Have you ever wondered what it takes to maintain your smile after you’ve received orthodontic treatment? At Griffin and Errera Orthodontics, we have more than 35 years of experience when it comes to transforming smiles and helping our patients maintain them for years to come. You can trust Dr. Griffin and Dr. Errera to guide you through this process and teach you how to avoid undoing your hard work.
There are several ways to keep your smile looking its best. Below we will dive into a few of our favorite tips to help you embark on your post-orthodontic journey.
Go easy as you adjust to post-treatment life.
If you’ve recently undergone orthodontic treatment, allowing your teeth to adjust once treatment is complete is essential. You may find that your teeth are somewhat sensitive during this time, especially if you’ve had traditional braces. However, this feeling is only temporary and can be relieved by using toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth and by avoiding hot and cold foods for a few days post-treatment.
Schedule regular checkups with your dentist.
Once your braces are removed, it’s crucial to have a post-treatment dental exam. Your dentist will help catch issues that may need attention, and this visit will allow you to get that first dental cleaning out of the way. This cleaning will also help remove any plaque that accumulated while wearing braces and keep your new smile bright and shiny. By visiting your dentist every six months, you’re preventing gum and dental issues that could threaten the orthodontics investment you made.
Maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine.
Your oral hygiene care is imperative to your orthodontic journey. While in treatment, it’s recommended that you brush, floss, and rinse. Your post-treatment routine will not be any different, so keep doing what you’ve been doing all along!
Drs. Griffin and Errera recommend brushing at least twice daily for two minutes and flossing every night to keep your gums in the best shape. You should also try to rinse with water after eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Doing this helps to cut down on sugars that adhere to your teeth and prevent the decay process from the beginning.
Wear your retainers as instructed.
Often, patients will underestimate the importance of wearing their retainer. But this is the most vital tip our doctors provide: wear your retainers. By not doing so, you’ll be faced with the option of retreatment because your teeth will try to shift back to their original positions, especially in the months following treatment.
Wearing your retainer as directed by Dr. Griffin and Dr. Errera is the best thing you can do to keep your new smile right where you want it to be!
Take good care of your retainers.
Your retainer will become essential to your everyday routine, and you will want to treat it with care. Brush the retainers at least once daily to help remove plaque and other debris. When they’re not in your mouth, place them in a hard case to keep them safe.
Don’t worry; our Griffin and Errera Orthodontics team will provide you with detailed instructions following your debonding appointment.
Maintain your smile with Griffin and Errera Orthodontics.
Everyone’s smile needs a tune-up from time to time. You’re not alone if you’ve already received treatment and forgotten to wear your retainer! Whether you need a new retainer or another round of braces, our team will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible.
If you’re located in Middleburg, Warrenton, or Culpeper, VA, and are interested in starting your orthodontic treatment. We’d love to set up a free consultation to begin your new smile journey!