Oral Health After Removing Your Braces in Chicago
You have finally completed your orthodontic treatment and are ready to show off that beautiful smile! While this is a huge achievement and you should be very pleased with your newly straightened teeth, there are extra cleaning steps you might want to take now that you are free of those brackets and wires.
Be Extra Diligent About Your At-Home Routine
Now that you have achieved that perfectly beautiful smile, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep it that way. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep up your oral hygiene routine that you established while you were wearing your dental braces. Continue to brush with an American Dental Association (ADA) approved fluoride toothpaste – while targeting the gumline, floss every day, use mouthwash, and rinse your mouth with water after consuming anything sugary.
Whitening
Now that you have no wires or brackets left, you can finally whiten those pearly whites to the perfect shade of white. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to have a mix of yellow and white spots left on your teeth after your braces are removed. Scheduling a professional whitening session can help even out and eliminate those spots, leaving you with a bright, white, dazzling smile.
Wear Your Retainers
Every orthodontist knows they cannot stress this enough. If you receive retainers after your orthodontic treatment, it’s extremely important to wear them as directed, otherwise your teeth may begin to shift back into their pretreatment positions. After you have your braces removed, your orthodontist will give you all the necessary information you need about wearing your retainers. This includes when to wear them, how to take care of them, and everything else you need to feel confident with your post-treatment plan.
Clean Your Retainers
With your retainer schedule established, it’s important to realize that they are likely to get kind of gross rather quickly. To avoid this, make sure you always brush your teeth before putting in your retainer and make sure your teeth are clean and free from food debris. It is also a good idea to brush your retainers with a separate toothbrush to remove any residue or debris that accumulates on them. You can also invest in cleaning tabs for your retainers, which are tabs that when dropped in water with your retainers, fizzle up and clean them.
Make an Appointment at Lippitz Orthodontics Today
Whether you are considering getting braces or braces or Invisalign in Chicago, IL, are currently wearing them, or just got them off – we are here to provide you with extraordinary care every step of the way. For over 60 years, we’ve helped thousands of patients achieve the smile of their dreams. With various orthodontic treatments to choose from, you will leave our office feeling informed and prepared to make a decision. If you’re thinking about improving your smile in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, contact us today!