After months or years of orthodontic treatment, your braces are finally off! It’s time to celebrate with a new smile that looks great and feels even better. But don’t forget that it takes work to maintain your smile after removing your braces. At Smiles of Palmetto Bay, we do everything to ensure that you have the right tools to continue benefiting from all your hard work. Here are 5 tips for keeping your teeth healthy and looking their best post-braces!
Don’t rush into your old eating and drinking habits
While you may now have the “all clear” to go back to eating and drinking all of your favorite things, it’s important to be mindful of how sugary snacks and acidic beverages can damage your teeth in the long run.
Avoid hard foods that could shift your teeth back into their old positions. Foods like hard candy can damage orthodontic work, so avoiding them is important. In addition, you’ll want to steer clear of overly hot or cold foods as your enamel recovers from the shock. Remember—your teeth just went through a lot, and your enamel needs some time to recover from all the hard work it went through for your beautiful new smile!
Practice good oral hygiene habits
Just like with braces, it’s important to brush and floss regularly after orthodontic treatment in order to maintain your straight smile. For best results, use fluoride-based toothpaste and make sure to floss each night before bed. In addition, schedule a professional cleaning and check-up with your dentist once every 6 months.
Don’t forget that retainer
Your orthodontist will likely recommend wearing a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back into their old positions. Depending on the individual case, Dr. Ross or Dr. Martinez will create a customized retainer for you to wear either during the day or at night for a short time following your treatment. You’ll want to follow their instructions as closely as possible for the best results! And if you’ve accidentally lost your retainer—don’t worry! It happens. Call us, and one of our orthodontists will get you a replacement as soon as possible.
Schedule follow-up visits with your orthodontist
It’s important to keep up with regular orthodontic appointments after removing your braces to ensure your results’ longevity. Dr. Ross or Dr. Martinez can check for any signs of relapse and adjust your retainer as needed. Be mindful of your teeth throughout the day by avoiding habits like biting your nails or grinding your teeth. If you feel like your bite is shifting, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist.
Consider whitening your teeth
Getting your braces off can be the perfect opportunity to whiten your teeth. Depending on your oral care during your braces treatment, your enamel may have some slight discoloration. Luckily, your orthodontist can recommend a safe and effective teeth whitening system to get your new smile looking even brighter. Call our Palmetto Bay office to set up a whitening consultation—Dr. Ross and Dr. Martinez will gladly guide you through the process!
Keeping Palmetto Bay Smiles Looking Bright for Days!
At Smiles of Palmetto Bay, we want to ensure that you have the best orthodontic care and advice for life after braces. With these 5 tips, you can maintain your beautiful smile for years to come! If you’re still nervous about staying on top of your braces treatment, call our office to schedule an appointment. We’ll provide you with everything you need to know to maintain that new confident smile!