The best way to get a straight smile is to undergo orthodontic treatment, but once you have had your braces removed, there is a risk of your teeth shifting back into their old, undesirable positions. Read more to learn how to retain your new smile for a lifetime.
Wear Your Retainer
Once you have finished your orthodontic treatment and your braces have been removed, your orthodontist will fit you with a custom-made retainer intended to maintain your smile. In most cases, you won’t have to wear your retainer for long periods of time. Most of the time, it is recommended that you wear your retainer at night while sleeping.
Your teeth will attempt to naturally shift back to the position they were in before your orthodontic treatment. This is why it is important to wear your retainer as directed, as it will prevent your teeth from moving.
Take Good Care of Your Retainer
Your retainer should be treated just as well as you would treat your regular teeth, and you should be making sure to keep it clean and protected. When you are not wearing it, you should store your retainer in a cool, dry place protected by its case.
Cleaning your retainer should also be implemented into your daily oral hygiene routine. It should be thoroughly brushed using a mild soap at least once a day to remove any debris on its surface. If you have a healthy mouth but use a dirty retainer, it can cause problems to your overall oral health.
On top of brushing your retainer, you should also soak it in a cleaning solution weekly to ensure optimal cleanliness.
Don’t Forget Your Dental Check-Ups
Although you may be tired of the dental office after undergoing such a long orthodontic treatment, you must continue to book regular dental cleanings and check-ups with a dentist near you.
After spending so much time and effort improving your smile, the last thing you want is to let your oral hygiene decline. It is vital that you continue to go for regular dental cleanings at least once every six months so that your dentist can remove any build-up of plaque and tartar and flag any areas of concern. Your dentist in Willow Park can also discuss any necessary treatment plans and help you with your oral hygiene practices.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene Practices at Home
Having already gone through the process of braces, you will be familiar with good oral hygiene practices. After your braces have been removed, it is important to remain just as vigilant with taking care of your teeth and gums.
Ensure that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. One of these times should be right before you go to bed because saliva production decreases while you sleep, leaving your teeth and gums more susceptible to any lingering bacteria.
Flossing is also an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, and you should floss at least once a day to make sure that you remove any debris between your teeth. Now that your teeth are straight, it should be easier than ever to floss perfectly!
The Bottom Line
After receiving braces near you and reaping the benefits of a successful treatment, you must do everything you can to maintain your new beautiful smile. With the proper care and attention, you can say goodbye to orthodontics and enjoy a smile that will last you a lifetime!