Many people undergo braces to straighten their awkward smiles and improve their oral health, but it’s undoubtedly a time-consuming treatment plan that can span between months to years. The process, when done right with proper dental care and check-ups, can still feel uncomfortable for most. However, all the aches and pains are worth it if it means leading a life with picture-perfect pearls.
Once the orthodontic treatment is finally complete, you can say goodbye to numerous appointments and adjustments, but you’re not completely out of the woods yet. Your dentist will likely prescribe retainers to maintain your smile along with tips on how to care for your teeth to ensure the longevity of your treatment results.
Nothing is more frustrating than spending so much effort to fix your teeth only to find your previous dental issues coming back with a vengeance, so the guide below should shed light on the basics and importance of your post-orthodontic oral care.
After Braces Treatment Care: What to Expect
Wearing a Retainer
No matter the issue you had to fix during your orthodontic treatment, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s orders and wear retainers for as long as recommended. Keep in mind that your gums, teeth, and bones can shift over time, so they may want to revert back to their original position and reverse the results of your treatment.
That will be a waste of money, time, and effort, so it’s best to wear a retainer as part of your routine to ensure your bones and teeth remain in their proper positions. You may encounter two kinds of retainers: removable trainers, which you can easily take out during meals and for cleaning. The second one is called bonded retainers, which are attached to your teeth. Both should be tailored to perfectly fit your mouth.
Cleaning your retainers is crucial to your oral health, so always clean them every morning and night using either denture cleaning solutions or water with vinegar solution.
Dietary Restrictions
Your teeth will likely feel sensitive for a while since the enamel is exposed after removing the brackets, so it’s advisable to steer clear from ice cream, sodas, red wine, coffee, yogurts, and pickled products to avoid triggering your tooth sensitivity. It’s also best to temporarily remove crunchy or chewy foods from your diet for the first few weeks as your teeth are still adjusting to their new positions.
Regular Dental Check-Ups and Whitening
Your dentist will set a date where you can get a dental exam and cleaning a few weeks after the active treatment. This is because your teeth will still be sensitive, so it’s best to conduct any cleaning and teeth whitening once your teeth have fully stabilized.
The Bottom Line: Keeping Your Picture-Perfect Smile with After Braces Dental Care
It’s a new level of commitment that steers you away from visiting the dental clinic again, but don’t worry! All the effort is better now that you can enjoy life without metal brackets on your teeth.
Are You Looking for the Best Affordable Dentist in Mansfield, Texas?
There’s no doubt that maintaining your oral health is crucial in many ways; that’s why it’s important to work closely with a family dentist you can trust. Here at Ivy Rose Family Dentistry, we can keep your smile in tip-top condition with our restorative and cosmetic dentistry services. Whether you need root canal procedures, cleaning, teeth whitening, TMJ treatments, and more, contact us at (682) 518-5655 to book your appointment today!
