If you’ve recently had your braces removed, congratulations! The path towards the perfect smile is a long journey, and contrary to popular belief, the journey doesn’t just end here. In fact, maintaining your megawatt smile is something that requires ongoing care and maintenance, in order to ensure that your perfectly positioned teeth remain exactly that — perfect! Today, we look at our top 5 tips for caring for your teeth after braces, so read on to find out more!
1. Wear Your Aligners As Directed
One of the most important things to focus on post-braces is that you wear your clear aligner as directed by your dentist. Since our teeth are predisposed to moving back to their original position after a tooth straightening procedure, it is vital that you remain vigilant by wearing your retainer as directed. Your retainer helps to keep your teeth in their new position, and the more you get used to them being there, the less you’ll notice them. Because removable retainers are not fixed on the teeth, it can be quite easy to forget about them. You don’t want to undo all those months of wearing and caring for your braces, so be sure to remind yourself of the benefits you stand to gain from wearing your retainer regularly.
2. Taking Care Of Your Aligners
Speaking of aligners, it is so important that you take good care of them in order to ensure that they remain clean and in working order. As a general rule of thumb, always brush your aligner with the help of a toothbrush and toothpaste in order to remove any bacteria, plaque or tartar build up. The last thing you want to do is put dirty aligners into your freshly cleaned mouth, so be sure to clean yours at least once a day. Always use cold water and don’t hesitate to call your dentist should you have any questions or concerns about cleaning your aligners.
3. Schedule A Cleaning
Regular cleaning at your dentist is something that is recommended for everyone, regardless of whether you’ve had braces or not. In fact, having your braces removed is the perfect time to schedule a thorough cleaning at your local dentist. Now that your braces are gone, your dentist will be able to thoroughly inspect and clean your teeth and gums, assisting you in removing any plaque build-up or stains that may have accumulated over your treatment period. Your dentist will be able to check for cavities in order to optimise your overall dental health. In order to avoid any potential complications, it is always advised that you schedule a cleaning at least twice a year.
4. Consider A Teeth Whitening Procedure
After your braces come off, you may notice small spots, stains or discolouration on your teeth. This is nothing to worry about and is a common occurrence that many people encounter. Most spots of discolouration even out in time — however, if you feel self conscious about it, then a teeth whitening procedure may just be exactly what you’re looking for. It is important to note that you should wait at least 2 months after your braces come off before scheduling any tooth-whitening treatments as your teeth may be somewhat sensitive after orthodontic treatment. As always, discussing your options with your dentist is always recommended before making any decisions on any oral treatments.
5. Adopt A Good Oral Care Routine
Braces are a big investment, and now that they’re off, it is so important that you adopt a good oral care routine at home. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristled brush and daily flossing to remove any food particles that may get stuck between your teeth. Regular usage of mouthwash is also recommended in order to keep your mouth bacteria free and smelling fresh. Another great tip is to remember that your toothbrush needs to be replaced every 3-4 months in order to give your teeth the most effective clean.
Most people opt for orthodontic treatment in order to achieve a bright, happy and healthy smile. Good dental care both during and after orthodontic treatment is the best way to achieve that. We hope that this article has given you some insight into how you can care for your teeth after braces in order to maintain that million dollar smile. All the best!