You're done with braces! Your smile is shining, aligned, and healthier than ever! Now, how do you keep it that way? All of us in the Carolina Braces family are so proud of your progress. To keep your smile beautiful for years to come, follow our tips.
After Getting Your Braces Removed
When you first get your braces off, your teeth might feel odd. There may even be some mild soreness. But that sensation will go away quickly as your smile adjusts to being bracket-free. Many patients get so used to the feeling of their appliances that it may take a few days to adjust to smooth, bare teeth.
After finishing treatment, it’s still important to take good care of your smile. Even though you don’t need to worry about food getting stuck in your wires or brackets, maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are musts—even after your braces are gone!
Follow Your Retention Plan
After treatment, your teeth and bite will be healthily aligned. But if you don’t take care of them, they will move again! Teeth naturally shift as you age, and jawbones tend to shrink, which makes following your unique retention plan crucial.
Some patients may use a permanent retainer. This kind of retainer is a metal wire attached to the inner side of your teeth that stays there 24 hours a day. You don’t need to worry about forgetting it since it’s always there. But you do need to clean it carefully. Pay attention to how your orthodontist shows you how to floss and brush since it can be trickier with a permanent retainer. You don’t want any plaque to build up or cavities to form!
Other patients may use removable retainers. These are typically worn at night, though you may have to wear them more often in the first few months after treatment. It can be tempting to skip days and nights with a removable retainer, but resist the urge! Patients who don’t wear their retainer may have to seek additional orthodontic treatment as their bite and teeth shift over time.
To prevent an orthodontic relapse, set yourself up for success. Create phone alarms and reminders, or ask a family member to help keep you accountable. Wearing a retainer is better than watching your smile become crooked over time!
Get Regular Checkups
Even though your orthodontic treatment is over, you should still see your dentist every six months for a routine checkup. Your dentist will monitor your teeth for plaque and cavities, ensure you are gum disease-free, and help you find solutions to dental-related issues, like bruxism or oral injuries. By visiting your dentist biannually, you can protect your teeth and the alignment of your smile for life!
Visit us at Carolina Braces
Have questions about retention or dealing with an orthodontic relapse? Schedule a free consultation today! Our experts will help you achieve your healthiest, happiest smile.
