Whether you had traditional braces or Invisalign, completing your orthodontic treatment is an EPIC milestone! You’ve done the hard work of taking care of your braces and wearing your appliances as directed. The good news is that the hardest part is behind you! But that doesn’t mean you’re totally off the hook. In order to keep your new bright smile looking beautiful, there are a few things you’ll need to remember. Don’t worry though. They’re easy. We promise!
Wear your Retainer
Did you know that your teeth can continue to move as you age? It’s true. Even after your braces are off, there are many factors that can cause your teeth to shift. Even small movements in your placement of your teeth can change the appearance of your smile. That’s why wearing your retainer exactly as Dr. Hicks or Dr. Loss directs is very important. Your retainer will make sure that your teeth stay in their ideal placement over time.
Believe it or not, failing to wear your retainer for even a few days can allow your teeth to shift. If you lose or break your retainer, it’s important to let us know as soon as possible so we can get you a new one. Similarly, if your retainer starts to fit uncomfortably or feel tight, give us a call. We may need to check and make sure it’s still fitting properly.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Guess what – good oral hygiene is important your whole life. Before braces, while wearing braces, and after you get your braces off, you have to take care of your smile. It’s critical to maintain good oral heath after braces because decay or missing teeth can cause your straight teeth to move and effect your smile. Brushing and flossing, rinsing after meals, keeping up with regularly scheduled dental visits… You know the drill (no pun intended). It’s all simple stuff that’s very important.
Keep an Eye Out for Wisdom Teeth
One very common reason for shifting teeth in teens is the eruption of wisdom teeth. When those final back teeth come in, they can push on the teeth already in your mouth and cause them to crowd together. Sometimes, wisdom teeth can be what’s called impacted. This is when the teeth don’t erupt straight up through the gums, and instead come in sideways or at an angle. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause especially big changes to your post-braces smile. Make sure that your general dentist is keeping track of the development of your wisdom teeth and there is a plan in order to remove them if they may cause crowding.
Protect Your Investment
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in time and money. Remembering what you went through to achieve your perfect smile can help you take care of it. Be proud of your new smile and remember to value yourself too. One of the things that our team loves the very most is seeing the confidence that a new epic smile brings. If you’re ever having a hard time remembering to follow the tips above, just remind yourself that you’re worth the time and effort!
