You have a healthy, straighter smile now that you have braces or aligners. But your journey with orthodontia does not end when you take off your braces.
Taking care of your beautiful smile takes steady work, just like any other goal. Take care of your teeth after getting braces.
We can help you find an orthodontist in Upland, California, who can help you keep your beautiful smile.
Why is post-orthodontic care important?
The pressure from your tongue and cheeks is always on your teeth. Over time, this pressure can move your teeth back to where they were before. With post-orthodontic care, this will not happen, and your teeth will stay in their new, better places.
Wearing braces and going to the dentist for regular checkups are the two most important things you can do to keep your orthodontic results.
Retainers are your teeth’s new best friends.
Retainers are tools that are made just for you and fit over your teeth tightly. They put light pressure on your teeth to keep them where they are.
There are two main types of retainers: Hawley retainers, which are made of glass and wire, and clear plastic retainers. The best type for you will be chosen by your dentist.
Remember these important things about retainers:
- As your doctor tells you, you should wear your retainers all day long, except when you eat or brush your teeth.
- Remember to take good care of your braces. Use toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to clean them every day.
- When you are not using them, put your retainers back in their case. This will keep them from getting lost or broken.
- Your retainers should not be bent or flexed. They might break.
Keep an eye on your smile with regular dental checkups.
After braces, it is just as important to get regular dental checkups as it was before. What your dentist will do at your checkups:
- Check your gums and teeth for any signs of trouble.
- Get rid of plaque and tartar growth, and have someone clean your teeth for you.
- Keep an eye on how your retainers fit and make changes as needed.
Additional tips for post-orthodontic care.
There are things you can do besides having braces and going to the dentist regularly to keep your beautiful smile. A few more tips are given below:
Eat well and stay healthy.
For good oral health, you need to eat a healthy diet. Cut down on sugary drinks and foods because they can make tooth decay and gum disease worse. Your teeth and gums will get the nutrients they need from eating a lot of fruits, veggies, and whole foods.
Take care of your teeth.
Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss every day. To keep your gums from getting sore, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Always clean your braces or aligners well after each meal if you have them.
Stay away from bad habits.
Bad habits like smoking and drinking too much booze can hurt your oral health. These things can stain your teeth, hurt your gums, and raise your risk of getting mouth cancer. If it is hard for you to stop smoking or drinking, you might want to get help from a healthcare professional.
Keep your teeth from getting hurt.
Because accidents do happen, it is important to keep your teeth safe. When you play sports or do other activities that could hurt your mouth, you should wear a mouthguard.
Take care of jaw joint problems.
It is important to see your dentist or orthodontist if you have jaw pain or clicking sounds. If you have these signs, you might have a temporomandibular joint disease (TMD), which can change the way you bite and your mouth health in general.
Keep trying and be patient.
It takes time and work to keep your dental results. Be patient and follow through with your plan for care after orthodontics. In the long run, the money you spend now will pay off.
If you follow a regular post-orthodontic care practice, your beautiful smile will stay healthy and bright for years to come.