Just Got Your Braces Off How to Keep Your Teeth in Tip-Top Shape

After putting in months of treatment and care for your orthodontic braces, you can be proud of how straight and strong your teeth area. To keep them looking good and staying healthy, be sure to following the orthodontic recommendations that often include tips like these.

Your orthodontist team will provide guidelines for dental care following the completion of your treatment. This may include using a special mouthwash, brushing your teeth with a certain device or more often than usual, and flossing routinely. You may be advised to do other things as well, such as scheduling follow-up appointments periodically to see if your teeth remain in their new positions. Follow these guidelines to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Many people who wear braces during orthodontic treatment have retainers made when treatment is done. Some have to wear the retainers day and night except when eating for a period of time. Others are advised to wear their retainers only at night while sleeping. Each person’s treatment is unique. Follow the orthodontic guidelines to ensure your teeth stay put where they were moved by the braces. If the retainer is uncomfortable or does not fit well, let the orthodontist know so that adjustments can be made.

You may be advised to avoid acidic foods and beverages, especially soda and sugary substances. Hard, sticky foods or chewing gum may also be on the list of things to not use. Follow these guidelines to get the best long-term results from your orthodontic treatment. Try to brush or at least rinse your mouth after eating or drinking anything. After investing significant time and money, you want your teeth to remain sturdy without risk of chipping or developing cavities.

Your orthodontics team will likely want your treatment to be evaluated in subsequent appointments. For the first year post-treatment, these might be scheduled every few months. Don’t miss or delay your checkups, as the orthodontist can find and more easily treat any new problems that might develop. Take your dental retainer or appliance with you so it can be checked to ensure it still fits properly. Adjustments can be made if needed during these visits.

Orthodontia treatment can give you a brand new smile and increase your self-confidence. Maintain these new gains by keeping up with post-treatment care of your teeth to continue enjoying positive results.