How to properly take care of your teeth after your braces finally come off!
So the day has finally come when your braces – or your child’s braces – have been removed. What a smile! Now, how do you keep that brilliant smile now that you no longer have braces? Let’s go over a few tips to keeping them straight, clean and healthy.
Give your mouth a break
Yes, you may be eager to start gobbling down your favorite foods that have been off limits for awhile, such as hard candies, gummy worms, apples and popcorn, but give your teeth just a little bit more time to heal. Your teeth are vulnerable in the first couple of days after your braces come off, so don’t rush into things.
Follow all care instructions from your doctor
If your doctor says to wear a retainer, wear one. If she says to brush three times a day and floss, do it. Following all the directions given to you by your doctor will only help you in the long run. Failing to wear your retainer as often as directed, for example, can cause your teeth to shift.
Undergo a thorough cleaning
After your braces come off, your orthodontist will do a thorough cleaning and take x-rays and maybe even bite impressions as part of one last check. The x-rays will also show the orthodontist if wisdom teeth have started to come in. You may have to get those pulled at some point to prevent your newly straightened teeth from shifting position, says WebMD.
Get a retainer and wear it!
At this time, you’ll be fitted with a retainer, which is a removable custom made appliance that keeps your teeth in position after braces. As far as post-braces care goes, this is the most important part. After all, you don’t want all that hard work to go to waste and have to get braces again later, do you? Your particular protocol may vary from someone else’s. Some people may have to wear them constantly for the first six months, then only at night time. Others may only have to wear them a certain number of hours a day. Whatever it is, follow the instructions, removing your retainer to eat and cleaning it thoroughly before storage.
Be aware of changes in your gums
It’s completely normal for people to fail to brush their teeth and gums as thoroughly as if they didn’t have braces. Once those braces have been removed, it will be much easier to properly clean your teeth, right up to the gum line. You may experience raw gums now that you’re brushing properly and even a little bleeding, which is normal and will subside in a few days with proper brushing.
Whiten your teeth
Some times, when braces come off, white spots may appear on the teeth or discolored portions where the braces were. Ask your orthodontist if you’re a good candidate for whitening. He or she can recommend professional treatment or over-the-counter options that may work well.
Overall, good oral hygiene is critical in maintaining a healthy smile after braces. Do your part to keep that smile perfect!
