Post-Orthodontic Care - Best Practices for Lasting Results
Posted on 3/1/2024 by Weo Admin
You have invested significant time and money into straightening your smile. Refrain from reversing all that hard work by neglecting proper post-orthodontic care. Follow these best practices to make sure your beautiful new smile lasts.
Wear Your Retainer as Directed
After braces come off, teeth tend to return to their original crooked positions. This relapse remains a risk even once treatment ends. Your custom retainer keeps teeth stationed in their correct alignment and must be worn as prescribed. How often and how long you will need to wear a retainer depends on factors like your specific orthodontic correction plan. Generally, expect to wear a retainer full-time for the first 6-12 months once braces come off. Then you can switch to nighttime-only wear. Total retainer use often lasts several years or more.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene Habits
Brushing and flossing usually become second nature by the end of orthodontic treatment. Do not let those habits slide just because you got your braces off! Without brackets and wires, you can clean even more thoroughly to remove plaque. Brushing and flossing protect your investment in that beautiful, straight smile. Consistent daily cleaning prevents cavities or gum inflammation from developing. Schedule regular dental cleanings every 6 months as well.
Get Retainer Check-Ups
See your orthodontist around once every 6 months for post-treatment check-ups during your retainer-wearing phase. We will examine fit, condition, and effectiveness at holding teeth in position. If you experience any breakage, loss, or other issues with your retainer, contact the office immediately for a replacement or repair. Do not try taking a break from wear, even for a short while. Skipping scheduled retainer use risks destabilizing all the correction work we achieved together.
Protect Your Smile
As an orthodontic graduate, take extra care to avoid accidents that could damage your newly aligned teeth and jaw positions. Wear a mouthguard during sports play. Avoid chewing on pens, nails, or other hard objects that could crack teeth or dislodge their positioning. Safeguard your smile!
By sticking to these best practices long-term, you can expect the beautiful, healthy, straight smile you have gained from orthodontics to last for years to come. Contact us with any questions!
You have invested significant time and money into straightening your smile. Refrain from reversing all that hard work by neglecting proper post-orthodontic care. Follow these best practices to make sure your beautiful new smile lasts.