear your retainers as directed.
- Keep up with regular dental check-ups.
- Practice good oral hygiene at home.
- Visit your orthodontist if you notice shifting.
By following these habits, you’ll preserve your smile for decades.
The Smarter Orthodontics Difference
With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Yazji has helped countless patients achieve and maintain beautiful smiles. At Smarter Orthodontics, our retention program is designed to give patients peace of mind long after their braces or Invisalign® treatment is complete.
Our offices in Brickell, Miami, and Weston make it easy for patients throughout South Florida to access ongoing orthodontic care and support.
Final Thoughts
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t end the day your braces come off; it’s the start of a lifelong journey of maintaining your smile. With the right retainer plan and consistent care, your results can last forever.
Dr. Yazji and the Smarter Orthodontics team are here to ensure your smile stays straight, healthy, and confident for years to come.