How to Take Care of Your Teeth After Braces

How to Take Care of Your Teeth After Braces

You are walking into your orthodontist and they finally tell you the good news – the braces worked and are ready to remove them at last!

However, the work isn’t over entirely. You’ve gone through what can be a long process to straighten or correct your teeth. 

How do you take care of your newly straight smile? Make sure that you don’t end up adding an unforeseen trip to the orthodontist alongside that of your normal dental check-up? 

Well, here are some of the best ways to care for that pearly grin once the restraints are able to come off for the last time.

This is how to take care of your teeth after braces – in 4 simple steps.

The key to keeping your teeth in good shape and alignment after braces often lie in the words that dentists say to many of their patients – that of good oral hygiene. 

There are many dentists in Bentleigh East and other areas who specialise in orthodontic care, alongside general dentistry. 

This way your teeth can be reviewed to make sure that they are positioned correctly and that they have grown properly.

It can also be an opportune time to check on the status of your gums and any other oral factors, as the braces and even the best personal care may have left some residual bacteria behind. 

1. Floss Regularly

While it is the point of oral health that many of us feel is the dentist’s number one go-to saying, they do have a point, especially after having braces.

Food and bacteria in your overall mouth build up in the areas of just your normal gum line, so when you add braces, there’s potential for an extra layer to build up.

By flossing regularly, usually after each meal, you can help lower this, and help limit other problems, such as cavities and staining of your teeth.

2. Wear your protection

Remember how I said the work wasn’t fully over? 

Yeah well, as much as you may not like it, there’s necessary protection to make sure your pearly smile doesn’t try to go back the way it was before.

Yes, the idea is to wear your retainer. It can suck, yet they do have a purpose, in helping your teeth remain in their new and proper position.

It is wise that you wear the retainer for the length of time recommended by your dentist/orthodontist or slightly longer so that your teeth remain straight and gaps are filled. 

3. Avoid sugary food and temperature extremes

When protecting your teeth after braces, you should initially avoid eating any foods that are going to cause you sensitivity. Therefore, “don’t eat anything very hot or freezing cold for a few days to a few weeks” after removal.

Also, sugary and chewy foods are best to stay away, as your teeth will take some time to adapt to their new positions and the motion of the jaw may cause some shifting. 

4. Patience equals pearly whites

When it comes to having braces and overall oral care, I think many of us can agree that stained or yellowish teeth are not a nice sight. What many wish for is that of a bright smile.

However, it is recommended that you wait at least six months after getting your braces removed before undergoing any means of professional whitening treatment.

This is due to the sensitivity of your teeth after the braces. It is also recommended that you have a dental check-up first to have a deep clean. 

Now, when it comes to taking care of your teeth after braces, the fundamentals still lie in oral health, but hopefully, it will help you build self-confidence! All the best.