Have you recently finished orthodontic treatment and wondered what it takes to maintain your new smile? Dr. Carrie Jennings is here to guide you through the post-treatment process and help you avoid undoing your hard work.
Our team at Jennings Orthodontics wants you to get the most out of your new smile. Below we will walk through some of our favorite tips to assist you as you begin your post-treatment journey.
Wear and take care of your retainers as instructed.
The most important step of post-treatment life is to wear your retainers. Teeth will attempt to shift back to their original positions in the months following treatment. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to wear your retainer as directed by Dr. Jennings.
Following your debonding appointment, our Louisville or Mount Washington team will provide you with detailed care instructions. It is important to follow these to ensure the longevity of your retainers. Often, it’s as simple as brushing your retainer once a day and storing it in a hard case to keep them safe. But don’t worry; our team is here to help you every step of the way!
Go easy as you adjust to post-treatment life.
For a short period of time following treatment, you may notice increased sensitivity in your teeth, this is most common following treatment with traditional braces. However, this is only temporary and is easily relieved. Our team at Jennings Orthodontics recommends using toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth. Avoiding hot or cold foods and liquids for several days post-treatment is also helpful.
Maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine.
In order to make your orthodontic treatment worthwhile, it’s also important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. During treatment, you were probably used to brushing, flossing and rinsing regularly. If so, there’s nothing new to add to your routine!
Post-treatment, Dr. Jennings will recommend brushing twice daily for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night; this allows your gums to stay in tip-top shape. In order to cut down on sugars that adhere to your teeth, you should also rinse with water after eating or drinking. All of these steps are essential to ensure your orthodontic treatment doesn’t go to waste.
Schedule regular checkups with your dentist.
Not only is a regular oral hygiene routine important, but so is scheduling regular dental exams! Your dentist will be able to spot any issues that may need attention post-treatment. The initial cleaning after braces will also help remove any plaque buildup that accumulated during treatment and leave your new smile bright and shiny.
By visiting your dentist every six months, you’re helping prevent gum and dental issues that could threaten the investment you made in orthodontics.
Maintain your smiles with Jennings Orthodontics.
Dr. Jennings and our Louisville and Mount Washington teams are ready to help you take the first steps toward your new smile!
Whether you need a tune-up or are interested in scheduling a free consultation – we’re here for you!