Do they clean your teeth after removing braces?
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Orthodontist in London Waterloo
Orthodontic braces have become really popular in London during the lock-down. Sometimes, throughout orthodontic treatment you can experience slight discoloration around the braces where you maybe haven’t been able to manoeuvre your toothbrush around every angle – we understand that it’s a bit of a tricky job. Good dental care is just if not more important after your braces are off as while you’re wearing them if you want to keep them looking pearly white for years to come. Our orthodontics team at Whites Dental in London Waterloo would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding orthodontic braces. We provide a range of braces including Ceramic braces, Invisalign braces, clear braces and Damon braces. We are based in the heart of London Waterloo, next to Southwark tube station.
Why do you need to take care of your teeth after braces are removed?
There are a few obstacles people deal with after their braces come off, so being diligent about your dental hygiene habits is very important. The most convincing reasons to take special care of your teeth after your braces come off are to:
- Ensure your teeth stay straight
- Avoid tooth stains and plaque build-up (which will cause teeth to become yellow) near where the brackets used to be
Here’s what you can do in the months and years after your braces are taken off:
1. Get a thorough professional cleaning and exam
If you’ve had braces in the past, you know how difficult it can be to brush and floss your teeth well. The longer you’ve had your braces, the more likely it is that plaque and stains have build-up and settled on your teeth. A professional dental cleaning is the best way to remove plaque and stains, and there’s no better time for a thorough cleaning than right after removing your braces.
Now that your teeth are stunningly straight, let’s get them sparkling clean and stain-free!
2. Try a teeth whitening treatment
Treat yourself to a professional whitening! You’ve spent months (maybe years) wearing braces and now that big moment you’ve been eagerly waiting for is finally here- your braces are coming off!
It’s not unusual for people to see their new, straight teeth for the first time and feel a little disheartened when they see yellowing, stains, and other discolorations that can occur during orthodontic treatments. After all your hard work and patience, professional teeth whitening is a great way to put that sparkle back into your smile.
You can also include a whitening toothpaste into your care routine to help improve the appearance of your teeth slowly.
3. Wear your retainer as directed
Our teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original position after a tooth straightening procedure. In fact, your teeth are at the biggest risk of shifting back in the first few weeks and months after your braces come off.
Your retainer preserves your teeth in their new, aligned position. You don’t want to undo all those months of hard work of wearing and caring for your braces! Wear your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist.
Here’s what to expect with a retainer:
- Your orthodontist take impressions of your teeth as soon as your braces are removed. This impression is used to make your retainers.
- Most orthodontists will tell you to wear your retainers full-time to begin with and eventually transition to wearing them only at night.
- It may take a week or so to get used to wearing your retainer, but you’ll quickly adjust and probably won’t even notice it’s there.
4. Take good care of your retainers
Clean your retainers at least once a day or as directed by your orthodontist. You don’t want to put a bacteria-filled retainer back in.
Many retainers can be easily washed in the sink with regular toothpaste and a toothbrush. If you’re not sure, ask your orthodontist for the best way to keeping your retainers clean.
Tip: Always carry a retainer case with you at all time. During meals out, a lot of peoples wrap their retainer in a napkin and set it aside and this is how retainers often get accidentally thrown away! A plastic retainer case is much less likely to be mistaken for an old napkin and get chucked.
5. Be diligent about your at-home dental routine
You’ve made a big investment in your teeth. Good daily oral hygiene habits will help you keep a healthy and beautiful smile you’re proud to show off.
How should you look after your teeth after braces?
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and change your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles appear frayed. Learn how to brush properly.
- Floss twice a day to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Mouthwash is not necessary, but if your teeth need a little more protection than just brushing and flossing, talk to your dentist near me about the best mouthwash options for you.
- Clean your retainers. Make this part of your daily routine. Once it becomes a habit, it won’t feel like a nuisance anymore.
- Rinse with water frequently. Rinse with water after consuming anything sugary and after coffee, tea, and other stain-causing foods. This helps avoid stains and keeps your teeth white.
Maintain your beautiful smile
Most individuals get braces because they want a healthy, beautiful smile. Good dental care during and after orthodontic treatments can help you achieve that. That’s why it’s so important to get regular check-ups and cleanings to talk to your dentist about any concerns you may have.
If you recently had your braces taken off, schedule an appointment with one of our orthodontists here at Whites Dental, we would love to answer your questions, hear your options, and help you get the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment.
Everybody deserves a bright, healthy smile that you’re proud to show off!
If you interested in getting braces for yourself or someone you know, please feel free to give us a call to book a free consultation with our orthodontics team and talk to one of our dental professionals. Our dedicated team is always happy to discuss the best braces treatment for your needs, and to provide honest, impartial advice on how best to care for your teeth.
For more information on orthodontic braces, please visit our orthodontist homepage via the link below – https://www.whitesdental.co.uk/orthodontist-teeth-straightening-london-waterloo/
At Whites Dental, we take great pride in straightening teeth with orthodontic braces. Our webpage provides information on whether they clean your teeth after removing braces.