Achieving a perfect smile with braces or Invisalign is an investment in your best asset, and taking good care of it after treatment means that the investment will pay off for a lifetime. To ensure that your teeth stay straight and that your orthodontic treatment pays off, our dentists at Fort St. John provide advice on how to keep your teeth in the correct position once the braces have been removed. The most important tip is to always wear the retainer as prescribed.
For most orthodontic patients, wearing a retainer is part of life after treatment with orthodontic appliances. Using the retainer as prescribed is the easiest way to keep your teeth from moving once the braces are removed. A retainer can be fixed or removable. It's also important to listen to your orthodontist's recommendations during and after orthodontic treatment.
Your orthodontist will determine how long you should wear a retainer based on your treatment and how your teeth reacted. However, keep in mind that because the barrier created by braces is no longer present, your teeth may begin to move out of position. If you notice your teeth moving, it's important to take action right away and contact your orthodontist to schedule an appointment. You can also reduce the risk of tooth decay by thoroughly and regularly brushing and flossing your teeth and by attending regular dental checkups to help keep your teeth healthy. Additionally, if you had braces before wisdom teeth erupted, it's important to watch for wisdom teeth so that they can be removed when they start to pile up other teeth. Here are some simple tips that will help you keep your teeth straight long after you finish treatment with braces or Invisalign:
- Always wear the retainer as prescribed.
- Listen to your orthodontist's recommendations during and after orthodontic treatment.
- Thoroughly and regularly brush and floss your teeth.
- Attend regular dental checkups.
- Watch for wisdom teeth if you had braces before they erupted.
Your teeth will never forget their original place in your mouth. Once the pressure exerted by braces and aligners disappears, they will begin to move into those spaces. Following these tips will help you maintain a beautiful smile for years to come!In addition to wearing a retainer as prescribed, it's important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing regularly, attending regular dental checkups, and watching for wisdom teeth if you had braces before they erupted. These simple steps will help ensure that you maintain a perfect smile long after you finish treatment with braces or Invisalign.