Taking care of your teeth after you take off your braces is perhaps the most crucial part of the journey. It’s not uncommon for teeth to get out of alignment again or suffer from post-braces staining, so proper dental care is vital to make the most of your braces:
1. Get a professional cleaning
Unless you got invisible braces such as Invisalign in Townsville, you may be susceptible to the accumulation of plaque or tartar due to the brackets on your braces. It’s challenging to clean the space between your braces thoroughly, so people who wore braces usually have stained teeth after taking them off.
Of course, no one wants to end up with yellow or plaque-filled teeth after years of wearing braces. To remove the accumulated plaque or tartar from your teeth, you need a dentist to give you a professional cleaning.
2. Wear your retainer
People who don’t wear their retainer religiously are prone to undoing all the work their braces put in to straighten their teeth. Of course, having to wear your braces again is a nightmare.
Teeth naturally tend to revert to their original position, which is the reason why you need to wear your retainers as instructed by your orthodontist. Don’t worry, you don’t have to wear your retainer forever.
3. Take care of your retainers
Clean your retainers properly at least once or twice a day, preferably before you put it in your mouth and after you take it off. You can use a toothpaste and toothbrush to clean it, but make sure to ask your orthodontist if you need to use special care items.
Keep your retainers in a carry case to eliminate the risk of your retainers accidentally getting thrown away if it’s wrapped in a napkin only. Whenever it’s time to eat, you can put your retainers in the case and set it aside safely.
4. Maintain good dental hygiene
After months or years of wearing braces, you would want to maintain your healthy smile with good dental hygiene. To keep your teeth in excellent condition, here are some activities that you should incorporate in your daily routine:
- Brush your teeth twice a day at the very least. Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid putting too much pressure on your teeth and gums. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove any food particles that were not removed by toothbrushing.
- Use mouthwash as needed, but it’s not a requirement.
- Avoid sugary foods and caffeinated drinks. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming them to minimize the risk of staining or cavities.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
Now that your teeth are straight, you can visit your dentist or orthodontist less frequently than when you had your braces. Nevertheless, make sure you visit at least twice a year for regular cleaning and checkups.
The journey doesn’t end after you get your braces taken off. With these tips, you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful to make the most of your dental treatments.
