You’ve done it! Your braces are off, and your teeth are free. While you’re admiring your new look, make sure these tips and tricks feature into your new routine—you don’t want to undo all that hard work!
Remember Your Retainer
You may have a friend who wore their retainer for a few months then cast it aside, but the fact is, teeth are likely to shift dramatically without its help. Get started on making it a habit straight away (although daily use may change, you should plan to wear it nightly for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight). Also, know thyself—if you lose things easily, learn a memory trick to help you keep track of this invaluable tool.
Stay Current at the Dentist
Sometimes, as much as we want to take perfect care of our teeth, we can neglect them a little when new challenges like braces are introduced. Within two weeks of having your braces removed, schedule a full checkup and cleaning with your dentist to ensure your teeth are in tip-top shape. Afterward, keep up with twice-yearly appointments.
Floss!
We know you hear this all the time, but that’s because it’s so important! After braces, your teeth will adjust to their new freedom, and even with diligent retainer use, they may be susceptible to some small spaces and gaps. If you had trouble remembering to floss before, now is the perfect time to make it a habit. If your gums are sensitive or puffy at first, swish with warm salt water to relieve your symptoms.
Stay Wary of Certain Foods
You may be planning a popcorn run before you’ve even left the office, but while it’s fine to treat yourself, do keep in mind that some hard snacks like taffy aren’t good for your teeth, braces or no. Since you’ve already broken some unhealthy habits, why not continue the trend to safeguard that brand new smile? Your teeth are also likely to feel tender for a few days, so ease in gently to tough foods like crusty bread.
Listen to Your Orthodontist
Just because you’re finished wearing braces doesn’t mean you’re finished with your orthodontist! At Birmingham Orthodontics, your aftercare plan is important. Keep your follow-up appointments to stay up-to-date with your smile’s adjustment and care. Your orthodontist got you this far—let them help you stay the course!
At Birmingham Orthodontics, our mission is simple: we create smiles. Not only do we straighten the crooked grin, fix the bite, and adjust the jaw, we also brighten yearbooks, help young people come to like their looks, and give adults the confidence they have wanted for a long, long time. We also believe in our staff. Our culture of continuous learning has allowed us to host monthly training sessions for each team and bring in leading industry consultants to help keep us ahead of the curve. Contact us for a free consultation, or any questions you might have.
